What is ISO/IEC 42001?

The ISO/IEC 42001:2023 standard is the world’s first international management-system framework dedicated to artificial-intelligence governance.
It provides a structured approach for organizations to develop, operate, and continuously improve AI systems responsibly — ensuring they remain safe, reliable, transparent, and aligned with human values.

Built on the familiar Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle used across ISO management standards, ISO 42001 enables organizations to integrate AI governance into existing business and compliance structures, such as ISO 9001 or 27001.

What does ISO/IEC 42001 Require?

The standard sets out requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an AI Management System (AIMS).
Key expectations include:

  • AI Governance Policy & Objectives – defining clear commitments, roles, and accountability structures.

  • Risk and Impact Assessment – identifying and managing AI-related risks across the system lifecycle.

  • Data and Model Management – ensuring data quality, integrity, and traceability.

  • Human Oversight & Transparency – embedding explainability and human-in-the-loop safeguards.

  • Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement – reviewing outcomes and refining processes for trust and safety.

  • Documentation & Audit Readiness – maintaining evidence to demonstrate compliance and due diligence.

ISO 42001 is applicable to organizations of all sizes and industries that develop, deploy, or use AI systems — regardless of geographic location.

How Darior Can Help

Darior provides end-to-end consulting to help organizations design and operationalise AI Management Systems aligned with ISO/IEC 42001.

We translate the standard’s clauses into practical governance structures, processes, and documentation that fit your organization’s goals and maturity.

Our services include:

  1. Gap Assessment & Readiness Review
    Evaluate existing practices against ISO 42001 requirements and identify key focus areas for improvement.

  2. Framework Design & Policy Development
    Build governance policies, accountability models, and AI-specific procedures tailored to your organization.

  3. Implementation & Documentation Support
    Develop process controls, registers, and evidence documentation to meet certification and audit needs.

  4. Internal Audit & Continuous Improvement
    Conduct internal audits, management-review preparation, and CAPA (Corrective Action / Preventive Action) planning to sustain compliance.

  5. Training & Awareness Programs
    Deliver targeted sessions for executives, technical teams, and compliance staff to embed a governance mindset across the organization.

We help you move from policy to practice — building an AI Management System that demonstrates accountability, enhances trust, and prepares you for ISO 42001 certification.

 FAQs

    1. Demonstrates global credibility — shows regulators, partners, and customers that your AI management system meets the world’s first international AI standard.

    2. Strengthens stakeholder confidence — certification provides independent validation of your organization’s commitment to safe, transparent, and trustworthy AI.

    3. Supports regulatory readiness — aligns with major AI laws and frameworks, including the EU AI Act, U.S. standards such as NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework and TEVV guidance, and Korea’s AI Basic Act (2026).

    4. Improves competitive positioning — differentiates your organization in global markets and supply chains where AI governance is becoming a requirement.

    5. Drives continuous improvement — ensures ongoing monitoring, audits, and updates to keep your AI practices effective and resilient.

  • Any organization that develops, uses, or manages AI can benefit from ISO/IEC 42001. Certification provides a structured way to manage risks, build trust, and demonstrate accountability. The framework is scalable and adaptable, making it relevant across industries and regions.

  • Yes. ISO/IEC 42001 is built on the same high-level structure used by other ISO management system standards, which makes integration straightforward. Organizations can align it with frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 (information security), ISO 9001 (quality management), and others to create a unified, efficient approach to governance.

  • The first step is to define the scope of your AI Management System (AIMS), including its objectives and the risks it needs to address. From there, a gap analysis helps identify where current practices fall short of ISO/IEC 42001 requirements. Closing those gaps typically involves developing or updating policies, controls, and processes to meet the standard. Partnering with experienced AI governance consultants can make the journey more efficient and ensure your organization is audit-ready.