The EU Accessibility Act Is Coming – Is Your Business Ready?
Insights
Starting 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will apply across the European Union, setting legally binding accessibility requirements for a wide range of digital products and services. If your business offers or places products or services within the EU market, whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, or service provider, you may soon face legal obligations that require action now.
 
The EAA aims to ensure that people with disabilities can access digital services and products on equal terms. It does this by introducing harmonized accessibility standards across the EU for:
 
  • E-commerce platforms and online shops
  • Smartphones, tablets, computers, and operating systems
  • Self-service terminals (e.g., ATMs, ticketing kiosks)
  • Banking and payment systems
  • E-books and e-readers
  • Audiovisual media services (e.g., streaming platforms)
  • Telecommunication services
  • Transportation services and digital ticketing
     
Under the Act, your digital products and services must meet strict accessibility criteria: from screen reader compatibility and adjustable text formats to real-time communication support and accessible user interfaces. These requirements are based on functional outcomes, giving businesses flexibility in how to achieve compliance, typically by adhering to recognized standards such as EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
 
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
 
Non-compliance can lead to serious consequences:
 
  • Financial penalties
  • Product or service withdrawal from the EU market
  • Suspension of business activities
Furthermore, the EAA mandates that businesses publish accessibility statements explaining how their products and services meet the new requirements. Transparency and traceable compliance will become essential parts of doing business in the EU.
 
How We Can Help
 
Navigating the EAA is not just a technical challenge, it’s a legal one. Our firm offers comprehensive support to businesses preparing for the 2025 deadline. We assist clients in:
 
  • Legal compliance audits
  • Risk assessment and gap analysis
  • Drafting and reviewing accessibility statements
  • Coordinating with technical teams to align legal and design standards
  • Ongoing monitoring to ensure sustained compliance
Whether you're launching a new product or adapting an existing platform, we can guide you through every step of the legal compliance process.