TSE CEN/CLC/TR 17894

TSE CEN/CLC/TR 17894 is a technical report on conformity assessment in the context of artificial intelligence systems. It reviews current methods and practices for assessing conformity across different objects such as products, services, processes, management systems, organizations, and persons, and it provides a general framework for understanding how assessment can be approached across the AI lifecycle and use environment.

What the report brings into scope

A key feature of the document is its combined horizontal and vertical perspective. The horizontal view helps identify assessment approaches that can work across sectors, while the vertical view highlights differences that arise in specific industries. The report also focuses on the process of conformity assessment and gap analysis rather than on prescribing a full certification scheme. In that sense, it is best understood as a map of the objects, methods, and surrounding considerations involved in assessing AI-related conformity.

Why AI creates assessment challenges

In general technical terms, AI systems raise questions that go beyond conventional product or software assessment, especially around data quality, model behaviour, engineering practices, and traceability across development stages. This report examines how AI poses specific challenges for assessment in areas such as software engineering, data quality, and engineering processes. It also takes policy directions into account, including the EU AI strategy and orientations from CEN and CENELEC member countries, making it relevant for technologists, standards bodies, regulators, and other interested parties.

• Defines conformity objects related to AI systems.
• Reviews current methods and practices for conformity assessment.
• Focuses on assessment and gap analysis processes.
• Considers both horizontal and industry-specific perspectives.
• Reflects policy frameworks and member-country orientations.