COMPEL Glossary / conformity-assessment
Conformity Assessment
Conformity assessment is a formal evaluation process that determines whether a product, system, organization, or process meets the specific requirements of a defined standard, regulation, or specification.
What this means in practice
In AI governance, conformity assessment is particularly significant under the EU AI Act, which requires providers of high-risk AI systems to undergo conformity assessment procedures before placing their systems on the market. The assessment may be conducted through self-assessment for lower-risk categories or by notified bodies (independent third-party assessors) for higher-risk systems. For organizations, understanding conformity assessment requirements is essential for market access and regulatory compliance in the EU and jurisdictions adopting similar approaches. In COMPEL, conformity assessment is covered in Module 4.3, Article 2 on ISO 42001 alignment and in the proactive regulatory engagement content of Module 3.4.
Why it matters
Under the EU AI Act and similar frameworks, conformity assessment procedures are required before high-risk AI systems can be placed on the market. Understanding these requirements is essential for market access and regulatory compliance in the EU and jurisdictions adopting similar approaches. Organizations that prepare for conformity assessment proactively avoid costly delays in AI product launches and service deployments.
How COMPEL uses it
Conformity assessment requirements are mapped during the Model stage within the Governance pillar as part of the regulatory compliance architecture. The Calibrate stage identifies which systems require conformity assessment based on risk classification under applicable regulations. During Produce, conformity assessment evidence is generated as a byproduct of governance practices. The Evaluate stage verifies assessment readiness, and the Learn stage monitors evolving regulatory assessment requirements.
Related Terms
Other glossary terms mentioned in this entry's definition and context.