Product type
AI-enabled hardware: which EU regulations apply
e.g. smart cameras with on-device inference, AI vision sensors, AI-driven controllers
Products that embed an AI system — running inference, classification or decision-making on or behind the device.
Regulations that typically apply
- AI Actconditional
Applies when the product is or embeds an AI system in scope; the risk tier (e.g. biometric identification is high-risk) drives the obligations.
Open reference → - CRAmandatory
It is a product with digital elements.
Open reference → - EMCmandatory
Electromagnetic-compatibility requirements apply to all electronics — under the EMC Directive for wired equipment, or folded into the RED for radio equipment.
Open reference → - RoHSmandatory
It is electrical and electronic equipment.
Open reference → - REDconditional
Applies when the device has a wireless radio.
Open reference → - GDPRconditional
Applies when it processes personal data; vision/biometric AI almost always does.
Open reference →
A starting map, not a binding assessment — applicability depends on your product’s exact features and target markets.
What’s different about compliance here
The defining feature is that the AI Act stacks on top of the product’s existing regulations rather than replacing them: an AI-enabled device still needs its base CE route (EMC, RoHS, RED, and possibly MDR or the Machinery Regulation), and the AI Act adds obligations on top wherever the AI system is in scope. A high-risk use — biometric identification is the classic example — pulls in conformity obligations beyond the product’s normal route.
Check your specific product