The EU AI Act’s 2026 deadline is approaching, creating new compliance pressures for organizations developing or deploying AI systems. This article explains why waiting for harmonized standards is a risky strategy and how proactive preparation with Nemko’s AI Trust Mark can turn regulatory obligations into a competitive advantage.
As the EU AI Act moves from legislation to implementation, many organizations find themselves in a familiar state of uncertainty. While the deadlines are fixed, the ecosystem of harmonized standards and notified bodies is still taking shape. This creates a critical question for leadership: do you wait for perfect clarity, or do you act now with the tools available?
History shows that waiting can be costly. The introduction of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) created a similar standards lag, leaving many companies scrambling to catch up. Those who started documenting their compliance journey early, even without finalized standards, navigated the conformity assessment process far more smoothly. The same lesson applies today to the EU AI Act.
The EU AI Act marks a fundamental shift in how we regulate artificial intelligence. It treats AI not as an abstract technology, but as a product or a critical component within a product. When an AI system is embedded in a regulated product—like a medical device, a connected vehicle, or even a smart home appliance—it inherits the same rigorous expectations for safety, documentation, and quality that apply to hardware and software. This “productification” of AI demands a new level of diligence.
Consider a biometric identification system used in a public space. Under the AI Act, this system is no longer just a piece of software; it is a critical component with safety implications, much like the braking system of a car. This shift requires a corresponding evolution in compliance thinking, moving from a siloed approach to an integrated one where AI governance is woven into the entire product lifecycle.
So, how can organizations prepare for conformity assessments when the standards are still in development? The answer lies in leveraging established best practices and frameworks that are already aligned with the core principles of the AI Act.
This is precisely why Nemko developed the AI Trust Mark. Drawing on our 90-year legacy in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC), we designed the Trust Mark to bridge the gap between emerging AI regulations and established product compliance disciplines. It provides a clear, evidence-based pathway to demonstrating the trustworthiness of your AI systems.
The AI Trust Mark connects the legal requirements of the EU AI Act with globally recognized frameworks like ISO/IEC 42001 and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework. By aligning with these frameworks now, you can begin building the robust documentation and governance structures that will be essential for future conformity assessments. This proactive approach not only prepares you for regulatory scrutiny but also builds internal and external confidence in your technology.
Instead of waiting, you can take concrete steps today to build a strong foundation for AI Act compliance. Based on our work with clients, we recommend focusing on these key areas:
By taking these steps, you build an evidence base that not only supports your AI Act obligations but also strengthens your overall quality and risk management strategy.
To help you turn these insights into action, Nemko Digital is hosting an advanced webinar: “AI Trust Mark in Practice – Turning 2026 AI Act Pressure into Action.”
Join us on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM CET for a deep dive into how the AI Trust Mark aligns with the EU AI Act’s upcoming obligations. Our experts, Mónica Fernández Peñalver and Stuart Beck, will share lessons from real-world client projects and provide a practical checklist to accelerate your own assessment process.
This is an advanced session designed for professionals who are ready to move from awareness to concrete action. Whether you are responsible for AI compliance, product quality, or regulatory strategy, this webinar will provide the clarity and confidence you need to navigate the road to 2026.
Reserve your seat today and start your AI readiness journey.