compliance··6 min read

Preparing for the August 2026 EU AI Act Deadline

A comprehensive checklist for organizations to ensure compliance before the high-risk systems deadline.

By Compliance Strategy Team
#deadline#preparation#checklist#high-risk

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

  1. Starting too late
  2. Underestimating documentation requirements
  3. Ignoring supply chain implications
  4. Inadequate human oversight measures
  5. Poor data governance

Resources and Support

  • Official EU AI Act text and guidance
  • Industry-specific guidelines
  • Compliance tools and software
  • Legal consultation services

Start your compliance journey today with our risk assessment tool.

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