AI • 3 mins read
UKAS is pleased to announce the publication of its first Technical Bulletin on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies in Accredited Conformity Assessment. This bulletin provides initial guidance for UKAS-accredited and applicant conformity assessment bodies (CABs) adopting AI tools and technologies within their activities.
As AI continues to transform the landscape of conformity assessment, this bulletin represents an important first step in helping CABs navigate the opportunities and risks presented by emerging technologies. The aim is not to introduce new accreditation requirements, but to contextualise existing standards for accreditation in light of AI adoption, helping organisations maintain competence, impartiality and technical integrity in their operations.
Purpose and scope
The Technical Bulletin outlines a set of guiding principles for the responsible, ethical, and transparent development and use of AI systems. Key themes include:
- Accountability and governance
- Bias and fairness
- Safety, security, and robustness
- Transparency and explainability
- Contestability and redress
The document also clarifies UKAS’s expectations regarding communication, competence, risk management, and oversight when AI is deployed in conformity assessment processes.
Future direction and feedback
This bulletin is intended to serve as a foundation for ongoing dialogue with stakeholders. Feedback gathered through its implementation will help shape more detailed guidance and potentially formal requirements in future, both nationally and internationally. UKAS is actively engaged in discussions through the AIQI Consortium, in partnership with the TIC Council, European co-operation for Accreditation (EA), the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to ensure consistent and aligned approaches to AI in accreditation and conformity assessment.
CEO statement
Matt Gantley, Chief Executive of UKAS, commented:
“As we mark 30 years of UKAS, this Technical Bulletin demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting innovation while safeguarding the integrity of accreditation. AI has the potential to significantly enhance conformity assessment, but it also brings new challenges that must be addressed with care. This guidance provides a principled and practical starting point for CABs adopting AI, ensuring that trust, competence and impartiality remain central as technologies evolve. We look forward to working with our stakeholders in EA, IAF and ILAC and our partnership with the TIC Council through the AIQI Consortium, to further evolve this guidance.”
Dr Jacqui Taylor, Chair of UKAS Technical Advisory Committee, commented:
“As the independent Chair of the UKAS Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) it is important to ground the introduction of AI into conformity assessment sector with best practice guidance. Principle based responsible AI is the appropriate foundation for the guidance in this Technical Bulletin. It is the first AI guidance UKAS has produced for Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB), and it fully recognises that there is both opportunity and challenge for AI innovation in the TIC sector. The UKAS AI TAC is ready to support the development of this initial UKAS guidance as the adoption and deployment of AI technology matures across the sector.”
Acknowledgements
UKAS would like to express its sincere thanks to the AIQI Consortium and members of the UKAS Technical Advisory Committee for their expertise and support in the development of this document.
Access the bulletin
The Technical Bulletin can be accessed here.
For any queries or to provide feedback, please contact your UKAS Assessment Manager or email: [email protected]