March 2025: Key developments in ISO standards

As we proceed into 2025, March brings a wave of influential ISO developments, spanning artificial intelligence, sustainability, facility management, innovation ecosystems, and circular economy value networks. This month’s updates emphasize trust, resilience, transparency, and integrated lifecycle management—cornerstones for long-term organizational success in a rapidly evolving world.

Newly Published Standards

ISO 37003:2025 – Fraud control management systems — Guidance for organizations managing the risk of fraud
This new publication strengthens organizational capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud risk. It provides a holistic framework aligned with broader governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) strategies, emphasizing culture, transparency, and proactive risk management.

ISO 32122:2025 – Transaction assurance in E-commerce — Guidance for offering online dispute resolution services
This standard arrives at a pivotal time, offering clear and practical guidance for establishing and operating Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanisms—vital tools in building consumer trust and ensuring a fair digital marketplace.

Final Draft International Standards (FDIS): Editorials before publication

ISO/FDIS 37009 – Conflict of interest in organizations — Guidance
A key addition to the ISO 37000 family, this standard supports organizations in identifying, preventing, and managing conflicts of interest across various functions and stakeholder relationships.

Draft International Standards (DIS): Nearing Publication

ISO/DIS 50100 – Energy management systems and energy savings — Decarbonization — Requirements with guidance for use
A foundational tool in global decarbonization efforts, this standard outlines requirements and guidance for aligning energy and climate goals with practical implementation strategies.

ISO/IEC DIS 27090 – Cybersecurity — Artificial Intelligence — Guidance for addressing security threats to AI systems
Focused on emerging AI risks, this document provides structured methods for identifying and mitigating security threats in AI system lifecycles.

ISO/DIS 14021 – Environmental statements and programmes for products — Self-declared environmental claims
Updates the requirements for product-related environmental self-declarations, supporting transparent, verifiable environmental marketing practices.

ISO/DIS 14024 – Environmental statements and programmes — Ecolabels
Establishes Type I environmental labelling procedures, enabling consumer trust in sustainable product claims.

ISO/DIS 29997 – Internships — Quality guidelines for host organizations
Defines quality principles for managing internships, aiming to promote fair, transparent, and effective learning experiences for interns.

Committee Drafts (CD): Key Standards in Progress

ISO/CD 32212 – Sustainable finance — Net zero transition planning for financial institutions
Outlines a framework for financial institutions to develop credible, transparent transition plans toward net-zero emissions, addressing stakeholder expectations and regulatory alignment.

ISO/CD 30441 – Human Resource Management — Workplace wellbeing — Guidelines for thriving workplaces
This document outlines guidelines for creating work environments that promote employee well-being, engagement, and organizational resilience.

ISO/IEC CD 24970 – Artificial Intelligence — AI system logging
A critical standard supporting transparency and traceability in AI decision-making processes through robust system logging practices.

ISO/CD 42503 – Sharing economy — Framework for implementation
Provides implementation guidance for sharing economy platforms, ensuring safety, trust, and sustainability in peer-to-peer digital service ecosystems.

ISO/IEC CD 27003 – Information security management systems — Guidance
Revised guidance for ISMS implementation to help organizations meet the evolving requirements of ISO/IEC 27001, with greater emphasis on risk context and organizational maturity.

Working Drafts (WD): Early-Stage Developments to Watch

ISO/WD PAS 24874 – Guidebook on the Use of Smart Contracts in Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
This forward-looking draft explores how smart contracts can enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in projects aligned with the UN SDGs.

ISO/WD 14094 – Adaptation to climate change — Requirements and guidance for monitoring and evaluation
Supports organizations in tracking and assessing the effectiveness of their climate adaptation strategies.

ISO/IEC/IEEE CD 25070 – Quality Requirements and Evaluation (SQuaRE) — Quality engineering framework
A foundational document in the SQuaRE family, this draft enhances understanding of quality attributes across system lifecycles.

ISO/CD 41012 – Facility management — Guidance on strategic sourcing and the development of agreements
Guides organizations in establishing robust sourcing and contracting strategies to improve service performance and cost control.

Activated Work Item (AWI): First step of development

ISO/AWI 42501 – Sharing economy — General trustworthiness and safety requirements for digital platforms
Aims to establish baseline expectations for digital platform safety and trust, building confidence in the sharing economy.

ISO/AWI 21514 – Project, programme and portfolio management — Requirements
Sets out core principles and requirements for managing complex initiatives with transparency and accountability across lifecycles.

ISO/AWI 24082 – Service excellence — Designing excellent service to achieve outstanding customer experiences
A promising new standard offering practical design guidance for creating consistently excellent service experiences.

Looking ahead

This month’s developments reflect ISO’s growing focus on actionable governance, trust in AI, digital transparency, and responsible collaboration. From managing energy and human capital to enabling circular business models and robust AI oversight, March’s updates are building blocks for organizations committed to resilient and ethical growth.

At StandardsHero, we’re here to help top management translate these global standards into practical strategies and practices. Stay tuned as we continue to track and interpret the standards shaping tomorrow’s leadership and organizational excellence.