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EAA Compliance Essentials for Companies

EAA Compliance Essentials for Companies

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Stay ahead of EU accessibility laws and make your digital experiences inclusive. This guide explains what the European Accessibility Act (EAA) means for your business, who it applies to, and how to achieve compliance.

What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a landmark directive adopted via the European Union to make digital and physical products greater accessible to people with disabilities. It establishes a common prison environment throughout all EU member states, making sure that companies now longer face fragmented accessibility guidelines.
In easy terms, the EAA requires businesses that provide goods and offerings, including websites, mobile apps, e-books, shipping structures, and digital gadgets, to satisfy particular accessibility requirements. Its core goal is to get rid of digital obstacles and ensure that each user, irrespective of ability, can interact with technology and offerings without limitations.

Why was it introduced, and what does it do for you?

Before the EAA, accessibility rules varied widely across EU countries, creating complexity for businesses operating in multiple markets. Some companies were required to adapt products differently for each country, which increased costs and slowed innovation.
Before the EAA, accessibility policies were implemented extensively throughout EU nations, developing complexity for groups working in multiple markets. Some corporations had been required to evolve products for each country, which improved costs and slowed innovation.
The EAA was introduced to harmonize accessibility standards across Europe, making compliance easier for businesses while protecting consumer rights.

For businesses, the EAA means:

  • A single set of accessibility requirements across all EU member states, reducing compliance overhead.
  • A broader customer base, as more than 80 million people in Europe live with disabilities, alongside millions of older users who also benefit from accessible solutions.
  • A chance to build a stronger brand reputation by showing a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.

For consumers, the EAA ensures:

  • Easier access to essential digital services like online shopping, banking, and communication tools.
  • Greater independence and confidence when using technology.
  • More consistent experiences across different platforms and countries.

Connection with EU accessibility standards

The EAA is not an isolated law; it ties directly into globally recognized accessibility frameworks. Businesses can align with existing standards to achieve compliance:

  • WCAG 2.2 AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines):
    These guidelines, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), set technical and design requirements for making websites and apps accessible. They cover areas like text alternatives, color contrast, keyboard navigation, and multimedia captions.
  • EN 301 549:
    This is the European standard for accessibility requirements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It covers everything from software and hardware to online platforms and mobile apps.

Together, WCAG 2.2 AA and EN 301 549 provide the roadmap businesses can follow to ensure compliance with the European Accessibility Act. Instead of reinventing the wheel, companies can build on these established standards to create user-friendly digital experiences that also meet regulatory expectations.

Together, WCAG 2.2 AA and EN 301 549 provide the roadmap companies can follow to ensure compliance with the European Accessibility Act. Instead of reinventing the wheel, businesses can build on these requirements to create user-friendly digital experiences that still meet regulatory expectations.

Who Does the EAA Apply To?

The EAA covers both private and public sectors, but the rules differ.
Aspect Private Sector Public Sector

Scope

E-commerce, banking, transport, telecom, and software providers
Government websites, public services (covered mainly by the EU Web Accessibility Directive)
Obligation
Must comply if offering goods/services in the EU
Already under accessibility obligations, EAA extends consistency
Enforcement
National laws, penalties, and inspections
Existing compliance processes continue under updated standards

If you’re running a Shopify store, accessibility is crucial for compliance.
That’s why we recommend using our Accessibility Assistant app for Shopify, WordPress, Wix, or any other platform. It helps you quickly implement accessibility fixes, improve customer experience, and align with EAA requirements.

Geographic Reach of the European Accessibility Act

The EAA doesn’t stop at borders; it sets a pan-European standard that impacts both local and international businesses. Whether you’re based inside the EU or operating globally, the Act ensures that accessibility is treated as a basic requirement for doing business with European customers.

1. Applies to all EU member states

Every EU country must transpose the EAA into its national law, meaning companies in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and beyond will all follow the same accessibility environment. This removes inconsistencies between nations and makes compliance more straightforward for businesses that operate across multiple EU markets.

Every EU us of a need to transpose the EAA into its country-wide law, which means companies in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the past will all comply with the same accessibility standards. This eliminates inconsistencies between countries and makes compliance greater for companies that operate throughout more than one EU market.

2. Non-EU companies selling products or services in the EU must comply

The Act has an additional-territorial effect. Even in case your business enterprise is founded within the US, UK, or some place else, if you sell digital services, apps, or goods to EU customers, you’re legally required to meet EAA standards. This ranges the playing subject among European and international vendors, ensuring all customers within the EU enjoy equal on-hand experience.

Industry Impact of the European Accessibility Act

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) acknowledges that every enterprise interacts with users in unique ways. For this cause, the Act sets clear expectations across multiple sectors, ensuring that important services and products are similarly available to all users, including those with disabilities. Below is a breakdown of how one-of-a-kind industries are affected:

E-commerce & Retail

Online stores must ensure that the entire shopping journey is accessible. From product discovery to checkout, every step should be usable with assistive technologies. This includes:
  • Providing alt text for images and product visuals
  • Making navigation menus keyboard-friendly
  • Designing checkout forms with clear labels and error messages
  • Ensuring pricing, offers, and delivery options are readable and screen-reader compatible
By meeting these requirements, online retailers not only comply with the EAA but also reach millions of new customers who may otherwise abandon inaccessible sites.

Transport & Ticketing

Travel and mobility services must adapt to serve everyone equally. The EAA requires:
  • Accessible booking platforms, both web and mobile
  • Timetables and schedules with strong color contrast and text alternatives
  • Real-time updates that can be read with assistive technologies
  • Easy-to-use ticketing kiosks and digital tickets are compatible with mobile accessibility features

Accessible transport services benefit not just travelers with disabilities but also tourists, families, and anyone facing situational challenges.

