Article 24

Obligations of distributors

1.   Before making a high-risk AI system available on the market, distributors shall verify that it bears the required CE marking, that it is accompanied by a copy of the EU declaration of conformity referred to in Article 47 and instructions for use, and that the provider and the importer of that system, as applicable, have complied with their respective obligations as laid down in Article 16, points (b) and (c) and Article 23(3).

2.   Where a distributor considers or has reason to consider, on the basis of the information in its possession, that a high-risk AI system is not in conformity with the requirements set out in Section 2, it shall not make the high-risk AI system available on the market until the system has been brought into conformity with those requirements. Furthermore, where the high-risk AI system presents a risk within the meaning of Article 79(1), the distributor shall inform the provider or the importer of the system, as applicable, to that effect.

3.   Distributors shall ensure that, while a high-risk AI system is under their responsibility, storage or transport conditions, where applicable, do not jeopardise the compliance of the system with the requirements set out in Section 2.

4.   A distributor that considers or has reason to consider, on the basis of the information in its possession, a high-risk AI system which it has made available on the market not to be in conformity with the requirements set out in Section 2, shall take the corrective actions necessary to bring that system into conformity with those requirements, to withdraw it or recall it, or shall ensure that the provider, the importer or any relevant operator, as appropriate, takes those corrective actions. Where the high-risk AI system presents a risk within the meaning of Article 79(1), the distributor shall immediately inform the provider or importer of the system and the authorities competent for the high-risk AI system concerned, giving details, in particular, of the non-compliance and of any corrective actions taken.

5.   Upon a reasoned request from a relevant competent authority, distributors of a high-risk AI system shall provide that authority with all the information and documentation regarding their actions pursuant to paragraphs 1 to 4 necessary to demonstrate the conformity of that system with the requirements set out in Section 2.

6.   Distributors shall cooperate with the relevant competent authorities in any action those authorities take in relation to a high-risk AI system made available on the market by the distributors, in particular to reduce or mitigate the risk posed by it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before selling a high-risk AI system, distributors must make sure it has the required CE mark, includes the EU declaration of conformity and clear instructions, and check that both the provider and importer have fulfilled their respective obligations defined in the AI Act, thus ensuring the product meets EU safety and usage standards.
If distributors think or suspect that a high-risk AI system doesn’t fully comply with legal requirements, they must immediately stop its sale until it is corrected; if there’s a serious risk involved, they must quickly inform the system’s provider or importer, and potentially also the relevant authorities, clearly stating the identified issues.
Distributors must ensure appropriate storage and transport conditions for high-risk AI systems while under their care, as improper handling could compromise the system’s compliance with safety and performance standards outlined in the AI Act, potentially posing risks to users.
Distributors must actively cooperate with the relevant authorities by providing requested documents and information to show compliance and by supporting actions aimed at reducing or eliminating risks posed by high-risk AI systems they have already distributed, thus helping ensure public safety.

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