Are you prepared for the European Accessibility Act ?

Based on the new finalized law, All businesses that offer products or services within the EU must ensure accessibility compliance by June 28, 2025. This includes both EU-based companies and non-EU businesses serving European customers. If your company provides digital services, e-commerce platforms, or software, compliance with the EAA is no longer optional - it’s mandatory.

What is the European Accessibility Act?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a directive introduced by the European Union to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to key products and services.

This EAA law is not actually new. Previously, there was the Web Accessibility Directive (2016), but it only focused on public sector websites and applications, leaving many private businesses without accessibility obligations. The EAA expands these requirements, ensuring that private sector businesses—such as online retailers, banking services, and digital content providers—also meet accessibility standards. The EAA builds upon the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and aligns with existing EU accessibility regulations to create a more inclusive digital environment.

Why Compliance Matters

Failure to meet EAA requirements can lead to fines, legal action, and reputation damage. More importantly, accessibility improves user experience, expands your customer base, and aligns with global inclusion efforts.

Making things accessible is not just a legal obligation - it’s the right thing to do. When digital products and services are accessible, they empower millions of people with disabilities to engage fully with society, access essential services, and participate in the economy.

Accessibility also benefits businesses by enhancing usability for all users, improving SEO rankings, and increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, an accessible website or product can set a company apart from its competitors, positioning it as a forward-thinking and socially responsible brand.

Who need to comply ?

All businesses that offer products or services within the EU must ensure accessibility compliance by June 28, 2025. This includes both EU-based companies and non-EU businesses serving European customers. Some sectors example that impacted by the EAA:

• E-commerce: Online stores must ensure websites and mobile apps are accessible.
• Banking and Financial Services: ATMs, online banking, and payment terminals must comply.
• Transport Services: Ticketing machines, websites, and mobile apps for public transport must be accessible.
• Telecommunications: Customer service lines and digital communications must meet standards.
• Audio-Visual Media: Streaming services and digital TV must offer accessible interfaces and captions.
• Consumer Products: Computers, smartphones, and e-readers must have accessible features.

EN 301 549: The Technical Standard Behind Compliance

EN 301 549 is the European standard that defines the accessibility requirements for information and communications technology (ICT) products and services. It aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and serves as the technical foundation for complying with the EAA. Businesses need to ensure that websites, software, mobile apps, and other digital services meet the requirements outlined in EN 301 549 to achieve compliance. Key Areas Covered by EN 301 549:

• Web Accessibility: Ensures websites and web applications comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, covering aspects such as keyboard navigation, text alternatives, and color contrast.
• Software Accessibility: Specifies requirements for desktop and mobile applications, including compatibility with assistive technologies.
• Hardware Accessibility: Addresses accessibility features for devices like ATMs, payment terminals, and public information systems, ensuring tactile, auditory, and visual access.
• Documentation and Support: Mandates that user guides and support services are accessible through multiple formats, including braille, large print, and accessible PDFs.
• Real-time Communication: Covers requirements for real-time text communication, essential for telecommunications and emergency services.

How to Prepare

Preparing for EAA compliance requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. Here’s how to get started:

• Conduct an Accessibility Audit: begin with an accessibility audit conducted by experts like AccessTime. Professional audits identify gaps in your website, software, or services based on WCAG criteria and other standards.
• Train Your Team: Educate developers, designers, and content creators on best practices in accessibility. Regular training helps maintain compliance over time.
• Implement Fixes Gradually: Address issues systematically, starting with high-impact areas such as navigation, compatibility, and alternative formats.
• Choose the Right Partners: If you don't have in-house developers, collaborate with software companies experienced in accessibility compliance to help implement necessary changes effectively.
• Establish Ongoing Monitoring: Accessibility isn’t a one-time task; regular audits and updates ensure compliance is maintained as your site evolves.

Learn more about EAA here

We compiled some key informations that you might want to know here

• EAA key information from European Commission
• Understanding EN 301 549
• What is Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Get Expert Help

AccessTime specializes in accessibility audits, remediation, and training to help businesses meet EAA requirements efficiently. Contact us today to ensure your compliance before the deadline.