THE ACT DOES NOT HAVE ONE SINGLE DEADLINE
The Regulation applies in phases. Organizations should map dates to the provisions, system type and operator role that actually apply instead of treating one headline date as universal.
THE DEADLINE IS NOT ONE DATE.
WHAT APPLIES TO YOU NOW?
The EU AI Act now has an amended phased timeline. The useful task is to connect each date to the actual AI system, operator role, classification route and evidence that must be ready when the relevant provision becomes applicable.
BOUNDARYThis page is educational and operational guidance. It is not legal advice, certification, conformity assessment or regulatory approval.
CURRENT SOURCE ANCHOR
OPEN OFFICIAL EU SOURCE ↗EUR-Lex · Consolidated Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 as of 27 July 2026 · Article 113
The consolidated 27 July 2026 text reflects Regulation (EU) 2026/1744. Article 113 retains 2 August 2026 as the general application date while moving Chapter III Sections 1, 2 and 3, except Article 6(5), to 2 December 2027 for Article 6(2)/Annex III systems and 2 August 2028 for Article 6(1)/Annex I systems.
WHAT BUSINESSES NEED TO ESTABLISH
Do not start with a generic checklist.
Start with the actual system, role, use case and evidence boundary. The same regulation can produce different obligations for different actors and systems.
SOME OBLIGATIONS ARE ALREADY APPLICABLE
Chapters I and II applied from 2 February 2025, subject to later application for specified Article 5 amendments, while Chapter III Section 4, Chapter V, Chapter VII, Chapter XII and Article 78 applied from 2 August 2025, subject to stated exceptions.
2 AUGUST 2026 REMAINS THE GENERAL APPLICATION DATE
The Regulation still states that it applies from 2 August 2026. But the 2026 Digital Omnibus amendment moved key Chapter III high-risk requirements to later dates, so 2 August 2026 is not a universal high-risk compliance deadline.
HIGH-RISK DATES NOW SPLIT BETWEEN 2027 AND 2028
Chapter III Sections 1, 2 and 3, except Article 6(5), now apply from 2 December 2027 for Article 6(2) / Annex III systems and from 2 August 2028 for Article 6(1) / Annex I product-linked systems.
THE TA-14 OPERATING ROUTE
Turn the question into a governed record.
The goal is not merely to reach an answer. It is to preserve what facts, evidence, scope and limitations supported that answer at that time.
Identify the AI system and operator role
A deadline without a governed system identity, intended purpose and role is not an actionable compliance determination.
Map the system to the amended legal route
Separate general application, prohibited-practice and literacy duties, GPAI and governance provisions, Annex III high-risk systems, and Annex I product-linked high-risk systems rather than collapsing them into one date.
Work backward from evidence readiness
For each applicable duty, identify the required documentation, controls, owners, tests, logs and decisions—and the date by which they must be operational rather than merely planned.
Revalidate when law or system facts change
The 2026 amendment itself demonstrates why deadline determinations need continuity. A changed role, intended purpose, classification, source text or implementation rule can alter the prior timeline and require renewed review.
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COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions businesses are asking now.
When does the EU AI Act apply?
The current consolidated text states that Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 applies generally from 2 August 2026, with phased exceptions. Important earlier phases include 2 February 2025 and 2 August 2025, while amended high-risk application dates extend into 2027 and 2028.
Is 2 August 2026 the EU AI Act compliance deadline?
It is the general application date, but it is not a single universal deadline for every obligation. The 2026 Digital Omnibus amendment moved key Chapter III Sections 1, 2 and 3 high-risk provisions to later dates.
What is the deadline for Annex III high-risk AI systems?
Under amended Article 113(c)(i), Chapter III Sections 1, 2 and 3, except Article 6(5), apply from 2 December 2027 for AI systems classified as high-risk under Article 6(2) and Annex III.
What is the deadline for Annex I product-linked high-risk AI systems?
Under amended Article 113(c)(ii), Chapter III Sections 1, 2 and 3, except Article 6(5), apply from 2 August 2028 for AI systems classified as high-risk under Article 6(1) and Annex I.
Did any additional provisions begin applying in July 2026?
Yes. The amended Article 113 states that Articles 102 to 110 apply from 27 July 2026.
Can TA-14 tell me what deadline applies to my system?
TA-14 can structure the system facts, operator role, classification, applicable obligation set, evidence state and source version so the timing determination is traceable and revalidatable. It does not replace legal advice or regulatory authority.