Guide
The European Accessibility Act, explained
Since 28 June 2025, accessibility is a legal requirement for a wide range of digital products and services sold in the EU. Here's what the EAA is, who it affects, and how to get your website ready.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882, the “EAA”) is EU-wide legislation that sets common accessibility requirements for key products and services. Its goal is simple: people with disabilities should be able to use everyday digital services on equal terms. Each EU member state has written the directive into national law, and its requirements apply from 28 June 2025.
Who has to comply?
The EAA covers businesses that place in-scope products or services on the EU market, including:
- E-commerce and online stores
- Banking, payments and financial services
- E-books and reading software
- Transport ticketing, booking and travel services
- Telecoms and electronic communication services
- Consumer hardware like ATMs, ticketing and payment terminals
Microenterprises that provide services — fewer than 10 employees and under €2 million annual turnover — are largely exempt for services. If you’re bigger than that, or you sell covered products, you almost certainly need to comply.
What does it actually require?
The EAA is outcome-based, but in practice compliance is demonstrated through EN 301 549, the European accessibility standard, which incorporates WCAG 2.2 Level A and AA. You’ll typically need to:
- Make your website and apps meet WCAG 2.2 AA;
- Publish an accessibility statement describing conformance and how to report problems;
- Keep accessibility up to date as your product changes.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Enforcement is national, so the specifics vary. Across member states, consequences include corrective orders, removal of products from the market, and financial penalties that can reach tens of thousands of euros. Beyond fines, inaccessible services exclude customers and create reputational and legal risk.
How to get compliant — a practical path
- Scan your site to find the obvious, machine-detectable issues first. Run a free scan to get a ranked list.
- Fix the basics: alt text, form labels, headings, link text, keyboard access and colour contrast.
- Do a manual review with a keyboard and a screen reader for what automation can’t see.
- Publish an accessibility statement and keep monitoring as you ship changes.
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Check my site for EAA issuesFrequently asked questions
When did the European Accessibility Act take effect?
The EAA's requirements apply from 28 June 2025. Some products already on the market have transition periods, but new digital services must be accessible now.
Does the EAA apply to my business?
It applies to businesses placing covered products or services on the EU market — including e-commerce, banking, e-books, ticketing, and many consumer-facing digital services. Microenterprises providing services (fewer than 10 staff and under €2M turnover) are largely exempt for services.
What standard do I need to meet?
In practice, conformance with EN 301 549, which references WCAG 2.2 Level A and AA, is how most organisations demonstrate accessibility under the EAA.
What are the penalties?
Enforcement and penalties are set by each member state. They range from corrective orders to fines — up to tens of thousands of euros in some countries — and products can be withdrawn from the market.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For your specific obligations, consult the national implementation in your member state or a qualified advisor.