diff --git a/docs/adr/ADR-0226-ratification.md b/docs/adr/ADR-0226-ratification.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..19aa31c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/adr/ADR-0226-ratification.md
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+# ADR-0226 Ratification
+
+**Status:** Accepted
+
+**Date:** 2026-06-22
+
+ADR-0226 is accepted for staged implementation.
+
+Next authorized PR: diagnostic-only `SearchGateDecision` over `ContractResidual`.
+
+Later loop components remain separately gated by future ADRs/PRs.