What is the EU AI Act?

The EU AI Act is the worlds first comprehensive AI regulation. It categorises AI systems by risk class and defines obligations for providers and deployers. Violations can be fined up to 35 million euros or 7 percent of global annual turnover.

When does the EU AI Act apply?

The EU AI Act has been in force since August 2024. Prohibited practices apply from February 2025, AI literacy obligations from February 2025, general-purpose AI obligations from August 2025 and high-risk obligations from August 2026.

Does the EU AI Act apply to small companies?

Yes. SMEs are also affected if they use AI systems, for example ChatGPT for customer service, AI tools for candidate screening or predictive maintenance. The AI literacy obligation applies regardless of company size.

What are high-risk AI systems?

High-risk includes AI systems in critical infrastructure, education, HR, law enforcement, migration and safety-critical products. They are subject to extensive documentation and assessment obligations.

How much does EU AI Act compliance consulting cost?

An initial assessment for SMEs starts at 3,500 euros. A full compliance implementation with risk management, documentation and training typically ranges between 15,000 and 50,000 euros, depending on the number and risk class of the AI systems.

Do I need compliance for ChatGPT use as well?

Yes, at least for AI literacy and transparency duties. For generative AI, AI-generated content must be labelled as such and employees must be trained accordingly.

EU AI Act

EU AI Act complianceimplemented with legal certainty

Avoid fines of up to 35 million euros. We assess your AI systems against the EU AI Act risk classes, build the required documentation and train your employees in line with Article 4.

Free initial consultation More about our consulting

Six building blocks for EU AI Act conformity

From inventory to audit preparation. Hands-on and free of legal overload.

AI inventory & classification

We capture every AI system in use or planned and classify it according to the risk categories of the EU AI Act.

Risk analysis

Evaluation of each AI system against high-risk criteria, prohibited practices and transparency obligations.

Documentation obligations

Build the legally required technical documentation, risk management systems and conformity assessments.

AI literacy for employees

Mandatory training for every employee working with AI systems, in line with Article 4 of the EU AI Act.

Governance structures

Establish clear responsibilities, approval processes and monitoring for compliant AI use across the company.

Audit preparation

Preparation for regulatory inspections and conformity assessments by notified bodies.

Frequently asked questions

Are your AI systems EU AI Act compliant?

In a free initial call we clarify which obligations apply to your company and where action is urgently needed.

Free initial consultation 06150 184973-0

Subject matter expert

Lars Zimmermann, Managing Director & AI Manager

AI Manager (IHK), Certified Business Administrator (IHK) and Master Metal Construction (HWK). 20 years of industrial experience in the German manufacturing Mittelstand. The content of this page is based on hands-on consulting practice with SMEs in Germany and is regularly updated to reflect current regulation and technology.

AI Manager (IHK)Updated on April 20, 2026