AI Act and its impact on Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

EUArtificialIntelligence.eu highlighted special focus of the regulator on SMEs in the article

Here is the summary of provisions tailored to SMEs

Regulatory sandboxes: frameworks for testing AI products and services outside normal regulatory structures, with exemptions from administrative fees. Testing may also be facilitated in real world conditions. SMEs will have priority access to sandboxes free of charge, and the procedures shall be simple and clear.

Reducing compliance costs and fees: assessment fees shall be proportional to the size of SMEs and the Commission will regularly assess and work to lower compliance costs.

Simplified documentation and training: the Commission will develop simplified SME technical documentation forms that are accepted by national authorities for conformity assessments and provide training activities tailored to SMEs to support compliance.

Dedicated communication: guidance and response to queries through dedicated channels to support SMEs in complying with the AI Act.

Proportionality: obligations for providers of general-purpose AI models should be commensurate and proportionate to the type of model provider. For example, there will be separate Key Performance Indicators for SMEs under the Code of Practice.