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.