ISO/IEC 42001

ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international standard for managing AI systems responsibly, focusing on governance, risk, transparency, and compliance.

ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international standard that helps organisations of all sizes—whether start-ups, SMEs, or large corporations—manage artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly and effectively. It offers a clear framework to implement, maintain, and continuously improve AI management systems, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability, risk management, and compliance with legal requirements.

The standard is especially important for organisations that develop, use, or rely on AI technologies. It supports the creation of trustworthy and transparent AI systems, strengthens internal processes, and builds confidence among customers, partners, and regulators. Certification to ISO/IEC 42001 shows a clear commitment to ethical and efficient AI practices and helps create a shared understanding across industries, an important step for the global advancement of AI.

Professional ISO consultancy services can make the path to certification easier by guiding businesses through the requirements and helping them align their AI practices with international standards.

Benefits of ISO/IEC 42001:

Enhanced Governance

Risk Mitigation

Regulatory Compliance

Ethical AI practices

Enhanced trust and credibility

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is ISO/IEC 42001?

ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international standard for artificial intelligence (AI) management systems. It provides a structured framework to help organisations develop, use, and manage AI technologies in a responsible, ethical, and effective way. The standard covers key areas such as transparency, accountability, risk management, and compliance with laws and regulations, supporting businesses of all sizes in building trustworthy and reliable AI systems.

2Is ISO/IEC 42001 a framework?

Yes, ISO/IEC 42001 is a framework, specifically, a management system framework designed for the responsible development, use, and oversight of artificial intelligence (AI). It provides structured guidance for organisations to establish policies, procedures, and controls that ensure AI is used ethically, transparently, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Like other ISO management system standards (e.g., ISO 27001 or ISO 9001), ISO/IEC 42001 follows a risk-based approach and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to support continual improvement.

3Why is ISO/IEC 42001 important?

ISO/IEC 42001 is important because it sets the first global standard for managing AI responsibly and ethically. As AI use grows, so do risks like bias, lack of transparency, and legal issues. This standard helps organisations control those risks through clear rules for governance, accountability, and ongoing improvement. By following ISO/IEC 42001, companies build trust, meet legal requirements, and ensure their AI is safe and reliable, no matter their size or industry.

4What are ISO/IEC 42001 requirements?

ISO/IEC 42001 requires organisations to establish and maintain an AI management system that ensures responsible and effective use of AI. Key requirements include setting up clear governance and accountability structures, identifying and managing AI-related risks, ensuring transparency and explainability of AI systems, complying with legal and regulatory obligations, and promoting continuous monitoring and improvement of AI performance and impacts. The standard also emphasizes ethical considerations and stakeholder engagement throughout the AI lifecycle.

5What are ISO/IEC 42001 controls?

ISO/IEC 42001 controls are the specific measures and practices organisations put in place to ensure responsible and effective AI management. These controls include governance mechanisms, risk assessment and mitigation processes, transparency and explainability requirements, data privacy and security safeguards, compliance checks with legal and ethical standards, and ongoing monitoring and review procedures to continually improve AI systems. Together, these controls help organisations manage AI responsibly, mitigate risks, and maintain trust.

6Who uses ISO/IEC 42001?

ISO/IEC 42001 is used by organisations of all sizes and industries that develop, deploy, or rely on artificial intelligence technologies. This includes startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, technology providers, service companies, and even public sector organisations. Any business aiming to manage AI responsibly, ensure ethical practices, comply with regulations, and build trustworthy AI systems can benefit from implementing this standard.

7How many ISO/IEC 42001 clauses?

ISO/IEC 42001 follows the common structure of ISO management system standards and typically includes 10 main clauses. These cover the full management system cycle, including context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement. The exact number and content of clauses may vary slightly as the standard is finalized, but it generally aligns with the high-level structure used in other ISO standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 27001.

8 Is ISO/IEC 42001 mandatory?

No, ISO/IEC 42001 is not mandatory. It is a voluntary international standard that organisations can choose to adopt to improve how they manage artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically. While it’s not legally required, following the standard can help businesses meet regulatory expectations, build trust, and demonstrate best practices in AI management.