The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is set to take full effect across the European Union (EU) on June 28, 2025. This legislation mandates that various products and services, including ecommerce platforms and websites, meet specific accessibility standards to ensure inclusivity for all users, particularly those with disabilities. If your business operates online, it is crucial to understand the EAA’s requirements and how to ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA was introduced to create a unified accessibility framework across the EU, ensuring that digital and physical services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. For ecommerce businesses, this primarily impacts websites, apps, and digital transactions.
Failure to comply with the EAA could result in hefty fines and operational restrictions, varying by country. Businesses must proactively ensure their digital platforms adhere to accessibility regulations.
Leading ecommerce markets and their enforcement of the EAA
The EAA applies to all EU member states, but individual enforcement measures and penalties vary by country. Here’s how some of Europe’s largest ecommerce markets are implementing the law:
Germany
- Penalties: Fines up to €100,000 for selling non-compliant products and services.
- Compliance requirements: Ecommerce platforms must ensure digital accessibility for websites, consumer devices, banking services, and online marketplaces.
France
- Penalties: Fines up to €50,000 for failing to meet web accessibility standards, with additional fines of €25,000 for missing accessibility statements.
- Compliance requirements: Businesses with an annual turnover of €250 million+ must ensure their digital content follows WCAG 2.1 Level AA and include accessibility statements.
Italy
- Penalties: Fines between €2,500 and €30,000 for non-compliance.
- Compliance requirements: Websites must follow digital accessibility guidelines and implement accessibility monitoring.
Spain
- Penalties: Up to €30,000 for minor infractions, €150,000 for serious infractions, and €600,000 for very serious violations.
- Compliance requirements: Digital platforms must meet accessibility standards and provide feedback channels for users.
United Kingdom (Post-Brexit alignment)
- While the UK is no longer an EU member, the government has signalled its intent to align with EAA objectives.
- UK businesses should follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA and prepare for new accessibility laws mirroring the EAA.
What should ecommerce websites do to comply with the EAA?
To ensure compliance, businesses must align with the EAA’s digital accessibility standards, primarily based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
The value of that first impression
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is set to take full effect across the European Union (EU) on June 28, 2025. This legislation mandates that various products and services, including ecommerce platforms and websites, meet specific accessibility standards to ensure inclusivity for all users, particularly those with disabilities. If your business operates online, it is crucial to understand the EAA’s requirements and how to ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA was introduced to create a unified accessibility framework across the EU, ensuring that digital and physical services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. For ecommerce businesses, this primarily impacts websites, apps, and digital transactions.
Failure to comply with the EAA could result in hefty fines and operational restrictions, varying by country. Businesses must proactively ensure their digital platforms adhere to accessibility regulations.
Leading ecommerce markets and their enforcement of the EAA
The EAA applies to all EU member states, but individual enforcement measures and penalties vary by country. Here’s how some of Europe’s largest ecommerce markets are implementing the law:
Germany
- Penalties: Fines up to €100,000 for selling non-compliant products and services.
- Compliance requirements: Ecommerce platforms must ensure digital accessibility for websites, consumer devices, banking services, and online marketplaces.
France
- Penalties: Fines up to €50,000 for failing to meet web accessibility standards, with additional fines of €25,000 for missing accessibility statements.
- Compliance requirements: Businesses with an annual turnover of €250 million+ must ensure their digital content follows WCAG 2.1 Level AA and include accessibility statements.
Italy
- Penalties: Fines between €2,500 and €30,000 for non-compliance.
- Compliance requirements: Websites must follow digital accessibility guidelines and implement accessibility monitoring.
Spain
- Penalties: Up to €30,000 for minor infractions, €150,000 for serious infractions, and €600,000 for very serious violations.
- Compliance requirements: Digital platforms must meet accessibility standards and provide feedback channels for users.
United Kingdom (Post-Brexit alignment)
- While the UK is no longer an EU member, the government has signalled its intent to align with EAA objectives.
- UK businesses should follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA and prepare for new accessibility laws mirroring the EAA.
What should ecommerce websites do to comply with the EAA?
To ensure compliance, businesses must align with the EAA’s digital accessibility standards, primarily based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Is WCAG enough?
The EAA specifically references WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which ensures websites and digital services are:
- Perceivable – Information is presented in ways that users can perceive.
- Operable – Navigation and functionality are usable by all.
- Understandable – Content is clear and predictable.
- Robust – Compatible with assistive technologies.
Additional EAA requirements beyond WCAG
- Accessibility statement – Businesses must publish a document outlining their accessibility efforts.
- Feedback mechanism – Websites must include a feature allowing users to report accessibility barriers.
- Continuous monitoring – Regular audits and updates to maintain compliance.
How to prepare your business for EAA 2025
To avoid legal risks and ensure an inclusive digital experience, businesses should take the following steps before June 2025:
- Conduct an Accessibility Audit – Carry out accessibility testing, using WCAG 2.1 Level AA as a benchmark to evaluate your website.
- Implement accessibility fixes – Ensure your site supports screen readers, keyboard navigation, and text alternatives for multimedia.
- Create an Accessibility Statement – Clearly communicate how your platform is meeting accessibility requirements.
- Enable user feedback – Provide accessible forms for users to report accessibility issues.
- Train staff on accessibility – Ensure developers and content managers understand accessibility best practices.
- Monitor legal updates – Stay informed on local regulations to prevent penalties.
Final thoughts
With the EAA’s enforcement deadline approaching, businesses operating in ecommerce and digital services must act now to comply with EU accessibility laws. While WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the key standard, additional legal obligations like accessibility statements and feedback mechanisms must be implemented.
Failing to comply could not only result in significant fines but also harm brand reputation and exclude a portion of your customer base. By ensuring accessibility, businesses can expand their reach, enhance user experience, and contribute to a more inclusive digital world.
Need help ensuring your website meets the upcoming EAA’s accessibility requirements? Start with an accessibility audit today to secure compliance before the June 28, 2025 deadline.
