#USA #Schaumburg #ISO 14001 #DQS Group #ANAB Certification

DQS Inc. Receives ANAB Accreditation for ISO 14001:2026

In a significant move for the environmental management sector, DQS Inc. has announced its accreditation by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) as one of the first certification bodies. This allows them to certify organizations against the newly revised standard, ISO 14001:2026. Operating out of Schaumburg, Illinois, DQS Inc. is the North American branch of the global DQS Group, specializing in the assessment and certification of management systems across more than 80 countries worldwide.

The accreditation positions DQS Inc. at the forefront of helping organizations throughout North America align with the updated requirements of this internationally recognized environmental management standard. ISO 14001:2026 was published on April 15, 2026, marking its first comprehensive revision in over a decade. While retaining the well-established management framework, this new edition provides clearer guidance and aligns more closely with pressing contemporary environmental concerns, such as climate change, biodiversity, and resource efficiency.

Dina Tarantino, the Director of Accreditations and Regional Compliance Officer at DQS, emphasized the importance of this revision for the organization’s audit processes. She stated, “This revision reflects the preparation that has taken place across DQS Inc. to understand the revised requirements of ISO 14001:2026 and translate them into a consistent, rigorous audit process.” This proactive approach ensures that the DQS team is fully equipped to support organizations during their transition to the new standard.

Currently, over 670,000 organizations around the globe hold certifications under the older ISO 14001:2015. As the updated version comes into effect, these organizations will need to embrace the changes to maintain their certifications, necessitating their collaboration with accredited certification bodies capable of executing audits under the revised framework.

For many organizations, the revision represents a vital opportunity to evaluate their existing environmental management systems to ensure they meet the evolving environmental conditions, operational priorities, and stakeholder expectations. Candace Orbaugh, the Director of EHS Energy Programs at DQS Inc., remarked on the revisions, stating that organizations should begin assessing how the changes apply to their existing systems. Key focus areas include organizational context, environmental conditions, risks, opportunities, change management, and value chain controls.

DQS Inc. hosted a webinar on August 13, 2026, aimed at explaining the intricacies of ISO 14001:2026 and offering practical insights for transitioning effectively to the new standard. This webinar serves as a resource for organizations across North America to stay informed during this critical period.

Founded in 1985, DQS has become a leading company in the certification industry, with a robust team of over 3,000 auditors conducting around 130,000 audit days per year across more than 200 globally recognized standards. DQS Inc. focuses on enabling organizations to effectively manage risks, comply with regulations, and enhance performance through impartial auditing and certification services, highlighting their commitment to sustainability, quality, and security in various sectors, including healthcare and manufacturing.

As the environmental landscape continues to evolve, the role of DQS Inc. in facilitating the adoption of best practices in environmental management becomes ever more critical. Organizations striving for certification under ISO 14001:2026 can look to DQS Inc. for their expertise and comprehensive support during this crucial transition phase. With DQS at their side, organizations can be better prepared to meet the challenges posed by the updated standard and enhance their overall sustainability efforts.