EU AI Act planning shifts to route-specific compliance dates

Regulation (EU) 2026/1744 was published in the Official Journal on 24 July 2026 and entered into force on 27 July 2026, amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1689. The consolidated AI Act current from 27 July 2026 is now the working baseline, with compliance planning tied to the relevant provision and system route rather than a single headline deadline.

High-risk obligations now follow separate timelines. Relevant Article 6(2)/Annex III requirements apply from 2 December 2027, while Article 6(1)/Annex I product-integrated routes apply from 2 August 2028. Article 50 transparency duties apply from 2 August 2026 where in scope, and the new Article 5(1)(ba) and (bb) prohibitions apply from 2 December 2026.

Practical preparation remains centred on listing AI systems, determining whether an organisation is a provider, deployer, importer, distributor or accidental provider, and classifying each use as prohibited, high-risk, limited-risk or minimal-risk. Deployers still need evidence for human oversight, input-data checks, incident routing, AI literacy under Article 4, Article 50 notices and, where required, fundamental rights impact assessments.