Telecom, Media & Publishing

The Act also extends to the communication and entertainment industries, which play a central role in modern life. Key requirements include:
  • Closed captions and transcripts for video and audio content
  • Accessible e-books with text-to-speech compatibility and proper structure
  • Inclusive video players with keyboard control and customizable features
  • Clear, accessible interfaces for text-based and multimedia content

This ensures that digital media and communication tools remain usable for people with hearing, vision, or cognitive disabilities.

Software & Technology Providers

Technology providers act as the backbone of digital accessibility. The EAA enforces requirements such as:
  • Keyboard accessibility for all user interactions
  • Logical and consistent navigation structures
  • Support for assistive technologies like screen readers, magnifiers, and voice input
  • Compliance in both consumer-facing apps and enterprise software
Accessible technology solutions empower businesses to serve customers inclusively while avoiding the risk of being locked out of EU markets.

EAA Timeline: From Law to Enforcement

Adoption & Transposition

  • April 2019: The European Union officially adopts the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882), aiming to streamline accessibility requirements across member states.
  • June 28, 2022: Deadline for all EU member states to transpose the directive into national law.

Enforcement Begins: June 28, 2025

From this date forward, new products and services introduced to the EU market—whether digital or physical—must comply with EAA standards immediately upon release. This includes everything from websites and apps to ATMs, ticket machines, and consumer electronics

Grace Period for Existing Products: Until June 28, 2030

If your product or service was already available in the EU before the enforcement date, you have until June 28, 2030 (or the next update cycle) to bring it into compliance. This transition period eases the burden of compliance for legacy offerings.

Long-Life Devices: Comply by June 28, 2045

Long-lived equipment such as kiosks, self-service terminals, and ATMs installed before June 2025 must become compliant within 20 years of installation or by June 28, 2045, whichever comes first.

Why It Matters Now

  • With the enforcement date passed, businesses must act now or face consequences – from market restrictions to reputational risks.
  • Companies must maintain active compliance as products, content, and services evolve beyond 2025.

Benefits of Compliance with the European Accessibility Act

Benefit How It Helps
Inclusivity
Ensures that websites, mobile apps, and digital services are accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, mobility, or cognitive impairments. This creates equal opportunities for all users to engage with your business.
Wider Audience Reach
By making your digital products accessible, you open your business to more than 80 million people in Europe with disabilities, as well as elderly users who also benefit from accessible design. This significantly broadens your customer base and increases revenue potential.
Legal Security
Compliance with the EAA minimizes the risk of lawsuits, penalties, and regulatory investigations. Each EU country enforces accessibility in its way, and being compliant helps you avoid costly fines while maintaining smooth operations across markets.
Brand Trust
Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility builds a reputation as a responsible and customer-focused company. Consumers increasingly value brands that care about inclusivity, which strengthens loyalty and long-term customer relationships.

Your Roadmap to European Accessibility Act Compliance

1. Initial Accessibility Audit

The first step is to conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit. This involves:

  • Testing websites, mobile apps, and digital platforms against WCAG 2.2 AA criteria
  • Checking design, content, and functionality for accessibility gaps
  • Reviewing navigation, forms, multimedia, and interactive elements
  • Evaluating compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers and voice input tools

Why it matters: An audit provides a clear baseline report, identifying issues that need immediate fixes and helping you prioritize high-impact changes.

2. Remediation & Fixes

Once the gaps are identified, the next step is remediation—fixing the problems in both design and code. This includes:

  • Updating color contrasts, typography, and layouts for better readability
  • Adding alt text and labels for images, icons, and form fields
  • Making navigation menus, buttons, and forms keyboard-accessible
  • Providing captions and transcripts for videos and audio content
  • Ensuring login and security features are usable without excluding people with disabilities

Why it matters: Effective remediation transforms inaccessible areas into inclusive, user-friendly experiences, making your digital platforms compliant and usable for everyone.

3. Continuous Monitoring

Accessibility is not a one-off project. As websites and apps are updated, new barriers can appear. To stay compliant:

  • Use automated testing tools to scan for common accessibility issues regularly
  • Schedule manual audits for complex interactions like checkout flows or booking systems
  • Incorporate accessibility testing into your development and release cycle
  • Monitor feedback from users with disabilities to uncover real-world challenges

Why it matters: Continuous monitoring ensures your business remains compliant long-term and avoids risks of slipping back into non-compliance.

4. Accessibility Statements & Documentation

The final step is to document your compliance efforts and be transparent with users and regulators. This involves:

  • Publishing an Accessibility Statement on your website, outlining your compliance status and commitment
  • Keeping records of audits, remediation work, and testing results
  • Providing clear contact channels so users can report accessibility issues
  • Maintaining internal guidelines and policies to keep teams aligned

Why it matters: Documentation builds trust with customers and provides legal protection if your compliance is ever questioned by regulators.

The European Accessibility Act reshapes how businesses serve digital customers in the EU. Its impact spans industries, from retail to financial services.

Early compliance not only protects you from penalties but also builds loyalty, trust, and inclusivity.

Frequently Asked Questions about website ADA compliance

What is the European Accessibility Act?

The EAA is an EU directive that sets common accessibility standards for digital products and services.

What is the difference between WCAG and the EU Accessibility Act?

WCAG provides technical guidelines, while the EAA is a legal framework enforcing accessibility across EU member states.

Who does the EAA apply to?

 It applies to both EU and non-EU businesses offering digital goods or services to EU consumers.

How does the EAA affect digital services?

Websites, apps, e-books, banking platforms, and e-commerce systems must meet accessibility standards to remain compliant.

What are the EU Accessibility Act 2025 apps?
They are tools that help businesses meet EAA requirements, like the Accessibility Assistant Shopify app, which makes stores more accessible and compliant.