DEKRA, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) services, has become the first officially accredited certification body for AI Biometric Systems under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act). This milestone gives manufacturers a clear pathway to bring compliant, high-risk AI technologies to the European market.
AI Biometric Systems — including facial recognition, emotion detection, and behavioral profiling technologies — are classified as high-risk under the EU AI Act because of their ability to identify, categorize, and monitor individuals in real time. DEKRA is now authorized to conduct conformity assessments for three critical system types:
- Remote Biometric Systems: Identify individuals at a distance without their active participation.
- Emotion Recognition Systems: Analyze biometric data to infer emotions or intentions.
- Biometric Categorization Systems: Classify individuals based on physical or behavioral traits.
“The EU AI Act is reshaping how high-risk technologies are brought to market, and at DEKRA we are ready to meet that moment,” said Fernando Hardasmal, DEKRA Executive Vice President and Head of Digital & Product Solutions. “Being the first laboratory accredited under the Act means manufacturers can rely on us to navigate demanding regulatory requirements with confidence that their products meet the bar for security, reliability, and digital trust.”
Compliance Deadline and Market Implications
With the EU AI Act taking effect in 2024 and mandatory compliance for high-risk AI systems starting in August 2026, manufacturers now face mounting pressure to demonstrate conformity before entering the EU market. Early certification is not only a regulatory requirement — it is increasingly a competitive differentiator, signaling a commitment to digital trust and ethical AI deployment.
The accreditation, granted by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA), strengthens DEKRA’s portfolio of Digital Trust Services and positions the company as a key partner for organizations navigating complex AI compliance landscapes across Europe.
For AI developers, the path forward is clear: understand EU regulatory requirements, embed security and accountability into AI Biometric Systems, and pursue certification ahead of the 2026 deadline. Those that move quickly will not only meet compliance but also build consumer and business trust in high-risk AI technologies.
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