News · AI in practice
First EU standard for the AI Act is published
In short
The European Commission has published the first harmonised standard for the AI Act in the Official Journal. It describes a quality management system for high-risk AI systems.
The standard in four points
- What is it?EN 18286:2026 is a quality management system for AI, developed by CEN and CENELEC.
- Who is it for?Providers of high-risk AI systems.
- What does it give you?If you apply the standard, you are presumed to comply with the covered requirements of Article 17 of the AI Act.
- How does it fit with other standards?It is meant to be layered on existing standards such as ISO/IEC 42001 or ISO 9001.
What does this mean for your company?
For most small and medium-sized companies this is background knowledge. It mainly concerns firms that provide high-risk AI systems, meaning systems for which the AI Act sets particularly strict rules. If you plan such systems, the standard offers a clear way to meet the quality management requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Does this apply to every company?
No. The standard mainly concerns providers of high-risk AI systems.
Do I need ISO/IEC 42001 for it?
No. According to the European Commission, organisations without ISO/IEC 42001 can also apply the standard.
How JJW helps
AI in practiceOur AI training and consulting help teams understand rules such as the AI Act.
See AI training and consulting →Source: European Commission, Digital Strategy, 19 October 2026
As of 20 October 2026