European Accessibility Act Compliance Guide

EAA Explained

The journey toward digital accessibility in Europe began with the introduction of the Web Accessibility Directive (2016), which focused on ensuring that public sector websites and apps improve their accessibility standards. However, as digital services evolved and the needs of people with disabilities became increasingly recognised, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) was introduced in 2019 to improve digital accessibility in the private sector.

Set to be enforced from June 2025, the EAA extends accessibility requirements beyond the public sector, making compliance essential for businesses offering digital products and services across the EU.

This guideline is specifically for businesses operating in sectors such as e-commerce, SaaS, and online digital services. Whether your organisation offers services or information online, ensuring digital accessibility in line with the EAA is essential for meeting legal requirements and delivering inclusive user experiences.

The European Accessibility Act 2025

The European Accessibility Act aims to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities, making digital products and services more accessible. Passed by the European Parliament, the Act seeks to create a more inclusive society, enabling individuals with disabilities to live independently.

The EAA will require businesses across various sectors to meet accessibility standards, including websites, mobile apps, self-service terminals, e-books, and e-commerce platforms.

As Annex 1 of the Directive highlights, "The demand for accessible products and services is high, and the number of persons with disabilities is projected to increase significantly. An environment where products and services are more accessible allows for a more inclusive society and facilitates independent living for persons with disabilities."

For businesses, this guideline highlights the importance of understanding the specific requirements outlined in the EAA and adhering to them to avoid potential risks and to contribute to a more inclusive digital world.

Who does EAA apply to?

The EAA applies to businesses operating within the European Union that provide digital products or services. Specifically, the Act affects:

• E-commerce platforms
• Banking and financial services
• Transport services (including ticketing and travel information)
• Telecommunications
• Media and entertainment
• E-book distributors

The Act applies to both B2B and B2C organisations, with different implications for each. For B2C businesses, ensuring accessibility is crucial to meet consumer demands and legal obligations. For B2B businesses, accessibility can become a competitive advantage and is essential for compliance with EU regulations, particularly when engaging with public sector clients.

In terms of business size, the European Accessibility Act applies to most SMEs and larger organisations. However, microenterprises (businesses with fewer than 10 employees or an annual turnover below €2 million) are exempt from certain obligations.

European Accessibility Act UK: Does It Still Apply Post-Brexit?

Although the UK is no longer aligned with EU law post-Brexit, UK businesses offering digital products or services within the EU must still comply with the EAA. Additionally, the UK Equality Act 2010 mandates accessibility, ensuring that compliance remains best practice for UK businesses regardless of Brexit.

EAA Requirements

To meet the EAA compliance, websites and digital services must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with disabilities. This is achieved by adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) and EN 301 549 standards, which serve as the technical baseline for accessibility. Some key EAA requirements include:

Usage Without Vision

• Provide text alternatives for non-text content (e.g., images, icons, and buttons).
• Ensure content is logically structured and semantically marked up using headings, lists, and labels.
• Enable keyboard accessibility so users can navigate without a mouse.
• Include audio descriptions for multimedia content to describe visual information.

Usage With Limited Vision

• Allow text size to be increased and resizable without loss of content or functionality.
• Maintain sufficient colour contrast between text and background to support readability.

Usage Without Hearing

• Provide sign-language interpretation for multimedia content where relevant.

Usage Without Perception of Colour

• Avoid conveying information using colour alone. Provide textual or icon-based alternatives when colour is used to communicate meaning (e.g., in charts or status indicators).

Usage With Limited Hearing

• Include captions for all multimedia content with audio.
• Offer text-based alternatives for voice messaging features, such as chat or SMS.

Usage Without Vocal Capabilities

• Ensure any voice communication features include text-based options, such as live chat or on-screen keyboards.

Usage With Reduced Strength or Mobility

• Provide alternatives to touch gestures, wrist movement, or actions requiring force—such as voice control or switch-based input.
• Avoid requiring complex motor actions unless alternatives are available.
• Allow users to pause or disable animations or motion effects that may be distracting or harmful.

