Article 13 of 11312%
Article 13: Transparency and provision of information to deployers
EU Official:
UpcomingAnnex III from 2 Dec 2027; Annex I from 2 Aug 2028
Title III: High-Risk AI Systems
Application dates
- : Requirements for high-risk systems listed in Annex III
- : Requirements for high-risk systems linked to Annex I
Article 13 is about transparency for users of high-risk AI systems. Providers must give deployers the information needed to understand the system, its limitations and its outputs.
Official text
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Source: EUR-Lex, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689. Text reproduced verbatim.
Download AI Act (PDF) →Compliance checklist
- Instructions for use prepared with intended purpose
- Performance level and limitations described
- Provider information included
- Risks to health, safety and fundamental rights described
- Human oversight measures described
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Cross-references
Annexes
Frequently asked questions
What information must accompany a high-risk AI system?+
Article 13 requires high-risk AI systems to be accompanied by clear instructions for use with information about the provider, intended purpose, performance level, known limitations and risks.
What documentation does Article 13 of the AI Act require?+
Article 13 of the AI Act requires that relevant documentation is maintained as part of the compliance process. This may include technical documentation, instructions for use, logs or declarations of conformity, depending on the classification of the AI system.
How do I document compliance with Article 13 of the AI Act?+
You document compliance with Article 13 of the AI Act by establishing a risk management system, maintaining technical documentation, and conducting internal audits. Keep all relevant documents for the period prescribed by the AI Act.
What does transparency concretely mean for a high-risk AI system?+
Article 13 requires high-risk AI systems to be designed so their operation is sufficiently transparent to deployers. Concretely this means: clear instructions for use, information about performance and limitations, explanation of expected inputs, and information about circumstances in which the system may make errors.
Do I need to publish the accuracy and error rates of my AI system?+
Yes, Article 13(3) requires that instructions for use contain information about the AI system's performance metrics, including accuracy, robustness and cybersecurity. This must be specified for the intended target group and conditions of use.
How does Article 13's transparency obligation relate to trade secrets?+
Article 13 requires transparency towards deployers and supervisory authorities, not the general public. Trade secrets and intellectual property are protected, but you must share sufficient information so deployers can use the system responsibly and authorities can assess compliance.