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The European Accessibility Act: What Your Business Needs to Know

From 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) applies across the European Union. It sets common accessibility requirements for a range of products and services, including many websites and online shops. If you sell to customers in the EU, it's worth understanding what it means for your website now.

This article is a general overview and not legal advice. If you're unsure whether the EAA applies to your business, speak to a legal professional.

What Is the European Accessibility Act?

The EAA (Directive (EU) 2019/882) aims to make everyday products and services usable by people with disabilities, and to replace a patchwork of national rules with one consistent set of requirements across the EU. Each member state has written it into its own law, and each is responsible for enforcement.

Who Does It Apply To?

The EAA covers specific products and services, including:

  • E-commerce services: online shops and other websites or apps that sell products or services to consumers.
  • Consumer banking services.
  • E-books and the software used to read them.
  • Electronic communications and access to audiovisual media services.
  • Passenger transport services, including websites, apps and ticketing.
  • Products such as computers, smartphones, self-service terminals and e-readers.

Exemptions for Microenterprises

Microenterprises that provide services, meaning those with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than €2 million, are exempt from the service requirements. Even if you're exempt, making your site accessible is still good practice, and it opens your business up to more customers.

What About UK Businesses?

The UK is not in the EU, so the EAA doesn't apply to UK businesses selling only within the UK. However, UK businesses that sell to consumers in EU countries may fall within scope for those sales. Separately, UK businesses already have duties under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, which includes their websites.

What Standard Do Websites Need to Meet?

In practice, the EAA is supported by the European standard EN 301 549, which in turn references the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at level AA. If your website meets WCAG 2.1 AA, you're in a strong position.

Businesses in scope are also expected to provide information about how their service meets the accessibility requirements, typically through an accessibility statement.

Common Accessibility Issues on Websites

Most websites have at least a few of these problems:

  • Low colour contrast between text and background.
  • Missing alternative text on meaningful images.
  • Forms without proper labels, or error messages that aren't announced to screen readers.
  • Keyboard traps, menus or pop-ups that can't be used or closed without a mouse.
  • No visible focus indicator, so keyboard users can't see where they are on the page.
  • Headings used for styling rather than structure, making pages hard to navigate with assistive technology.
  • Inaccessible checkout flows in online shops, often caused by third-party plugins.

How to Prepare

  1. Check whether you're in scope. Consider who you sell to, where they're based and the size of your business.
  2. Run an accessibility audit. Automated tools such as Lighthouse or WAVE will catch some issues, but a manual review with a keyboard and a screen reader is essential.
  3. Fix the highest-impact issues first. Focus on key journeys like navigation, contact forms and checkout.
  4. Review third-party tools. Plugins, chat widgets and payment forms all need to be accessible too.
  5. Publish an accessibility statement describing how your site meets the requirements and how people can contact you if they run into problems.
  6. Build accessibility into your process so new content and features stay compliant.

Accessibility Is Good Business

Accessibility isn't only about compliance. An accessible website is easier for everyone to use, works better on mobile devices and often performs better in search. It also means you aren't turning away customers who rely on assistive technology.

If you'd like to know where your site stands, my website audits and consultation service includes an accessibility review with clear, prioritised recommendations.