Usage With Limited Cognition, Language, or Learning

• Ensure that information is presented in clear, plain language, avoiding technical jargon or complex sentence structures.
• Organise content in a logical and predictable layout to support comprehension.
• Avoiding Photosensitive Seizure Triggers.

WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines ensure that your digital products and services meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and provide an inclusive user experience.

EAA Key Dates & Timeline

• 2019 – The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is passed by the European Parliament

  In 2019, the European Parliament formally adopted the European Accessibility Act (EAA), aiming to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities across the EU.

• 28 June 2022 – EU Member States incorporate the Directive into national legislation

  By June 28, 2022, all EU Member States were required to incorporate the EAA into their own national laws. This was a critical step to ensure that each member country aligned with the European Union's accessibility.

• 28 June 2025 – EAA enforcement begins

  From June 28, 2025, the enforcement of the EAA will officially begin. At this point, businesses must meet accessibility requirements for digital products and services.

National Variations

While the Directive applies across the EU, enforcement and implementation can vary by country. For instance, the European Accessibility Act for Ireland has provided early guidance to businesses on upcoming accessibility obligations, helping companies prepare well ahead of the compliance deadline.

The EAA regulations are consistent across all European countries, but penalties vary, as each country determines its own enforcement levels. Businesses should stay informed about local variations to ensure compliance and avoid risks.

Benefits of EAA Compliance

Complying with the EAA offers a range of benefits, including:

• Legal protection against fines and complaints
• Enhanced user experience and inclusion through accessibility improvements
• Better SEO performance, as accessible websites tend to rank better
• Expanded market reach, especially among the estimated 87 million EU citizens with disabilities
• Stronger brand reputation, aligning with ESG goals and demonstrating social responsibility

By following the guidelines, businesses not only meet legal requirements but also create more accessible, inclusive products that resonate with a broader audience.

Risks of Non-Compliance with the EAA

Failure to comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) can result in a range of serious consequences that impact both the financial and reputational standing of a business.

Legal Penalties and Fines

Non-compliance with the EAA can lead to fines and remediation orders. The severity of penalties depends on the violation and the size of the business. Legal consequences can impact both finances and operations.

Damage to Brand Reputation

Accessibility issues can harm a company’s public image. Consumers and stakeholders value inclusion, and failure to meet these expectations can lead to lost trust and negative publicity.

Lost Business Opportunities

Excluding people with disabilities can limit market reach. This oversight results in missed business opportunities and reduces the potential customer base, especially as demand for accessible services grows.

Increased Regulatory Pressure

Businesses offering B2C digital products face increased regulatory requirements. Compliance with the EAA is essential to avoid facing additional regulatory demands that can disrupt operations.

By adhering to the European Accessibility Act, businesses can avoid these risks and contribute to a more inclusive digital landscape.

How to Prepare for the European Accessibility Act

To prepare for EAA compliance by the June 2025 deadline, businesses should follow a structured roadmap:

• Conduct an Accessibility Audit

  Begin by thoroughly reviewing websites, mobile apps, and digital services to assess alignment with WCAG 2.1 AA and EN 301 549 standards. Identifying accessibility gaps early allows you to prioritise and resolve critical issues well ahead of enforcement.

• Understand the Scope of Compliance

  Clarify which products, services, and platforms within your organisation fall under the EAA. Understanding the scope will help allocate resources effectively and ensure nothing is overlooked.

• Assess Internal Capabilities

  Evaluate the current level of accessibility knowledge and capacity within your team. This assessment will highlight where external expertise may be needed and help in planning training and resource allocation.

• Secure Budget and Resources

  Allocate budget to support accessibility efforts, including potential engagement with third-party consultants, procurement of accessibility tools, or expanding internal resources.

• Create an Accessibility Strategy

  Develop a strategic plan outlining specific goals, timelines, and responsibilities. The strategy should include measurable milestones to guide progress toward full compliance by June 2025.

• Assign Roles and Responsibilities

  Collaboration across departments is essential. Assign clear roles to team members in design, development, content, compliance, and leadership to ensure shared accountability and coordinated efforts.

