ISO (International Organization for Standardization) published the revised versions of ISO 14001 and ISO 14004 on November 15, 2004.
The ISO 14001:2004 was revised to enhance its compatibility with ISO 9001:2000 and improve the clarity of ISO 14001:1996 text.
Important changes contained in ISO 14001:2004 are as follows:
? Clarification that the intent of an EMS is for the identification and management of significant aspects;
? Focus on ?organization infrastructure? as a resource along with human resources;
? Focus on continual improvement and the need to provide resources to effectively establish, implement, maintain and ?improve the EMS?,
? The need for organizations to focus on compliance with legal and other requirements when establishing, implementing and maintaining an EMS,
? Organizations are required to specify and document the scope of its EMS;
? Persons performing tasks for the organization, or on its behalf, with the potential to create significant aspects including contractors and temporary staff, need to be involved in its EMS.

ISO and IAF (International Accreditation Forum) have agreed on an 18-month transition period for existing ISO 14001:1996 certified organizations to convert to ISO 14001:2004.

ISO and IAF (International Accreditation Forum) have agreed on an 18-month transition period for existing ISO 14001:1996 certified organizations to convert to ISO 14001:2004.

Organizations should make every effort to commence work on the transition at the earliest opportunity and to complete within 12 months of publication (i.e. November 15, 2005). This will help organizations to better prepare for the demands of the work.

With the above transition period, the current accredited ISO 14001:1996 certificates will cease to be recognized beyond May 14, 2006.