Unlocking Trustworthy AI: What You Need to Know About ISO/IEC 42001 Certification

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more embedded in the core of business operations, ensuring its safe, ethical and transparent use has never been more critical. This is why the launch of ISO/IEC 42001, the world’s first AI-specific management system standard, marks a milestone for organizations looking to deploy AI responsibly.

DQS is among the few certification bodies offering ISO/IEC 42001, drawing on our deep experience in information security and governance to help organizations implement responsible AI management in line with global standards. As regulatory expectations such as those outlined in the EU AI Act begin to take effect, ISO/IEC 42001 offers a structured framework for aligning AI practices with established governance and risk management principles.

In this blog, we answer the most pressing questions about ISO/IEC 42001 to help you understand its value and how certification can give your organization a strategic edge.

Frequently Asked Questions: ISO/IEC 42001

1. What is ISO/IEC 42001 – and how is it different from existing standards?

ISO/IEC 42001 is the first internationally recognized management system standard dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence. Unlike standards like ISO 27001 (information security) or ISO 9001 (quality), it focuses on the entire AI system lifecycle and the governance around it. It addresses AI-specific issues such as transparency, bias, ethical concerns and traceability, providing a robust framework for organizations that develop, operate, or integrate AI technologies.

2. Who benefits most from ISO/IEC 42001 certification?

ISO/IEC 42001 is designed for organizations where AI plays a critical role in operations, decision-making or service delivery. It helps establish trust, manage risks and meet growing regulatory expectations.

Develop or use AI in business-critical processes (e.g., industry, healthcare, finance, public services)
Operate in regulated markets or across borders
Need to comply with regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act
Run multiple AI applications simultaneously

For global organizations, ISO/IEC 42001 simplifies internal coordination and enhances external credibility.

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3. How does it integrate with existing standards like ISO 27001 or ISO 9001?

ISO/IEC 42001 is built on the High-Level Structure (HLS) used by many modern ISO standards. This means it can seamlessly integrate with existing management systems. Instead of reinventing the wheel, organizations can extend current processes (risk management, audits, training, documentation) with AI-specific elements, avoiding the creation of a disconnected governance structure.

4. What are the key requirements of the standard?

To ensure safe and accountable AI use, ISO/IEC 42001 sets out a range of technical and organizational requirements and these requirements cover every phase of an AI system’s lifecycle.

Analyze AI deployment within the organization’s context
Define clear roles and responsibilities for AI governance
Manage risks such as bias, autonomy, and data quality
Evaluate system performance continuously
Engage stakeholders in decision-making
Ensure transparency and explainability
Document all phases of the AI lifecycle

These measures make AI usage traceable and auditable, internally and for regulators.

5. How does ISO/IEC 42001 certification support compliance with the EU AI Act?

The EU AI Act introduces strict controls for high-risk AI systems. ISO/IEC 42001 certification provides organizations with a concrete way to operationalize these requirements through auditable processes.

Aligns risk management with Articles 9–15 of the AI Act
Meets Annex IV documentation standards
Supports mandatory system monitoring with structured evaluations

By aligning with ISO/IEC 42001, organizations create a compliance-ready foundation that stands up to official scrutiny.

From Compliance to Certification

Regardless of your organization's size, achieving ISO 42001 certification is a valuable step toward strengthening AI risk management

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6. What does certification with DQS involve?

The certification journey with DQS is designed to be systematic, insightful and aligned with global best practices. Each step builds organizational readiness and ensures long-term success.

Initial assessment of AI maturity
Gap analysis against ISO/IEC 42001
Audit preparation and documentation support
Stage 1 audit – reviewing the system’s structure
Stage 2 audit – validating real-world implementation
Certification and monitoring, with annual follow-ups

This structured approach ensures thorough readiness and long-term compliance.

7. What are the critical preparation steps?

Getting ready for certification for ISO/IEC 42001 means more than ticking checkboxes. It starts with understanding your AI landscape and embedding governance across teams and departments.

Inventory your existing and planned AI applications
Assign governance roles and responsibilities
Analyze AI-specific risks such as bias and traceability
Define internal benchmarks for transparency and fairness
Integrate with existing systems like ISO 27001 or 9001
Provide training for development, legal, and compliance teams

These efforts help ensure the standard is not only implemented but also more importantly, embedded into your company’s culture.

8. What about regulations outside the EU?

AI governance is a global concern and ISO/IEC 42001 was designed with international alignment in mind. It bridges regulatory expectations across multiple jurisdictions.

Reflects OECD AI Principles and UNESCO Ethics Guidelines
Compatible with NIST AI Risk Management Framework (USA)
Addresses Canada’s AI and Data Act and Japanese AI policies
Enables consistent governance for global operations

9. What are common challenges during implementation?

Organizations often underestimate the complexity of AI governance. ISO/IEC 42001 helps tackle these blind spots with a proactive, structured approach.

Lack of assigned ownership for AI governance
Gaps in documenting critical design decisions
Over-reliance on third-party tools without oversight
Hidden "shadow AI" projects in business units

The standard helps organizations identify and eliminate governance gaps early in the process.

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10. What are the strategic benefits of ISO/IEC 42001 certification?

Certification is not just about regulatory compliance – is is a strategic investment in the future of responsible AI. It reinforces your credibility and strengthens operational resilience.

Builds trust with regulators, customers and partners
Speeds up AI development through standardized processes
Enhances your corporate reputation
Offers a competitive edge in AI-driven markets
Future-proofs your organization against evolving AI regulations

Adopting ISO/IEC 42001 early is a proactive step towards sustainable and responsible AI leadership.

The Road Ahead: Shaping the Future of AI Governance Together

As AI adoption accelerates and regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act come into force, organizations face a growing need to integrate transparency, accountability and control into their AI operations. ISO/IEC 42001 is not just a response to this challenge – it is a forward-looking framework designed to future-proof AI governance.

But, this is only the beginning.

AI governance is a dynamic field, and many questions remain open:
How will global regulations evolve? How do we balance innovation with risk? What are the implications for specific industries or emerging technologies?

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For more information about ISO 42001 Certification or to discuss how DQS can assist your organization in achieving safety excellence, please reach out to your local contact

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At DQS, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. As one of the first certification bodies worldwide to offer ISO/IEC 42001, we bring deep expertise in information security, AI governance and global compliance.

We will continue to share perspectives and guidance on responsible AI practices, helping organizations stay informed and prepared as the landscape evolves.

Let us help you turn AI from a regulatory challenge into a strategic advantage.

Learn more about ISO/IEC 42001 and how DQS can support your certification journey: ISO 42001 Certification