European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a crucial piece of legislation aimed at enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities across the European Union (EU). It establishes common accessibility requirements for products and services, enabling equal access and participation in society. The EAA will be enforced on June 28, 2025.
What products and services are covered?
The European Accessibility Act encompasses key products and services that were identified through stakeholder and expert consultation and aligned with UN convention obligations as most essential for people with disabilities, particularly those with varying accessibility requirements across EU member states. These products and services include:
- • Computers and operating systems
- • ATMs, ticketing and check-in machines
- • Smartphones
- • TV equipment related to digital television services
- • Telephony services and related equipment
- • Access to audio-visual media services such as television broadcast and related consumer equipment
- • Services related to air, bus, rail and waterborne passenger transport
- • Banking services
- • E-books
- • E-commerce
What criteria must be met to comply with the European Accessibility Act?
Key standards and guidelines for compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) emphasize the need for accessibility in various areas. Digital accessibility requires that web content and mobile applications adhere to WCAG 2.1, Level AA or higher, ensuring accessible navigation, alternative text for images, keyboard operability, and support for assistive technologies.
Product accessibility extends to physical devices like ATMs, ticketing machines, and electronic equipment, which must be designed in accordance with EN 301 549. This standard aligns with WCAG for digital interfaces and includes physical accessibility requirements.
Service accessibility covers sectors such as banking, e-commerce, transportation, and communications, mandating accessible interfaces, self-service terminals, and customer support systems.
Documentation, including user guides and instructions, must be available in accessible formats, such as Braille, large print, or digital formats compatible with screen readers. The Act promotes the principle of "Design for All," encouraging accessibility to be integrated from the outset to avoid the need for retrofitting.
What happens if businesses don't comply with the EAA?
Non-compliant businesses may face penalties, market restrictions within the EU, and potential legal actions. National authorities will be responsible for enforcement, and products/services that don't meet requirements may need to be withdrawn from the market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common question about European Accessibility Act (EAA)
Yes, the EAA applies to all businesses operating in the EU, regardless of size. However, microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover/balance sheet below €2 million) providing services are exempt from compliance.
The EAA aligns with international standards like WCAG 2.1 for web accessibility. Key requirements include keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, color contrast ratios, and support for assistive technologies.
Yes, any products or services being sold in the EU market must comply with the EAA, regardless of where they are manufactured or developed. This includes digital services accessed by EU citizens.
Businesses should: conduct accessibility audits, update digital infrastructure, train staff on accessibility requirements, document compliance efforts, engage with accessibility experts, and develop an implementation roadmap before the 2025 deadline.