Verified AI Act implementation dates reflecting the 2026 AI Omnibus amendments.
1 August 2024
The AI Act entered into force.
2 February 2025
General provisions including AI literacy and the initial prohibited practices began applying.
2 August 2025
General-purpose AI model rules and governance provisions began applying.
2 August 2026
Most remaining provisions, including Article 50 transparency rules, began applying. Enforcement commenced for applicable rules.
2 December 2027
The amended application date for high-risk AI systems under Annex III.
2 August 2028
The amended application date for high-risk AI embedded in regulated products covered by Annex I.
Verify on the official timeline ↗Why the dates differ
The AI Act entered into force in August 2024 but its provisions began applying in stages. Entry into force is not the same as every obligation becoming applicable. The later Annex III and Annex I milestones concern particular high-risk routes; they do not shift the earlier AI literacy, prohibited-practice, general-purpose model or transparency provisions.
Read the overview ↗Check transitional arrangements
Article 111 addresses certain AI systems and general-purpose AI models already placed on the market or put into service before relevant dates. The 2026 amendments also introduced a transition for specified Article 50(2) marking and detection obligations. These provisions are conditional. Record the placement date, system changes and exact paragraph before relying on a transition.
Read Article 111 ↗Keep a dated source of truth
For each system, maintain the provision, application date, transition if any, official source and date last checked. The consolidated text and Commission timeline are more reliable than an undated graphic. Verify the precise provision with counsel when a release, contract or conformity decision depends on it.
Open the current official timeline ↗What does an organisation do now?
Even if a particular high-risk requirement applies later, inventory and classification take time. Prioritise uses potentially covered by Article 5, active transparency duties and model-provider rules, then plan the evidence and handoffs for later high-risk milestones. A staged implementation plan should identify owner, source and next review date for each obligation.
Use the governance checklist ↗This guide is an orientation, not a legal determination. Check the current legal text and official implementation guidance for your system.
Read the AI Act ↗European Commission overview ↗