The EU AI Act includes several provisions designed to reduce the regulatory burden on SMEs and start-ups while maintaining the same substantive safety and rights-protection standards. These measures recognise that smaller operators have fewer resources to absorb compliance costs.

Reduced conformity assessment fees for SMEs and start-ups (Article 57(3))
Dedicated channels for regulatory advice and guidance through national competent authorities
Preferential access to AI regulatory sandboxes -- NCAs prioritise SME and start-up applications
Simplified template formats for technical documentation under Article 11 (same substance, lighter format)
Lower maximum fine caps for SMEs under Article 99(7): fines capped at lower of the standard tier or 1.5% of annual global turnover
The Digital Single Market coordination reduces the risk of fragmented national requirements