The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a significant step forward in ensuring equal access to goods and services for everyone, particularly those with disabilities. With the compliance deadline of June 28, 2025 fast approaching accessibility is no longer optional — it’s a legal requirement, and it’s time for businesses to evaluate their readiness.
This guide is designed to help business owners and stakeholders understand the key aspects of the EAA, how it affects your organisation, and how to achieve compliance effectively. We’ll also explore how compliance can benefit your business in surprising ways.
This guide is not legal advice. Always consult with your legal team about how the EAA applies to your specific business.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
Adopted in 2019 and transposed into national laws by 2022, the European Accessibility Act aims to harmonise accessibility requirements across the EU. It removes barriers caused by inconsistent rules in member states, making products and services more accessible to people with disabilities.
Who does the EAA apply to?
The EAA applies to any business selling products or services within the EU, regardless of location.
Key applicability criteria include:
- Business size: Organisations with 10 or fewer employees or an annual turnover of less than €2 million are exempt.
Product and Service Scope: The EAA covers:
- Websites, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps.
- Banking services, ATMs, and self-service kiosks.
- Computers, smartphones, and other consumer technology.
- Digital transportation services, such as travel booking apps.
- E-books and media streaming platforms.
At Tiny Octopus, as digital accessibility experts - that's what we're going to be focussing on.
Even non-EU businesses must comply if they serve EU markets. For instance, a U.S.-based SaaS provider offering services to EU residents must meet EAA standards.
How to Prepare for EAA Compliance in 5 Steps
To comply with the EAA, businesses must take a proactive approach to ensure their products, services, and processes meet accessibility requirements. Here’s how to get started:
1. Assess your current accessibility
Start with an audit of your products and services, including websites and apps. Test for compatibility with assistive technologies using tools like Google Lighthouse. However, automated tools alone are insufficient—manual testing is crucial for finding nuanced issues.
Follow the EN 301 549 standard, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines for web content, software, and hardware accessibility.
2. Publish an Accessibility Statement
Create an accessibility statement that includes:
- How your products and services meet accessibility standards.
- Measures taken to improve accessibility.
- Contact details for accessibility-related queries.
- A process for filing complaints with enforcement authorities.
This statement should be prominently displayed, such as on your website’s footer or help page.
3. Offer Accessibility Training for Employees
Compliance isn’t just about products; it’s about culture. Train your team to prioritise accessibility:
- Train developers, designers, and marketers on WCAG principles and usability.
- Equip support teams to handle accessibility queries effectively.
4. Monitor and Maintain Accessibility
Accessibility is an ongoing process. Regularly audit your products to address new barriers as technologies evolve. Use automated testing tools for routine checks, and complement them with manual reviews for comprehensive coverage.
5. Plan Proactively for the 2025 Deadline
Start accessibility planning now. While some businesses may have years to prepare, early action positions you ahead of competitors and avoids last-minute compliance challenges.
What happens if you don’t comply with the EAA?
Failing to meet EAA requirements can lead to significant consequences, and enforcement will be carried out by individual EU member states. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Fines: Penalties may reach up to €3 million, depending on the country and severity of the violation.
- Restricted market access: Non-compliant products or services may be removed from the market entirely, resulting in loss of revenue and reputation.
- Legally enforced changes: Court orders may mandate changes to your operations, potentially incurring additional costs and downtime.
The repetitional harm of being labeled as non-inclusive can’t be understated. Today’s customers value brands that demonstrate empathy and inclusivity.
Why accessibility compliance benefits everyone
Beyond avoiding legal penalties, complying with the EAA is an opportunity for growth. Making accessibility a priority improves your offerings and expands your reach. Here's how it benefits your business:
Broader Customer Base
By improving accessibility, your products and services become more usable for the over 87 million people with disabilities in the EU. But it doesn’t stop there—accessible design also benefits elderly users, people with temporary impairments, and anyone navigating your offerings in challenging conditions (e.g., low light or noisy environments).Enhanced Brand Reputation
Inclusive businesses are viewed more favourably by customers, investors, and partners. Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility can strengthen relationships and improve customer loyalty.Improved User Experience
Accessibility measures, like clear navigation and readable fonts, often overlap with usability best practices. The result? A better overall experience for all users, boosting engagement and customer satisfaction.Higher Revenue
Research shows that inclusivity boosts profitability. A 2022 study revealed that accessible websites see higher conversion rates and lower bounce rates, directly impacting your bottom line.
Where to go from here?
The EAA isn’t just about legal compliance — it’s an opportunity to build a better, more inclusive digital presence. Taking steps to meet these requirements now positions your business for success, both in 2025 and beyond.
Make accessibility your strength, not a challenge.
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