Skip to main content
azcomply.euEU AI Act Compliance
Module 05

Chapitre 5 sur 8

SME and Start-up Support

~10 min read

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

Module 5

Ch. 5: SME and Start-up Support

SME and Start-up Support — Innovation Pathways | AZComply Academy