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EU sets common rules for AI Act regulatory sandboxes, with free entry for small firms
See how this story connectsThe European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2487 on 10 November, published in the Official Journal on 11 November, which sets common rules for every AI regulatory sandbox set up under the AI Act. Any provider or prospective provider may apply through a form, and the authority must give its decision within three months of a complete application; applicants may appeal. Small and medium-sized firms, start-ups included, get priority and free regulatory guidance, advice and supervision, including supervision of testing in real-world conditions, while authorities may charge other firms fees that they must publish. Providers with no office or branch in the EU pay a participation fee and must name an authorised representative in the EU. When a project ends, the supervising authority gives written proof of the activities carried out and signs an exit report. The regulation enters into force on the twentieth day after publication.
Why it matters
Each member state is to have at least one AI regulatory sandbox by 2 August 2027, and all of them now admit, charge and sign off firms under the same rules.
- When
- 11 Nov 2026
- ID
WTA-N-2026-0861- Where
- European Union
- Who
- European Commission
- Rules involved
- EU AI Act European Union, Partly in force
Summary written with AI by wheresthe.ai, from Official Journal of the European Union and the reporting credited above. Checked against the source on 12 Nov 2026.
Source copy: download the page as saved on 12 Nov 2026 (PDF). Also held by the Internet Archive.
Cite this story
WTA-N-2026-0861: “EU sets common rules for AI Act regulatory sandboxes, with free entry for small firms.” wheresthe.ai, 11 Nov 2026. https://wheresthe.ai/d/eu-commission-sets-common-rules-for-ai-act-regulatory-sandboxes-2026-11/ (source: Official Journal of the European Union).
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