Preparing for the August 2026 EU AI Act Deadline
A comprehensive checklist for organizations to ensure compliance before the high-risk systems deadline.
With the EU AI Act's full application for high-risk systems approaching in August 2026, organizations need to start preparing now.
Key Preparation Steps
1. Risk Assessment (Now - Q1 2025)
- Identify all AI systems in your organization
- Classify each system according to risk categories
- Document the classification rationale
2. Gap Analysis (Q1 2025)
- Compare current practices with Act requirements
- Identify compliance gaps
- Prioritize remediation efforts
3. Implementation (Q2 2025 - Q1 2026)
- Establish governance structures
- Implement technical requirements
- Develop documentation processes
- Set up monitoring systems
4. Testing and Validation (Q2 2026)
- Conduct internal audits
- Test compliance measures
- Validate documentation
- Address any findings
5. Final Preparation (July 2026)
- Final compliance check
- Submit necessary registrations
- Train all stakeholders
Budget Considerations
Compliance costs vary significantly:
- Small organizations: €50,000 - €200,000
- Medium organizations: €200,000 - €1,000,000
- Large enterprises: €1,000,000+
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Starting too late
- Underestimating documentation requirements
- Ignoring supply chain implications
- Inadequate human oversight measures
- Poor data governance
Resources and Support
- Official EU AI Act text and guidance
- Industry-specific guidelines
- Compliance tools and software
- Legal consultation services
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