The European Accessibility Act (EAA): Are You Ready for the June 2025 Deadline?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), set to come into force on June 28, 2025, is one of the most significant accessibility regulations impacting businesses across the European Union (EU). If you are an organization that operates within the EU, whether you’re headquartered in Europe or elsewhere, compliance with the EAA is crucial. Failure to meet the EAA’s accessibility requirements can result in severe penalties, making early preparation essential.

In this piece, we’ll cover what the European Accessibility Act is, what it covers, and who needs to comply. We’ll also discuss the potential penalties for non-compliance and why accessibility readiness should be prioritized within your organization.

What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) aims to enhance the inclusivity of products and services for people with disabilities. The EAA is a response to the growing demand for accessible products, particularly in e-commerce, banking, transportation services, and telecommunications.

The European Commission has emphasized the increasing number of persons with disabilities and the need to provide accessible products and services to meet their needs. To achieve this, the EAA sets out unified standards for both private sector and public sector organizations within the EU.

The EAA aligns with other global accessibility initiatives, such as Section 508 in the US and EN 301 549 in Europe. However, unlike previous regulations, the EAA extends to the private sector. This makes compliance even more important for businesses in the EU or those providing goods and services to EU citizens.

What Does the European Accessibility Act Cover?

The European Accessibility Act focuses on products and services that most heavily impact people with disabilities. Some of the key sectors affected by the EAA include:

• E-commerce platforms
• Banking services
• Transportation services
• TV hardware and broadcasting services
• E-books and digital content
• ATMs and self-service kiosks
• Ticketing and check-in machines
• Smartphones and mobile apps
• Computers and operating systems

These products and services must meet accessibility standards defined by the EAA to be legally traded and operated within the EU. The EAA also includes voluntary requirements to help businesses improve accessibility across various platforms.

Who Needs to Comply with the European Accessibility Act?

The EAA compliance is not limited to just public sector organizations or federal agencies. Unlike previous legislation such as the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations, the EAA also applies to private sector businesses operating within the EU. If your organization sells or provides any of the products or services listed earlier, you must ensure they meet the accessibility standards laid out by the EAA.

There are a few exceptions to the EAA compliance:

• Businesses with fewer than ten employees
• Businesses with an annual turnover or balance sheet total under €2 million
• Businesses where the cost of compliance is disproportionate to the benefits of accessibility

However, it is important to note that even for exempt organizations, the EAA still encourages making accessibility improvements wherever feasible.

When does the EAA come into force?

The European Accessibility Act was passed in 2019, but it will come into effect on June 28, 2025. From this date onward, all businesses must have fully complied with the accessibility requirements, and penalties for non-compliance will begin to be enforced.

What happens if you don’t comply with the EAA?

The European Accessibility Act mandates that non-compliance penalties be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive. Penalties for failing to meet the standards could include:

• Monetary fines for businesses and individuals
• Imprisonment for certain positions depending on the severity of the breach
• Legal actions taken by enforcing bodies in individual EU countries

These penalties highlight the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure your business is fully prepared for the EAA’s requirements.

Is your business ready for the EAA?

The arrival of the European Accessibility Act marks a critical moment in ensuring that people with disabilities are given fair access to essential services and products. The focus on accessibility as a core business requirement, rather than a secondary concern, is shifting the way businesses approach product and service development.

Although EAA compliance can seem like a challenge, it also represents a significant opportunity to enhance your organization’s inclusivity and customer experience. By taking action now, businesses can avoid costly fines and unlock new market opportunities by ensuring that products and services are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.

Start Your Accessibility Readiness Journey

Don’t wait until the last minute. Now is the time to assess your products and services against the EAA’s accessibility standards. Ensuring accessibility across your organization not only protects you from penalties but also enhances your brand’s reputation and opens up new growth opportunities.

Ensono can help your business prepare for the EAA. Our experts can assess your products and services for accessibility compliance and provide solutions to ensure your organization is ready ahead of the June 2025 deadline.

Don’t risk non-compliance, contact us to start your accessibility readiness journey today.

Further reading:

• The full text of the European Accessibility Act
• Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018
• EN 301 529 Accessibility Standard
• Section 508 Accessibility Regulations