AI Act high-risk delay to 2027 is not a pause for SMEs
In brief
According to Journal du Net, Brussels has postponed the heaviest EU AI Act duties for high-risk systems from 2 August 2026 to the end of 2027. The delay covers only Annex III uses such as recruitment, credit scoring, biometrics, education and judicial systems. Bans in force since February 2025, general-purpose model rules since August 2025, and transparency due in December 2026 are not postponed.
Source : Journal du Net - « AI Act : un an de répit, comment remettre les priorités dans l'ordre »
What it changes for an SME
For an SME with 10 to 250 people, the calendar eases only for full high-risk system duties, not for the rest of the AI Act. You remain in scope now for bans, general-purpose model rules and user transparency. Pausing the whole file until late 2027 keeps you exposed to current duties and leaves less time later for inventory and documentation. Journal du Net says the political agreement behind the delay remains fragile.
What you can do
- List your AI uses and split what is already mandatory, what is banned, and what is delayed until late 2027.
- Inventory recruitment, credit or HR tools, including vendor modules, before you classify them as high-risk.
- Check chatbots and AI-generated content against the transparency duties still due in December 2026.
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