European Accessibility Act: The Ultimate Guide to Compliance
By the end of this article, you’ll understand what the European Accessibility Act (EAA) demands, which products and services fall under its scope, how assistive technologies fit in, and what steps to take to meet—and exceed—its requirements.
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act is an EU directive (2019/882) that “aims to improve the functioning of the internal market for accessible products and services by removing divergent rules” across member states (European Commission guidance). It took effect in June 2019, and most rules must be transposed into national law by June 2022, with compliance required by June 2025.
Statistic:
1 in 6 people in the EU lives with a disability, underscoring the need for inclusive design (Eurostat disability statistics).
Products and Services Covered by the EAA
The Act applies to a wide range of goods and services, including:
Digital: websites, mobile applications, electronic documents
Self-service terminals: ATMs, ticket machines, check-in kiosks
Banking services: payment terminals, online banking platforms
E-commerce: online shops, checkout processes
E-books and e-readers
Emergency communications: public warning systems, emergency call services
Consumer electronics: smart home hubs, wearable devices
Core Compliance Requirements
The EAA largely refers to the WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA success criteria and the [EN 301 549 technical standard](https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsien/301500301599/301549/) for ICT products and services.
Digital Accessibility: Websites, Apps & Documents
Text alternatives for non-text content (WCAG 1.1.1)
Keyboard operability (WCAG 2.1.1)
Consistent navigation (WCAG 3.2.3)
Logical reading order in PDFs and e-books
Self-Service & Payment Terminals
Tactile key identification and audio output
Screen contrast and Braille overlays
Voice guides activated by a simple gesture
Banking, E-commerce & Emergency Communications
Accessible online banking login and transaction flows
Clear error identification in checkout forms
Multi-channel emergency alerts (text, voice, visual)
Role of Assistive Technologies
Assistive technologies help test and achieve compliance:
Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA) reveal missing ARIA labels.
Braille displays confirm tactile output for non-text controls.
Voice recognition tools (Dragon NaturallySpeaking) test voice command support.
“The European Accessibility Act will accelerate the adoption of inclusive design across Europe.” – European Commissioner for Equality (EAA guidance document)
Beyond the Basics: Hardware Interface Accessibility
Hardware not always listed in standard guides also falls under EAA rules:
Ticketing machines: reachable controls, tactile feedback
Smart home devices: voice control, large-buttons mode
Consumer electronics: clear audio prompts, color contrast on screens
Manufacturers should apply universal design checklists and reference ISO 9241-171 for physical device accessibility.
Cross-Border E-Commerce and the EAA
If you sell into the EU from outside, you must comply. Key considerations:
Localize accessibility statements in multiple EU languages.
Ensure payment and checkout tools meet keyboard and screen-reader requirements.
Monitor regional enforcement bodies—for example, Germany’s Federal Office of Justice issues fines up to €100,000 for non-compliance.
Harmonizing with Other Accessibility Laws
Multinational organizations often juggle multiple regulations:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S.
Accessible Canada Act (ACA) in Canada
EN 301 549 in the EU
Shared principles:
Equivalent experience for all users
Reliance on WCAG for digital standards
Procurement policies that include accessibility
Enforcement, Timeline & Potential Legal Actions
Key dates:
June 2022: Member states adopt the directive into national law
June 2025: Most compliance deadlines
Penalties vary by country but can include fines, corrective orders, and public naming. Under EU Directive 2020/1828 on representative actions, consumer organizations can bring collective redress lawsuits if non-compliance affects a group of users (overview of representative actions).
Getting Ready for EAA
Follow these steps to prepare:
Accessibility Audit – Identify gaps against WCAG 2.1 and EN 301 549.
Remediation Plan – Prioritize high-impact fixes for core user flows.
Documentation – Publish a European Accessibility Conformance Statement (EACS).
Training – Build internal expertise on coding practices and testing tools.
Your Path to Inclusive Success
The European Accessibility Act isn’t just a regulatory hurdle. It’s an opportunity to reach millions more customers, enhance brand reputation, and foster loyalty. Start now—perform your audit, engage assistive-tech users for testing, and map your cross-border strategy. By doing so, you’ll not only comply but create a digital—and physical—experience that welcomes everyone.
