Conformity assessment under article 57 AI Act: synergy with Regulatory Sandboxes

Abstract

This article examines the evolving architecture of conformity assessment under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), focusing on the interaction between regulatory sandboxes, notified bodies, and the formal certification process. It explores how Written Proofs and Exit Reports, developed within sandbox environments, serve as structured documentation bridging experimental testing and market conformity procedures. The analysis highlights the dual nature of these instruments: as technical evidence supporting compliance and tools for regulatory learning that inform institutional guidance and standards development. Particular attention is given to the role of notified bodies, their potential engagement within sandbox testing under Article 31(5), and the risks of overlap or market distortion. The study argues for a balanced integration of sandbox outcomes into conformity workflows, proposing a cooperative model where regulatory experimentation closely interacts with conformity procedures.