EU Declaration of Conformity
A written declaration by the provider of a high-risk AI system stating that the system meets all applicable EU AI Act requirements. The declaration must be kept up to date, retained for at least 10 years after the system is placed on the market, and made available to national authorities on request.
Why It Matters
The declaration of conformity is the legal document that puts the provider's name on the line. It's not a checkbox — it's a binding statement of compliance that creates direct accountability and liability.
Example
A provider of an AI-based employee monitoring system signs a declaration of conformity listing the specific EU AI Act articles it complies with, the harmonized standards applied, the conformity assessment procedure followed, and the notified body involved (if applicable).
Think of it like...
An EU declaration of conformity is like a builder signing off that a building meets code — it's their professional reputation and legal liability on the document.
Related Terms
CE Marking (AI)
The conformity marking required for high-risk AI systems placed on the EU market, indicating that the system has undergone the required conformity assessment and meets all applicable EU AI Act requirements. The CE mark must be visible, legible, and affixed before the system is made available.
Conformity Assessment
The process by which a high-risk AI system is evaluated against regulatory requirements before being placed on the market. Under the EU AI Act, this may involve self-assessment by the provider or evaluation by an independent third-party body, depending on the system's use case.
EU AI Act
The European Union's comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, establishing rules based on risk levels. It categorizes AI systems from minimal to unacceptable risk with corresponding compliance requirements.