EU AI Act Deadlines: All Dates at a Glance

The EU AI Act doesn't come into effect all at once, but in several phases. This gives companies time to prepare – but the first deadlines have already passed. Important: The regulation became effective on August 1, 2024. The individual deadlines run from this date.

✅ Already in force • Art. 5: Prohibited AI practices must have been discontinued • Art. 4: AI literacy obligation – all employees working with AI must be adequately trained Action needed: If you haven't conducted AI training yet, there is an immediate need to catch up. Document all training conducted.

✅ Already in force • Chapter V: Requirements for providers of General-Purpose AI Models (e.g., GPT, Claude, Gemini) • Mainly affects the large AI model providers, not users • Exception: If you develop or fine-tune AI models yourself, you need to check the GPAI requirements

Since August 2, 2026: • Art. 50: Labeling requirement for AI-generated content in effect • Transparency obligations for AI systems interacting with people ⚠️ Important: The AI Omnibus (late July 2026) postponed the deadlines for high-risk AI systems. High-risk obligations under Annex III now apply from 2 December 2027.

• Deadline postponed by AI Omnibus (originally August 2, 2026) • Full application for high-risk AI systems under Annex III • Conformity assessments must be completed • Technical documentation must be in place • Risk management must be implemented • CE marking required

• Requirements for AI systems as safety components in regulated products (Annex I) • Affects AI in medical devices, machinery, toys, elevators • Also postponed by the AI Omnibus (originally August 2, 2027) Companies should use the gained time to build their compliance structures.