How to Comply with the EU Data Act?
Compliance with the EU Data Act requires organisations to prepare for a broad set of obligations that came into effect on 12th September 2025. At its core, the Act seeks to ensure fair and secure access to data generated by connected products and related digital services, promoting innovation, competition, and the creation of new services. Businesses that manufacture or provide such products, as well as those offering data-processing services, will need to establish clear mechanisms to make data available to users, third-party service providers designated by users, and, in specific circumstances, public authorities.
Practical compliance involves several key measures. Organisations should review contracts and commercial terms to mitigate imbalances that could restrict equitable data sharing, and consider adopting model clauses to ensure fairness. Systems and processes must be in place to enable users and authorised third parties to access data generated during normal product use, including performance and operational information. This access should be provided in a way that preserves confidentiality while supporting interoperability, allowing users to switch between service providers without undue friction.
Additionally, companies should assess how their data practices intersect with broader EU objectives, such as enabling public sector access in emergencies, facilitating aftermarket services like repairs or maintenance, and supporting sustainability goals through longer product lifespans and resource optimisation. Connected products, ranging from industrial equipment to consumer devices, and the digital services that accompany them, fall within the scope of the Act.
Ultimately, achieving compliance will require careful planning, including auditing existing data flows, updating contractual arrangements, implementing secure and transparent data-sharing mechanisms, and maintaining ongoing engagement with regulators and industry guidance. Early preparation will be essential for businesses to meet the Act’s requirements while leveraging opportunities for innovation and market growth.