ISO/IEC 42001 Artificial Intelligence Management System

March 14, 2025•5 minute read

ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Information technology — Artificial intelligence — Management system is an international standard that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) within an organization. It is designed for organizations providing or using AI-based products or services, ensuring their responsible development and use.

As the world’s first AI management system standard, ISO/IEC 42001 provides guidance on this rapidly developing field of technology. The standard addresses the unique challenges AI poses; for example, ethical considerations, transparency, and continuous learning. For organizations, it sets out a structured way to manage threats and opportunities associated with AI, balancing innovation with governance.

This document is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type and nature, that provides or uses products or services that utilize AI systems.

What does it cover?

Introduction

1 Scope

2 Normative references

3 Terms and definitions

4 Context of the organization

4.1 Understanding the organization and its context

4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties

4.3 Determining the scope of the AI management system

4.4 AI management system

5 Leadership

5.1 Leadership and commitment

5.2 AI policy

5.3 Roles, responsibilities and authorities

6 Planning

6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities

6.2 AI objectives and planning to achieve them

6.3 Planning of changes

7 Support

7.1 Resources

7.2 Competence

7.3 Awareness

7.4 Communication

7.5 Documented information

8 Operation

8.1 Operational planning and control

8.2 AI risk assessment

8.3 AI risk treatment

8.4 AI system impact assessment

9 Performance evaluation

9.1 Monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation

9.2 Internal audit

9.3 Management review

10 Improvement

10.1 Continual improvement

10.2 Nonconformity and corrective action

Annex A Reference control objectives and controls

A.1 General

Annex B Implementation guidance for AI controls

B.1 General

B.2 Policies related to AI

B.3 Internal organization

B.4 Resources for AI systems

B.5 Assessing impacts of AI systems

B.6 AI system life cycle

B.7 Data for AI systems

B.8 Information for interested parties

B.9 Use of AI systems

B.10 Third-party and customer relationships

Annex C Potential AI-related organizational objectives and risk sources

C.1 General

C.2 Objectives

C.3 Risk sources

Annex D Use of the AI management system across domains or sectors

D.1 General

D.2 Integration of AI management system with other management system standards

Bibliography

Table of Contents for ISO/IEC 42001

What are the steps in implementing ISO 42001?

Implementing an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) in conformity with ISO/IEC 42001 involves a structured and strategic approach. ISO/IEC 42001 outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an AIMS to ensure that AI systems are used responsibly, ethically, and effectively. Below are the key steps involved:

1. Understand ISO/IEC 42001 Requirements

Familiarize yourself with the structure, principles, and requirements of ISO/IEC 42001.
Review the annexes, terms, and definitions to understand the scope and key expectations of the standard.
Identify how the standard applies to your organization’s AI activities and objectives.

2. Engage Stakeholders and Secure Commitment

Gain support from top management and other key stakeholders.
Clearly define the benefits of an AIMS, such as increased trust in AI systems, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
Assign roles and responsibilities for the AIMS implementation process.

3. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Assess the current AI practices, processes, and controls against the requirements of ISO/IEC 42001.
Identify gaps and areas that need improvement, such as:
- Ethical considerations and bias mitigation.
- Data governance and security.
- Accountability and transparency.
Develop a roadmap to address identified gaps.

4. Establish the Scope and Objectives of the AIMS

Define the scope of the AIMS, including:
- Types of AI systems covered.
- Departments or processes involved.
- Geographic boundaries (if applicable).
Establish clear objectives aligned with business goals and ISO/IEC 42001 requirements:
- Ensure ethical and transparent AI operations.
- Manage AI-related risks.
- Improve the performance and reliability of AI systems.

5. Develop and Document AI Policies and Procedures

Create formal policies and guidelines covering:
- Ethical AI use.
- Data privacy and protection.
- Bias detection and mitigation.
- AI system lifecycle management.
Define measurable performance indicators and monitoring mechanisms.
Develop a risk management framework for AI-related risks.

6. Allocate Resources and Build Competence

Ensure the availability of adequate resources (financial, technological, and human).
Provide training for staff on:
- AI governance and ethical practices.
- Risk management and compliance.
- AI system development and maintenance.
Build an internal team with expertise in AI, compliance, and risk management.

7. Implement AI-Specific Controls and Processes

Establish technical and operational controls to manage AI systems:
- Bias detection and mitigation.
- Explainability and transparency.
- Robustness and reliability.
Set up mechanisms for:
- Monitoring AI system performance.
- Incident response and corrective actions.
- Managing unintended consequences and failures.

8. Monitor and Measure Performance

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of the AIMS.
Monitor AI system behaviour, data integrity, and user feedback.
Conduct regular risk assessments and impact analyses.

9. Conduct Internal Audits and Management Reviews

Schedule and perform regular internal audits to evaluate compliance and performance.
Ensure that findings are documented and addressed promptly.
Conduct management reviews to assess:
- AIMS performance.
- Effectiveness of controls.
- Opportunities for continual improvement.

10. Certification and Ongoing Improvement

Engage an accredited certification body to assess your AIMS for ISO/IEC 42001 compliance.
Obtain certification to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to responsible AI practices.
Establish a process for continual improvement by:
- Updating policies and controls based on audit results.
- Adapting to changes in technology and regulations.
- Encouraging feedback from stakeholders and AI system users.

Some further words of advice…

By following these steps, your organization will have a structured and compliant AIMS, ensuring that AI systems are used responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with business and regulatory requirements.