AI adoption
ISO/IEC 42001 defines requirements for an AI management system: how an organisation governs the development and use of AI. Certification concerns that management system within a defined scope. It does not certify the safety or performance of every AI tool.
In January 2026, UKAS granted BSI its first accreditation for certification against ISO/IEC 42001. Accreditation assesses the certification body’s competence and impartiality. The distinction matters when comparing certificates.
Our perspective
Check the issuer, its accreditation and the activities covered by any certificate. For your own business, assess the work needed before a customer makes certification a requirement. The development of accredited certification is a reason to prepare, not evidence that it is already mandatory across procurement.
This signal does not establish that ISO/IEC 42001 is a widespread pass-or-fail procurement requirement. Certification has a defined scope; it is not blanket assurance for every AI use.
Sources
Explore further
Guide
AI assessment: understand the work before choosing technology
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