What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and What Will Its Impact Be?

Starting June 28th, 2025, the European Union will take a major step forward in making products and services more accessible to everyone. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will be enforced and which aims to ensure people with both permanent and temporary disabilities, as well as elderly individuals, can more easily use digital products and services across all EU countries.

In this article, we'll go over what the EAA is, what digital products and services are covered by it, and what it means for businesses and other entities.

What exactly is the EAA?

At its heart, the EAA (also known as Directive 2019/882) is about making sure everyone can access and use digital products and services, regardless of their abilities. Think of it as setting a common standard across all 27 EU countries, so whether you're in France, Spain, Germany, or Latvia, users will receive the same level of accessibility.

The law is especially important when you consider that there are 101 million people with disabilities in the EU (That’s 1 in 4), and this number is growing as the population ages. Before the EAA, each country had its own rules about accessibility, which made things complicated and expensive. Now, there will be one clear set of standards for everyone to follow.

The Act builds on earlier legislation like the EU Web Accessibility Directive, but goes much further by including private companies and a broader range of products and services. It's designed around the principle of "design for all," meaning products and services should be usable by everyone without needing special adaptations whenever possible.

Who needs to follow these rules?

The EAA applies (Point 23) to any business that:

• Has 10 or more employees;
• Makes more than €2 million in annual turnover;
• Sells products or services in the EU (even if the company isn't based there).

This means if you're a business in the United States, Japan, or anywhere else in the world, and you want to sell your products or services in the EU, you'll need to follow these rules too.

Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and less than €2 million in annual turnover are advised to meet these requirements, but will not be held to the same standards as larger companies. There are also exemptions for cases such as where compliance would create an "undue burden" by fundamentally changing the nature of the product or service, or pre-recorded multimedia published before June 2025.

What products and services are covered?

The Act focuses on everyday items and services that are essential for modern life, including:

• Computers and smartphones
• TV equipment and broadcasting services
• Banking services and ATMs
• E-books and e-readers
• E-commerce websites and apps
• Transportation services (including websites and ticketing)
• Emergency communication services
• Operating systems
• Payment terminals and self-service machines

Each of these categories has specific standards that must be met for the product or service to be legally sold within the EU.

What happens if businesses don't comply?

The consequences of not following the EAA can be serious. Each EU country will set its own penalties, but they can include:

• Financial fines, with the amount depending on the nature of the violation and the size of the business
• Legal action from individuals or advocacy groups, leading to court orders, settlements, and lawsuits
• Exclusion from business opportunities and procurement processes in the EU
• In some countries, like Ireland, even prison sentences for severe cases

Beyond these penalties, businesses that don't comply might lose customers and damage their reputation. More importantly, they'll miss out on serving a significant portion of the population who need accessible products and services.

What are the benefits?

For businesses, the EAA actually makes things simpler. Instead of dealing with different rules for each EU country, there's no one set of standards to follow. The EU Commission estimates this could reduce costs by 45-50% compared to the €20 billion spent in 2020 dealing with different accessibility requirements. This means:

• Lower costs in the long run
• Easier access to the entire EU market
• Clearer guidelines about what's required
• Increased opportunity for innovation and competition

For consumers, the benefits are even better:

• More choice in accessible products and services
• Better prices due to increased competition
• Consistent experience across all EU countries
• More independence for people with disabilities
• Better usability for everyone, including elderly people and those with temporary disabilities
• Improved freedom of movement between EU countries

So the EAA presents an opportunity for businesses that are not only ready to meet standards but also take the mission of digital accessibility to heart. 

The bigger picture and how businesses should get started

With June 2025 approaching fast, businesses should already be prepared; if not, they should start now. To help you get started, here is a simple checklist of what a business can do to get ready for the EAA:

1. Talk to your legal team about how the EAA affects your business.
2. Review your current products and services for accessibility.
3. Create a plan to address any gaps.
4. Document your compliance efforts.
5. Train staff on accessibility requirements.
6. Start making necessary changes well before the deadline.

Doing this will help set you on the right track, but to ensure compliance and avoid future headaches, it is best to partner with experts. Relying on tools like widgets and accessibility checkers can help you gain an idea, but only qualified experts will give you 100% confidence. If you need help with these, you can speak to our team about how to prepare and test your products and services.

The impact of this law will likely extend beyond the EU's borders, as companies worldwide adapt their products and services to meet these standards. This "Brussels effect" could lead to improved accessibility becoming the norm globally, benefiting people with disabilities worldwide.

The EAA isn't just about following rules - it's about creating a more inclusive society where everyone can participate fully in daily life. Whether you're a business owner, employee, or consumer, the EAA will help create a more accessible and inclusive future. And that's something worth getting ready for.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a pivotal step toward a more inclusive society, ensuring that individuals with disabilities, as well as the elderly and those with temporary impairments, can access essential products and services across the EU. With its comprehensive regulations, businesses will be required to meet a unified accessibility standard by June 2025, thereby helping to eliminate inconsistencies across EU countries that have previously existed.

Compliance not only benefits consumers by providing greater independence and choice, but it also creates long-term advantages for businesses, including reduced costs and expanded market opportunities. As the deadline approaches, businesses should act now to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming changes. Embracing the EAA is not just about following legal requirements—it’s about fostering a culture of accessibility that benefits everyone, ultimately creating a more inclusive world.

Is your digital product in line with the EAA guidelines? Get in touch and learn how our accessibility testing services can help you ensure an accessible, inclusive, and compliant digital product.