Article 8: Compliance with the requirements

Article 8 requires high-risk AI systems to comply with all requirements in Section 2, taking into account the intended purpose and the generally acknowledged state of the art in AI.

Where a product falls under both the AI Act and other EU harmonisation legislation, providers are responsible for compliance with all applicable requirements. They may combine documentation to avoid duplication.

Article 8 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 8 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 8 depends on the category of the obligation.

Yes, Article 8 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 8 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 8 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.