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Implementation timeline AI Act

This page provides a structured overview of the phased implementation of the EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689). It helps organizations understand when specific obligations apply and which roles are responsible. The content is tailored for both providers and deployers of AI systems, with direct links to official EU sources.

Contents

  • Timeline Summary Table: Key dates and obligations from 2025 to 2030, organized by role and system type.

  • Glossary of Roles: Definitions of core actors under the AI Act, including provider, deployer, importer, distributor, and authorised representative.

  • Detailed Breakdown per Milestone: Expanded descriptions of each implementation phase, including technical and procedural requirements per role.

Timeline summary table

Date Who Obligations Relevant Articles
2 Feb 2025 Provider & Deployer Phase out prohibited AI, ensure AI literacy Chapter I & II
2 Aug 2025 Provider (GPAI) Documentation, transparency, cybersecurity Chapter V
2 Aug 2026 Provider & Deployer Provider: Risk management, CE marking, EU database Deployer: Human oversight, logs, transparency Art. 16–19, Art. 26–28, Annex III
2 Aug 2027 Provider & Deployer (Product-integrated AI) Same as 2026, applied to embedded AI systems Chapter III
2 Aug 2030 Provider & Deployer (Existing systems) Legacy high-risk systems must comply Art. 26–27

Glossary of roles

Role Definition Relevant Article
Provider An entity that develops an AI system or places it on the market or into service under its own name or trademark, whether for payment or free of charge. Art. 3(2)
Deployer An entity that uses an AI system under its authority in the course of its professional activities, excluding personal use. Art. 3(4)
Importer An EU-based entity that places on the market or puts into service an AI system from a third country. Art. 3(5)
Distributor An entity in the supply chain, other than the provider or importer, that makes an AI system available on the market. Art. 3(6)
Authorised Representative A natural or legal person based in the EU who has received a written mandate from a provider to act on their behalf regarding specified tasks under the AI Act. Art. 3(7)

Detailed breakdown per milestone

2 February 2025 – Prohibited AI and AI Literacy

Applies to: Providers and deployers

  • AI systems classified as unacceptable risk must be phased out (e.g. social scoring, emotion recognition in employment or education).
  • Organizations must ensure basic AI literacy among staff and users. → See Chapter I & II

 

2 August 2025 – General Purpose AI (GPAI) requirements

Applies to: Providers of GPAI models

  • GPAI models must include technical documentation and transparency measures.
  • GPAI models with systemic risk must meet additional safeguards (e.g. cybersecurity, incident reporting). → See Chapter V and Article 56

 

2 August 2026 – New High-Risk AI Systems must comply

Applies to:

  • Providers of high-risk AI systems entering the market
  • Deployers using such systems under their authority


Provider obligations include:

  • Risk management and quality datasets
  • Technical documentation and logging
  • Human oversight and CE marking
  • EU declaration of conformity and registration in the EU database → See Articles 16–19 and Annex III


Deployer obligations include:

  • Use according to instructions
  • Assign qualified human oversight
  • Monitor performance and retain logs
  • Inform affected individuals and ensure transparency → See Articles 26–28

 

2 August 2027 – High-Risk AI Embedded in Products

Applies to:

  • Providers of regulated products (e.g. medical devices, machinery) containing high-risk AI
  • Deployers using such products

Same obligations as above, but applied to AI embedded in products governed by sectoral legislation. → See Chapter III

 

2 August 2030 – Transitional Compliance for Existing High-Risk Systems

Applies to:

  • Providers and deployers of high-risk AI systems already in use before 2 August 2026

These systems must be brought into compliance by this date. → See Articles 26–27

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