Authorized representative

An EU-based contact person or company formally appointed by a non-EU AI provider to handle its legal responsibilities inside the EU.

The Simple Version

An EU-based contact person or company formally appointed by a non-EU AI provider to handle its legal responsibilities inside the EU.

Detailed Explanation

Non-EU providers of high-risk AI systems must appoint an authorised representative before placing their systems on the EU market. The representative registers the system in the EU AI database, cooperates with market-surveillance authorities, and holds a copy of the declaration of conformity. This role parallels the responsible person concept in EU product-safety legislation and ensures authorities have an accessible enforcement point regardless of where the provider is headquartered.

Key Characteristics

• Mandatory for non-EU providers of high-risk AI systems
• Must be established in an EU member state
• Holds declaration of conformity and technical documentation on behalf of provider
• Acts as the primary contact for market-surveillance authorities

Why It Matters

US, UK, or Asian AI vendors selling into the EU should appoint an authorised representative early — preferably a legal entity rather than an individual — to satisfy this pre-market requirement.

Real-World Analogy

A US pharmaceutical company must designate an EU Qualified Person before marketing medicines in Europe. The authorised representative for AI plays a structurally similar role.

Common Misconceptions

• A sales agent or distributor automatically acts as authorised representative — the mandate must be explicit, written, and specific to Article 3(5) obligations.
• An authorised representative shares liability with the provider — the representative's obligations are procedural; substantive product liability remains with the provider.

Related Terms

• provider
• importer
• eu ai act
• technical documentation

Sources & Further Reading

• EU AI Act Article 3(5) and Article 22 — EUR-Lex

Authorized representative: Direct Definition

An EU-based contact person or company formally appointed by a non-EU AI provider to handle its legal responsibilities inside the EU.

Technical Definition

Non-EU providers of high-risk AI systems must appoint an authorised representative before placing their systems on the EU market. The representative registers the system in the EU AI database, cooperates with market-surveillance authorities, and holds a copy of the declaration of conformity. This role parallels the responsible person concept in EU product-safety legislation and ensures authorities have an accessible enforcement point regardless of where the provider is headquartered.

Why It Matters

US, UK, or Asian AI vendors selling into the EU should appoint an authorised representative early — preferably a legal entity rather than an individual — to satisfy this pre-market requirement.