• Apply the POUR Accessibility Framework

  Structure design and development work around the POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. These principles form the foundation of accessible digital experiences.

• Utilise Accessibility Tools

  Leverage platforms such as Nexus Inclusion to automate audits, monitor accessibility performance, and generate actionable insights. Tools can help teams identify and resolve issues efficiently and sustainably.

• Provide Ongoing Training

  Empower teams with targeted training on accessibility standards and inclusive design. Nexus Inclusion’s Learning & Certification programmes build internal expertise and support continuous improvement.

• Publish an Accessibility Statement

  A clear, public-facing accessibility statement demonstrates your commitment and outlines your compliance efforts. It also communicates how users can request assistance or report barriers.

• Create Feedback Loops and Act on Input

  Establish channels for users to share accessibility feedback and ensure there's a process for acting on it. Engaging directly with users can highlight real-world challenges and opportunities for improvement.

• Monitor and Maintain Accessibility

  Accessibility is not a one-time effort. Set up ongoing monitoring to catch new issues introduced by updates, content changes, or third-party integrations. Regular checks help maintain compliance over time.

How to Conduct an EAA Compliance Assessment or Audit

To ensure compliance with the European Accessibility Act, businesses should regularly assess their digital assets for accessibility issues. Some key elements to check include:

• Keyboard navigation and focus management
• Alt text for images and videos
• Semantic HTML for screen readers
• Mobile responsiveness

While self-assessments can offer insights, they can be time-consuming and susceptible to errors, risking missed issues or misinterpreted requirements. A third-party audit brings professional expertise, ensuring a thorough and accurate evaluation of your digital assets. This approach helps avoid costly mistakes, saves time, and ensures alignment with accessibility standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

Nexus Inclusion offers comprehensive, automated audits that efficiently detect and resolve common accessibility issues. These audits provide actionable insights, helping organisations enhance digital accessibility and align with regulatory requirements such as the EAA.

How Nexus Inclusion Can Help You Achieve EAA Compliance

Nexus Inclusion serves as a reliable partner in meeting the requirements of the European Accessibility Act. Our platform is designed to simplify and strengthen your accessibility efforts through:

• Automated website audits that efficiently detect accessibility issues across your digital assets.
• Comprehensive compliance reporting that outlines how your platforms measure against key standards.
• Actionable recommendations aligned with WCAG 2.1 AA and EN 301 549 to support effective remediation.
• Continuous monitoring to help you track improvements, maintain compliance, and stay ahead of regulatory deadlines.

Through a combination of automation and expert-backed methodologies, Nexus Inclusion provides the clarity and structure needed to address accessibility challenges at scale. From websites to digital products and media content, our solutions adapt to your organisation's unique requirements.

By offering a clear overview of accessibility gaps and guiding remediation efforts, we help reduce compliance risks while improving the overall user experience. The platform also supports collaboration across teams—ensuring design, development, marketing, and content management all align with inclusive digital practices.

With Nexus Inclusion, businesses can confidently move towards EAA compliance while fostering digital environments that are inclusive and user-friendly.

Nexus Inclusion’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion

At Nexus Inclusion, we believe that accessibility alone is not enough. Our mission is to prioritise inclusion as a core element of every digital experience, ensuring that people of all abilities are not just accommodated, but fully engaged in the digital world. By combining human insight with advanced technology, we help organisations of all sizes meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act and create truly inclusive digital products.

Founded by Kyran O'Mahoney, Nexus Inclusion is backed by a dedicated team of accessibility experts who are passionate about building a more inclusive online environment. With extensive experience and a clear purpose, the team is here to support businesses at every step of their journey.

Our AI-driven platform plays a vital role in scaling accessibility efforts, offering efficient, reliable tools for assessment, remediation, and ongoing compliance.

EAA Checklist for Businesses

To ensure alignment with the EAA requirements ahead of the June 2025 enforcement deadline, download our EAA Compliance Checklist. It includes step-by-step tasks and a clear summary of relevant WCAG criteria, helping ensure your website is accessible and usable for all.