April delivered a remarkable array of ISO developments, reaffirming the standards community’s focus on trusted AI, resilient infrastructure, sustainable systems, and better human and organizational outcomes. From quality in internships and energy audits to advancing AI governance and environmental transparency, this month reflects a dynamic intersection of trust, digitalization, and sustainability.
Newly published standards
ISO 17666:2025 – Space systems — Programme management — Risk management
The third edition of this standard provides updated guidance for managing risks in space programs, emphasizing a lifecycle approach to uncertainty, decision-making, and mission success.
ISO/IEC TS 33060:2025 – Process assessment for system life cycle processes
This edition supports organizations in evaluating system development processes through a structured model—an essential component for software and systems quality assurance.
ISO/IEC 42005 & 42006 – AI system impact assessment and certification body requirements
These twin standards provide a structured approach to evaluating AI system impacts and define requirements for certifying AI management systems—cornerstones of AI governance.
ISO/IEC TR 20226 – Environmental sustainability of AI systems
Explores how AI affects environmental goals, helping organizations evaluate AI’s energy use, emissions, and long-term ecological impact.
Final Draft International Standards (FDIS): Editorials before publication
ISO/FDIS 29997 – Internships — Quality guidelines for host organizations
This standard is nearing publication and defines best practices for managing internships that foster learning, inclusion, and responsible development of young professionals.
ISO/FDIS 37303 – Compliance management systems — Guidance for competence management
Provides actionable methods for identifying and cultivating compliance competencies throughout the organization.
ISO/FDIS 37302 – Compliance management systems — Guidance for the evaluation of effectiveness
Outlines how to measure the performance and maturity of compliance systems to support continuous improvement.
ISO/FDIS 17298 – Biodiversity — Considering biodiversity in organizational strategy and operations
A timely addition promoting integration of biodiversity considerations into business strategy and decision-making frameworks.
Draft International Standards (DIS): Nearing publication
ISO/DIS 14024 – Environmental statements and programmes — Ecolabels
A foundational environmental marketing standard that provides clarity on ecolabeling practices to support sustainable consumption.
ISO/DIS 21800 – Enhancing consumer understanding of online terms and conditions
A much-needed guide to increasing fairness and clarity in digital consumer agreements.
ISO/DIS 13662 & ISO/DIS 13659 – Chain of custody standards (Mass Balance and Book and Claim models)
Together, these standards support traceability and credible claims in supply chains using different chain of custody models.
ISO/DIS 9000 – Quality management — Fundamentals and vocabulary
A core reference document, this revision enhances the foundational vocabulary for quality management systems aligned with ISO 9001.
ISO/IEC DTR 21221 – Beneficial AI systems
A visionary document outlining pathways to ensuring AI systems support positive societal outcomes and sustainable innovation.
ISO/DTS 44007 – Ecosystem collaborations in business relationships
Guides organizations toward more integrated, transparent, and productive multi-stakeholder collaborations.
Committee Drafts (CD): Key Standards in Progress
ISO/CD TR 32121 – Transaction assurance in e-commerce – Terms of use for B2C platforms
Addresses the challenge of fair, clear, and reliable terms of use in consumer digital commerce.
ISO/IEC CD 25023.2 – Measurement of software product quality
Part of the SQuaRE family, this draft defines key product quality metrics for more reliable and efficient software engineering.
ISO/IEC CD TS 22443 – AI — Societal concerns and ethical considerations
This standard is set to become a cornerstone of responsible AI, helping organizations embed ethical reflection into technical and strategic decisions.
ISO/IEC CD 27091 – AI — Privacy protection
Complements AI system development with privacy-by-design approaches for trustworthy digital ecosystems.
ISO/CD 24896 – Notation for business reporting
A novel initiative to streamline and standardize digital business reporting across jurisdictions and platforms.
Working Drafts (WD): Early-stage developments
ISO/WD 45008-3 – Remote working — Occupational health and safety guidance
Provides much-needed guidance on protecting employee health and productivity in distributed work environments.
ISO/WD 14077 – Life cycle assessment — Chain of custody integration
Aligns LCA methodologies with chain-of-custody principles for more transparent product environmental claims.
New work items (AWI, PWI): New proposals to watch
ISO/AWI 41001 – Facility management systems
A refreshed approach to managing built environments that are efficient, safe, and responsive to user needs.
ISO/IEC PWI 25864 – Resilience assessment of AI systems
A promising new work item defining how to assess the robustness and continuity of AI systems under stress or failure.
ISO/PWI 42509 – ESG for the sharing economy
Addresses how sharing platforms can implement effective ESG frameworks to enhance social and environmental impact.
ISO/IEC NP 25870 – Reporting framework for AI incidents
Prepares the ground for standardized AI incident reporting to support transparency, accountability, and learning.
Looking Ahead
April’s updates are a strong signal of ISO’s ongoing shift toward digital trust, environmental responsibility, and systemic resilience. Standards now in development reflect growing attention to AI assurance, energy performance, biodiversity, consumer fairness, and workplace evolution. Whether your organization is deploying AI, managing remote teams, or innovating for ESG outcomes, this month’s developments offer concrete steps toward credible, high-performance systems.
At StandardsHero, we continue to turn standards into leadership tools. Stay informed as we monitor and interpret ISO developments shaping tomorrow’s responsible organizations.