EAA legislation for Outside Europe: What Businesses Need to Know

Why Should Businesses Outside Europe Pay Attention to the EAA?

Why Should Businesses Outside Europe Pay Attention to the EAA?

The belief that the European Accessibility Act only applies to companies based within Europe may result from a misinterpretation of the regulation. In reality, the EAA legislation applies to any organisation — regardless of where it is based — that offers digital services or sells products online to consumers within the European Union (EU).

This means that if a business outside of Europe provides services to customers within the EU, it must comply with the EAA. Non-compliance could result in legal action, financial penalties, restricted market access, and considerable reputational damage.

Understanding the EAA Legislation

The European Accessibility Act was introduced to create a harmonised set of accessibility requirements across EU member states. Previously, accessibility legislation primarily focused on the public sector, with each country developing its own national standards. This variation made it challenging for businesses operating across multiple European markets to ensure consistent compliance. The EAA addresses this by establishing a unified framework, ensuring that essential products and services are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.

The EAA deadline of 28th June 2025 marks a pivotal moment for businesses. After this point, accessibility will no longer be optional for companies providing essential services to European consumers.

Who Must Comply?

Compliance is mandatory for organisations with 10 or more employees, or an annual turnover of €2 million or more. It applies to the following products and services:

• E-commerce platforms
• Online banking and financial services
• Ticketing and transportation booking systems
• E-readers and related digital publishing tools
• Telecommunication services
• ATMs, payment terminals, and self-service kiosks

Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to meet the requirements set out by the EAA legislation can lead to serious repercussions, including:

• Legal penalties and enforcement actions by EU regulatory authorities (defined and enforced at national level)
• Loss of market access to European consumers
• Damage to brand reputation, particularly in a market that increasingly values inclusion and social responsibility
• Competitive disadvantages, as compliant businesses will be better positioned to capture a broader customer base

How WCAG 2.1 AA Interacts with the EAA legislation?

The EAA legislation closely aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at the AA level. WCAG 2.1 provides comprehensive guidelines aimed at improving web accessibility for people with disabilities, covering a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.

These guidelines are structured around four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). Within this framework, businesses are required to ensure that digital content is accessible to users, regardless of their abilities.

Businesses already compliant with WCAG 2.1 will find many of the EAA requirements familiar. However, the EAA extends beyond website content, applying to a wider range of digital services, such as online platforms, payment systems, and mobile applications, which must also meet accessibility standards.

For businesses that are not yet familiar with accessibility standards, adapting to the EAA may require more effort. Companies that have not yet integrated accessibility practices into their operations will need to make necessary adjustments to meet the regulations. Fortunately, the EAA's alignment with WCAG principles provides a clear framework to help businesses navigate their compliance journey.

By following the guidelines, businesses can streamline their efforts to move toward EAA compliance while also contributing to a more inclusive digital environment for all users.

Key Steps Towards Compliance

To prepare for the EAA deadline, businesses should focus on the following actions:

1. Understand the EAA and Its Requirements

Familiarise with the European Accessibility Act and determine if your digital products and services fall under its scope. This includes ensuring accessibility for websites, apps, and customer services, with an emphasis on coding practices that support accessibility.

2. Identify and Map Accessibility Gaps

Conduct a thorough assessment of your digital platforms to identify any accessibility barriers, paying attention to coding elements like semantic HTML, ARIA, and keyboard navigation support to ensure your services are usable for individuals with various disabilities.

3. Develop an Accessibility Action Plan

Create an action plan to address identified accessibility issues, prioritising coding improvements and accessibility features such as colour contrast, text alternatives, and screen reader compatibility.

4. Implement Accessibility Enhancements

Begin implementing coding changes based on your plan, such as improving UI design, enhancing code to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies, and making online services more inclusive.

5. Monitor and Maintain Accessibility Compliance

Continuously test your digital services for accessibility, focusing on coding aspects after updates or new features. Establish a feedback system and use automated testing tools to ensure your platforms remain accessible over time.

6. Involve People with Disabilities in Real User Testing

Include individuals with a variety of disabilities in usability testing to gain authentic feedback that can guide accessibility improvements and help shape services that better reflect real-world needs.

Taking these steps not only help your journey towards compliance with the EAA legislation but also improves the overall usability of digital products and services, benefiting all users.

Why Accessibility Matters Beyond Compliance?

Investing in digital inclusion extends far beyond fulfilling regulatory obligations. It represents a commitment to a broader societal goal: creating a digital environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. By prioritising accessibility, businesses contribute to the development of a digital world where individuals of all abilities can navigate platforms with independence and ease. This commitment enables people with disabilities to access the same opportunities and experiences as everyone else.

In addition to its social value, websites and services designed with accessibility in mind typically perform better in search engine rankings due to improved structure, usability, and optimised content. Accessibility features, such as proper tagging, clear navigation, and enhanced user interface design, can positively influence SEO, boosting visibility and organic reach.

Furthermore, businesses that focus on accessibility tend to experience higher levels of user satisfaction, as their platforms become more intuitive and easier to navigate for all users. This focus also expands audience reach, attracting a more diverse range of customers from varying backgrounds and abilities and a wider diversity of strong staff talent.

Act Now to Meet the EAA Deadline

If your business provides digital products or services to European customers, compliance with the European Accessibility Act is not optional — it is a legal obligation.

Taking action now allows businesses to systematically address accessibility gaps, avoid last-minute compliance challenges, and position themselves as leaders in delivering inclusive digital experiences.

To gain a deeper understanding of the regulation and analyse whether your business is prepared, we encourage you to consult our European Accessibility Act Guide and review our European Accessibility Act Checklist. These resources offer important insights into some of the key requirements and practical steps needed to achieve compliance.

Nexus Inclusion can assist with the detection, analysis, and guidance towards compliance with the EAA legislation. Our AI-powered accessibility analysis tools will help you assess your status and implement the necessary improvements efficiently. Get started today and play an important role in digital inclusion!