If your company develops or deploys AI systems in the European Union, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) directly affects your business operations. This is not future regulation – it is already in force and introduces mandatory compliance requirements for all AI providers.
The EU AI Act is Now in Effect
Since 1 August 2024, the EU AI Act has started applying its first obligations, particularly for high-risk AI systems. By 2 August 2025, the Act will be fully enforceable across the European Union.
If you are an AI provider located outside the EU, the law explicitly requires you to appoint an Authorised Representative (AR) established within the EU. Without an appointed AR, AI systems cannot legally be placed on or used within the EU market.
What is an Authorised Representative
An Authorised Representative is a natural or legal person established in the EU who acts on behalf of an AI provider to ensure compliance with the EU AI Act. According to Articles 25 and 74 of the Act, the Authorised Representative is responsible for:
- maintaining technical documentation and EU declarations of conformity,
- communicating with supervisory authorities and the EU AI Office,
- ensuring ongoing compliance with the AI Act’s legal and technical requirements,
- supporting post-market monitoring, reporting and audits.
The Authorised Representative is the official point of contact and compliance liaison between non-EU AI providers and EU authorities.
What Changes with the EU AI Act
The EU AI Act introduces a harmonised framework for AI governance across the European Union. For high-risk AI systems, providers are required to implement:
- risk and impact assessments,
- robust data governance and quality management,
- post-market monitoring and human oversight,
- transparency and user information requirements,
- and, for non-EU providers, the appointment of an Authorised Representative within the EU.
Why This Is Critical for Your Business
Without an Authorised Representative:
- your AI system cannot legally be placed or used in the EU,
- you risk financial penalties of up to 6% of your global annual turnover,
- you may lose access to the EU market,
- and your EU-based partners may face shared liability.
With an Authorised Representative:
- your operations are compliant and transparent,
- you maintain uninterrupted access to over 400 million EU users,
- you reduce regulatory and financial risks,
- and you strengthen the trust of your clients, partners and investors.
Who Needs an Authorised Representative
You are required to appoint an Authorised Representative if:
- your company develops or deploys AI systems that are used in the EU,
- your company is established outside the European Union,
- your AI system is classified as high-risk under the EU AI Act,
- or you intend to continue offering AI solutions legally on the EU market.
The Strategic Advantage of Early Compliance
The EU AI Act is not merely a legal obligation – it defines the new European standard for trustworthy and responsible AI. Companies that prepare early will gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating compliance, accountability, and governance maturity.
Our organisation provides:
- formal appointment and registration of the Authorised Representative in accordance with the EU AI Act,
- legal and technical compliance support,
- maintenance of required documentation and communication with the EU AI Office,
- and assistance during inspections and conformity assessments.
Contact
To ensure business continuity and compliance with the EU AI Act, contact us for more information on how we can act as your Authorised Representative within the European Union.
Email: info@actusai.eu