Article 21: Cooperation with competent authorities

Yes, Article 21 requires providers of high-risk AI systems to provide all necessary information and documentation to competent authorities upon reasoned request to demonstrate conformity.

Information must be provided in a language easily understood by the competent authority of the relevant Member State.

Article 21 of the AI Act does not provide a general exemption for SMEs. However, the AI Act includes supportive measures and potentially lighter obligations for small and medium-sized enterprises, depending on their role in the AI value chain.

Article 21 of the AI Act complements the GDPR. While the GDPR protects personal data, the AI Act focuses on the safety and trustworthiness of AI systems. Organisations must comply with both regulations when their AI system processes personal data.

The AI Act follows a phased implementation. Prohibited AI practices apply from February 2025, obligations for high-risk AI systems from August 2026, and other provisions take effect gradually. The specific deadline for Article 21 depends on the category of the obligation.

Yes, Article 21 of the AI Act may also be relevant when you purchase AI systems. As a deployer, you have your own obligations under the AI Act, regardless of whether you developed the system yourself or purchased it from a provider.

Under Article 21 of the AI Act, the provider is the entity that develops or places the AI system on the market, while the deployer is the entity that uses the system under its own authority. Both roles carry different obligations.

Article 21 of the AI Act requires that relevant documentation is maintained as part of the compliance process. This may include technical documentation, instructions for use, logs or declarations of conformity, depending on the classification of the AI system.