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ISO 42001 compliance explained

Understand the ISO 42001 standard for AI management.

Learn what ISO 42001 compliance means, why it is an AI compliance standard, and how to build audit-ready Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS).

Illustration of a team reviewing AI governance controls

What is ISO 42001?

ISO 42001 is the ISO 42001 standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS). It sets requirements for managing AI risks, governance, and lifecycle controls across AI use cases.

AIMS
Artificial Intelligence Management Systems

AIMS define the policies, risk processes, and controls that govern AI systems.

Risk
Risk-based controls

ISO 42001 compliance focuses on identifying AI risks and applying fit-for-purpose controls.

Gov
Governance, accountability and oversight

Leadership roles and review cycles keep AI use aligned to policy.

Why it matters

Why ISO 42001 compliance builds trust

Clear AI accountability. ISO 42001 compliance sets roles and responsibilities so AI decisions are traceable.

Regulatory alignment. The ISO 42001 standard helps teams prepare for AI laws and sector rules.

Safer AI adoption. AIMS make it easier to launch AI systems with guardrails, testing, and monitoring.

Evidence

How to evidence ISO 42001 standard requirements

  1. Define the AIMS scope. List AI systems, data sources, and business functions covered by ISO 42001 compliance.
  2. Document AI risk assessment. Record risks, impacts, and the controls you selected.
  3. Prove controls operate. Keep model reviews, monitoring logs, and incident records ready for the audit.

Cadence

How to keep ISO 42001 compliance on track

  1. Review AI risks regularly. Reassess AIMS risks when models, data, or use cases change.
  2. Run internal audits. Test controls, log findings, and track remediation.
  3. Hold management reviews. Leadership signs off on AI performance, safety, and improvements.
  4. Prepare for certification cycles. Plan external audits and keep evidence current.

ISO 42001 compliance quick wins

Set a clear AIMS scope statement

Agree which AI systems and data flows are covered by the ISO 42001 standard.

Start an AI risk register

Capture AI risks, owners, controls, and timelines in one place.

Create an audit-ready evidence hub

Store policies, approvals, and monitoring logs for ISO 42001 compliance.

ISO 42001 glossary snapshot

ISO 42001 glossary snapshot

AIMS. The management system that governs how AI is designed, used, monitored, and improved.

AI risk assessment. A structured review of safety, bias, privacy, and operational risks.

Lifecycle controls. Checks that apply from model design to deployment and monitoring.

FAQs

ISO 42001 FAQs

What is ISO 42001 compliance?

ISO 42001 compliance means meeting the ISO 42001 standard by running an AIMS, managing AI risks, and passing certification audits.

What does AIMS include?

AIMS includes the scope, policies, risk assessment, controls, monitoring, and improvement activities that govern AI systems.

Is ISO 42001 an AI compliance standard?

Yes. ISO 42001 is designed to help organisations manage AI responsibly and prove compliance with a repeatable system.

Do we need every ISO 42001 control?

No. ISO 42001 expects you to select controls based on your AI risks and document the choices.

Drova RunSure centralises obligations, evidence, and audit trails.

Ready to simplify ISO 42001 compliance?