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What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a significant step forward in ensuring that products and services across the EU are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. By 28 June 2025, businesses in sectors such as e-commerce, banking, telecoms, and transport must ensure their digital and physical offerings are compliant with these new accessibility standards.

Why is this important?

The European Accessibility Act is more than just a legal obligation—it’s an opportunity to make your products and services more inclusive. By focusing on accessibility, you won’t just avoid penalties; you’ll create better experiences for all users and open up new business opportunities. Making accessibility a priority isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart move that will benefit your business in the long run.

Who needs to comply and who doesn’t?

The EAA affects a wide range of businesses, but not everyone is covered equally. Here’s a quick summary:

Who needs to comply:

E-commerce platforms: websites and apps that sell products or services, including news platforms, online shops, and subscription services.
Banks and financial institutions: online banking services, apps, and portals.
Telecom and internet service providers: mobile apps, customer portals, and other digital services.
Transport companies: airlines, train operators, and other transport service providers.
Professional services: doctors, lawyers, and other professionals who offer services through digital platforms.

Who doesn’t:

Micro-businesses: if your business has fewer than 10 employees and earns less than €2 million in annual revenue, you are exempt from the EAA.
B2B-only companies: if your business solely serves other businesses (B2B) and not consumers (B2C), you may not need to comply. However, if you serve both B2B and B2C, accessibility requirements will apply.
Certain sectors: NGOs (non-governmental organisations), schools, healthcare institutions, and certain utilities such as gas and water services are not covered by the EAA unless they operate under government contracts.

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What does this mean for your business?

Even if your business doesn’t fall under these mandatory categories, it’s worth considering accessibility now. There is a growing shift toward more inclusive products and services, and accessibility is quickly becoming a focus area for businesses across all sectors. Investing in accessibility not only benefits people with disabilities but also improves overall usability for all users, leading to better user experiences, enhanced customer loyalty, and competitive advantages.

In the near future, consumers will expect accessible services as the standard, whether mandated or not. Making accessibility a priority today ensures you stay ahead of this trend and deliver more inclusive, user-friendly products.

Accessibility also boosts your SEO ranking and builds customer loyalty. Meeting accessibility standards isn’t just about ticking a legal box—it’s a strategic move that can enhance your business’s reputation and reach.

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Making your products and services more accessible might seem daunting, but with a few focused steps, you can make significant progress. Here’s where to start:

Understand WCAG standards: the WCAG guidelines focus on making digital content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Familiarising yourself with these standards is key to ensuring accessibility.
Conduct user research and testing: work with users who have disabilities to understand their needs and challenges. Their insights should inform your design and development processes from the very beginning.
Design for inclusivity: when designing digital products, consider the full range of users. This includes individuals who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or need high-contrast text. Designing with accessibility in mind will make your products more user-friendly for everyone.
Think beyond digital: the EAA also applies to physical products and services. Ensure you design with accessibility in mind, incorporating features like tactile buttons, voice commands, or accessible packaging.
Train your team: accessibility should be a priority for your entire organisation. Make sure your developers, designers, and content creators understand accessibility best practices and how to implement them.

What can you do in the short term?

While the 2025 deadline might seem far off, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to prepare your business for compliance.

1. Conduct an accessibility audit

An accessibility audit will help you identify where your digital products fall short. At Leap Forward, we can assist you in assessing your services against EAA standards and offer tailored recommendations to ensure compliance.

2. Publish an accessibility statement

Transparency is essential. Publishing an accessibility statement on your website demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity. This statement should outline your accessibility goals, the measures you have taken, and the steps you are working on. It shows that you take accessibility seriously and builds trust with your audience.