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

⚠️ Most important deadline • Full application for high-risk AI systems under Annex III • Art. 50: Labeling requirement for AI-generated content comes into effect • Conformity assessments must be completed • Technical documentation must be in place • Risk management must be implemented • CE marking required This is the deadline most companies need to work towards.

• Requirements for high-risk AI systems under Annex I come into effect • Affects AI systems used as safety components in regulated products • E.g., AI in medical devices, machinery, toys, elevators For most companies, August 2026 is the critical deadline – plan accordingly.