High-risk rules now point to December 2, 2027 for many standalone high-risk systems and August 2, 2028 for high-risk systems embedded in regulated products. The practical move is not panic around a single deadline, but a clear inventory of AI systems, likely risk class, public evidence gaps, and the questions that need counsel or client confirmation.
Current high-risk timing
Dec 2, 2027
Many standalone high-risk systems in areas such as employment, education, biometrics, migration, and critical infrastructure.
Aug 2, 2028
High-risk AI systems embedded in regulated products such as machinery, lifts, toys, and similar product categories.
August 1, 2024
AI Act entered into force
The EU AI Act became law.
February 2, 2025
Prohibited practices
Bans and AI literacy duties started applying.
August 2, 2025
GPAI obligations
General-purpose AI model obligations started applying.
2026
Transparency rules
Article 50 transparency duties apply to many chatbots and generated-content workflows.
December 2, 2027
Standalone high-risk systems
High-risk rules apply to areas such as employment, education, biometrics, critical infrastructure, migration, and border control.
August 2, 2028
Embedded regulated products
High-risk rules apply to AI systems integrated into regulated products such as machinery, lifts, toys, and similar product categories.
Agencies and AI consultancies should use the longer runway to scan client projects before proposals, procurement reviews, or launch handoff. The useful deliverable is a first-pass readiness snapshot: visible AI systems, likely risk class, public-surface gaps, and the questions to ask counsel or the client.
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