Businesses (not all) across the EU are required to meet the European Accessibility Act (EAA) standards by June 2025. However, a question on many people’s minds is: Who exactly needs to comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
In this guide, we’ll explain who falls under the EAA compliance requirements and who qualifies for exceptions. We’ll also provide a straightforward overview of how to achieve compliance to help you get started.
The EAA applies to businesses and organisations offering products and services in the European Union (there are some exceptions though). Note that this also includes companies outside the EU that conduct business within it.
Here’s a quick breakdown of who needs to comply with EAA:
In short, if your company offers products or services that involve technology, communication, or essential services in the EU, chances are you need to comply. The official BFSG check website (German) can help determine if EAA compliance is required for your business.
Important deadlines:
Yes, the EAA exempts businesses with fewer than 10 employees and an annual revenue below two million Euros. Though not legally required, they are still encouraged to make their products and services accessible to people with disabilities.
Additionally, there are some content-based exceptions. The following content on websites and apps is not subject to the EAA:
Also, note that Member States have some flexibility and they can allow exceptions. For example, they can extend the deadline for compliance or waive certain requirements if making services accessible is too challenging or expensive.
Is your business based in the UK? Check out: Does the European Accessibility Act (EAA) Apply to the UK?
While making products and services EAA-compliant can feel like a challenge, it provides meaningful benefits. Both businesses and customers stand to gain from enhanced accessibility and usability.
Here are some key advantages:
The EAA’s common accessibility standards make it easier for companies, especially SMEs, to trade across the EU. Meeting these unified requirements ensures products and services are compliant in all EU countries, expanding market reach and business opportunities.
Accessible products and services cater to a wider range of users, including people with disabilities. This not only improves the user experience for all customers but also fosters brand loyalty and trust. They’re more likely to recommend you or buy from you again.
Creating accessible products and services demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, helping companies build a positive brand image. It aligns with the values of inclusivity and equality, resonating with consumers and partners alike.
EN 301 549 serves as the reference point for achieving EAA compliance. To meet the EAA’s requirements, you’ll need to follow and conform to the guidelines outlined in EN 301 549.
However, some EAA requirements are not covered by EN 301 549, so you may need to consult additional standards or guidelines.
Here are the steps to follow to stay EAA compliant:
Identify Affected Products and Services
Determine which of your products or services fall under the EAA’s accessibility requirements, such as websites, apps, or physical devices.
Conduct an Accessibility Audit
Assess your current accessibility status to identify gaps. Use tools like WebYes to run detailed audits and find areas for improvement.
Develop a Remediation Plan
Create a clear plan to fix identified accessibility issues, including setting priorities, timelines, and assigning responsibilities.
Provide Accessibility Training
Train your team on accessibility standards like WCAG and EN 301 549 to ensure compliance is maintained during future updates.
Publish an Accessibility Statement
Share an accessibility statement to outline your efforts, compliance status, and provide a way for users to give feedback.
Implement Ongoing Monitoring
Regularly monitor your products and services to ensure continued compliance, using tools like WebYes to catch and address new issues.
Non-compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) can lead to fines and other legal penalties.
Individual EU Member States determine the exact consequences, as they are responsible for enforcing the law and may apply varying penalties based on national regulations. We’ve created a detailed guide on EAA fines and penalties for you to explore.
The EAA includes “alternative dispute resolution mechanisms,” meaning authorities may notify businesses and give them time to fix issues before imposing penalties. This provides a fair chance to address compliance gaps.
WebYes is here to help your website meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act. Our tool provides thorough assessments to ensure your site aligns with WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards, covering all essential accessibility elements for digital content.
With WebYes, you can easily identify and address any accessibility gaps, making sure your site is compliant with the EN 301 549 guidelines. Start with a free accessibility audit to keep your website compliant, accessible, and ready to serve all users.
Article by
Melwyn holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and has been writing professionally for over 4 years. He has a strong background in SEO and is certified in web accessibility from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). When he's not writing about website optimisation, you can find him enjoying a game of FIFA or exploring the open world of GTA.
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