As the deadline for the European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025 approaches, businesses must be aware of the key dates and milestones that ensure compliance. The EAA sets new requirements for digital accessibility, and companies must take the necessary steps to meet these standards ahead of the June 2025 deadline.
In this article, we’ll break down the European Accessibility Act timeline, highlighting the critical deadlines and events businesses need to track. By staying informed about these key dates, organizations can better plan their accessibility improvements and avoid potential penalties, ensuring a smooth transition to full compliance.
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU directive that establishes accessibility standards for a wide range of digital products and services. The EAA timeline includes several key milestones, culminating in a critical compliance deadline in 2025.
If your business offers services or sells digital products to EU consumers—whether you're based in the EU or not—you may be required to comply.
2025 EAA Timeline: Key Milestones
Knowing the timeline of the European Accessibility Act is essential for planning accessibility updates and avoiding penalties. Here's what to track:
June 7, 2019: Directive Passed
The European Parliament officially adopted the EAA directive.
June 28, 2022: Member State Transposition Deadline
EU countries had until this date to incorporate the directive into national legislation.
2023–2024: Business Preparation Window
Businesses were expected to initiate their EAA compliance journey by conducting audits, establishing plans, and implementing accessibility improvements.
June 28, 2025: Compliance Deadline
The EAA requirements go into effect. Businesses must comply with applicable national accessibility laws based on this EU directive.
Read recent updates on the European Accessibility Act here.
Which Businesses Must Comply with the EAA?
The EAA applies to organizations that provide digital services or sell products to consumers in the EU. This includes e-commerce, banking, telecommunications, publishing, media, and transportation companies. Even if your company is not headquartered in the EU, you may still be subject to EAA requirements if you serve EU customers online.
What Happens If You Miss the 2025 European Accessibility Act Deadline?
Failure to comply by June 28, 2025, may result in:
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Financial penalties
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Product removal from EU markets
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Exclusion from public procurement contracts
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Reputational damage
Each EU member state determines enforcement mechanisms, but all are required to impose practical and dissuasive consequences.
Understand 7 compliance risks and legal requirements under the EAA
Are There Exemptions for Small Businesses?
Yes—microenterprises may be exempt. These are companies with:
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Fewer than 10 employees
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Annual turnover or balance sheet total under €2 million
However, enforcement and exemptions may vary by country. Businesses should review their local laws or seek legal counsel.
Read more of the common questions related to EAA compliance and adressed in our March 2025 webinar here.4 Steps Toward European Accessibility Act Compliance
1. Audit Your Digital Platforms
Use WCAG 2.1 AA and EN 301 549 standards to evaluate your websites, mobile apps, and digital content. Start with UsableNet's accessibility testing tool
2. Build an Action Plan
Set priorities, assign responsibilities, and create a timeline aligned with your internal resources.
3. Fix and Retest
Implement remediations and test again, especially in dynamic or authenticated areas, such as checkout or account dashboards.
4. Establish an Ongoing Strategy
Train teams, assign ownership, and bake accessibility into your product lifecycle.
Need Help Preparing for 2025 EAA Dates?
The 2025 European Accessibility Act deadlines are fast approaching. Whether you're unsure where to start or need expert validation of your progress, UsableNet can help.
- Download our European Accessibility Act Compliance Guide
- Try our free accessibility testing tool
- Book a 15-minute consultation
