In October 2026, the European Commission published, in the Official Journal of the European Union, a reference to the first European standard supporting the implementation of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2274 in the Official Journal of the European Union, a reference to the first European standard supporting the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (the AI Act). This is the standard ‘Artificial intelligence – Quality management system for EU AI Act regulatory purposes’ (Standard EN 18286:2026), which was drawn up by the European organisations CEN and CENELEC within the framework of the Joint Technical Committee JTC 21. It is the first of a series of harmonised standards that will support the implementation of the AI Act.
Standard EN 18286:2026 is primarily intended for providers of high-risk artificial intelligence systems and focuses on the establishment, implementation and maintenance of a quality management system, as set out in Article 17 of the AI Act. In accordance with Article 40 of the AI Act, providers who apply the standard may claim a presumption of conformity. This presumption is limited to the requirements covered (Article 17) and does not imply automatic compliance with all the requirements of the AI Act. The use of harmonised standards is voluntary. Suppliers may also demonstrate compliance by other means, but in this case they must themselves demonstrate how they meet the requirements.
CEN and CENELEC are also developing standards for areas such as risk management, transparency, human oversight, accuracy, robustness and cyber security. The Agency will also provide updates on their development.
You can read more about Standard EN 18286:2026 via the links below:
News from the European Commission, CEN and CENELEC regarding the standard: First harmonised standard supporting the Artificial Intelligence Act published in the Official Journal | Shaping Europe’s digital future
General information on the standardisation of the AI Act: Understanding the standardisation of the Artificial Intelligence Act | Shaping Europe’s digital future
