What Businesses Need to Know About EAA Compliance
During our recent webinars on the European Accessibility Act (EAA) compliance, many attendees requested a straightforward resource to help guide their next steps. In response, we've compiled this FAQ and executive summary table to quickly reference key EAA compliance insights, deadlines, and best practices.
This guide answers the most frequently asked questions, covering who must comply, enforcement risks, and best practices for digital accessibility under the EAA.
1. Who must comply with the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA applies to businesses that offer consumer-facing digital services and products in the European Union, including:
- E-commerce websites and online marketplaces
- Streaming platforms and digital content providers
- Financial services, banking, and insurance websites
- Public transportation and travel booking platforms
- Software and mobile applications
- Digital interfaces for physical products (e.g., ATMs, self-service kiosks)
2. Does the EAA apply to non-EU businesses?
Yes. If your company sells to or serves customers in the EU, you must comply with EAA regulations—even if your company is headquartered outside Europe.
Read more: EAA Compliance for Non-EU Companies: What You Need to Know
3. Can businesses face enforcement actions in multiple EU countries?
Yes. Each EU country enforces the EAA separately, meaning businesses operating in multiple EU countries may need to comply with different national regulators.
Read more: EAA Compliance: Key Questions to Ask a Partner
4. What accessibility standards must businesses follow for EAA compliance?
The EAA requires businesses to meet the EN 301 549 standard, which aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA.
- WCAG 2.1 AA is the current requirement.
- Experts predict that WCAG 2.2 may be required by September 2025.
Read more: Understanding EN 301 549: Key to Digital Accessibility in the EU
5. How will the European Accessibility Act be enforced?
Unlike the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which relies on lawsuits, EAA enforcement will be regulated by EU authorities.
- Regulatory agencies in each EU country will oversee compliance.
- AI-powered audits and website scans are expected to identify accessibility violations.
- Businesses may face enforcement from multiple national regulators.
Which countries have additional requirements?
- France – Fines up to €250,000
- Ireland – Potential criminal penalties for repeated violations
- Belgium & Sweden – Strict enforcement with high fines
Read more: Germany's Accessibility Laws and How They Align with the EAA
How to Comply with the EAA: Step-by-Step Process
Achieving compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a multi-step process. Below is a structured guide based on the insights shared during our recent webinars.
Step 1: Determine If Your Business Must Comply
- Identify if your digital services, websites, or apps are covered under the EAA.
- If your company sells to or serves EU customers, assume compliance applies.
- Non-EU businesses must comply if they offer products/services to EU consumers.
Read more: EAA Compliance for Non-EU Companies: Key Steps for 2025
Step 2: Audit Your Digital Services for Accessibility Gaps
- Evaluate all consumer-facing websites, apps, and digital interfaces against EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 AA (soon WCAG 2.2).
- Determine if your team uses the right balance of automated and manual testing.
- Automated tools alone are insufficient—they only catch 30-40% of WCAG violations.
- Conduct manual audits and user testing with people with disabilities.
Read more: How to Achieve EAA Compliance: Balancing Automated and Manual Testing
Step 3: Develop a Compliance Roadmap
- Prioritize high-impact accessibility issues identified in your audit.
- Assign responsibility across development, UX, and content teams.
- Establish a timeline for accessibility fixes leading up to June 2025.
- Consider third-party validation or accessibility consultants for guidance.
Read more: EAA Compliance: Key Questions to Ask a Partner
Step 4: Implement and Test Accessibility Fixes
- Make code-level fixes based on WCAG 2.1 AA (soon WCAG 2.2) requirements.
- Ensure keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and contrast improvements.
- Conduct ongoing accessibility testing as new content or features are added.
- Testing should align with European auditing standards—compliance is a process, not a one-time fix.
Read more: Understanding EN 301 549: Key to Digital Accessibility in the EU
Step 5: Establish an Ongoing Accessibility Strategy
- Accessibility is not a one-time project—it requires continuous effort.
- Many companies face penalties for failing to maintain compliance after an audit.
- Train designers, developers, and content teams on accessibility best practices.
- Appoint an accessibility lead or integrate accessibility into your compliance team.
- Develop an accessibility statement and public documentation to demonstrate compliance.
Step 6: Document and Prepare for Compliance Audits
- Maintain records of accessibility audits, fixes, and employee training efforts.
- Be prepared to provide evidence of accessibility improvements if audited.
- Bookmark the UsableNet EAA Compliance Resource Center for ongoing updates.
- Visit the EAA Compliance Resource Center
Executive Summary: EAA Compliance Essentials
This table provides a high-level summary of key EAA compliance insights based on the latest webinars. It is designed to help executives and decision-makers quickly understand compliance requirements, risks, and necessary actions.
| Key Aspect | Summary |
| Who Must Comply | Businesses offering digital services/products to EU consumers, including e-commerce, finance, transportation, and media. |
| Non-EU Compliance | Yes. If a business serves EU consumers, it must comply, even if it is headquartered outside the EU. |
| Regulatory Enforcement | Government agencies enforce compliance through audits and investigations; AI-powered scans may be used. |
| Examples of Penalties by Country | France: Fines up to 250,000; Ireland: Criminal penalties; Belgium & Sweden: Strict penalties. |
| Key Deadlines | June 28, 2025: Digital services must comply. June 28, 2030: Physical products (e.g., kiosks) must comply. |
| WCAG Standard | Current: WCAG 2.1 AA. Expected Update: WCAG 2.2 by September 2025. |
| Use of Automated Tools | Automated tools alone are insufficient; manual and user testing is required. |
| Applicability to Internal Systems | EAA does not cover internal employee portals; workplace accessibility laws may apply. |
| Who Can File Complaints | Government agencies, consumers, and advocacy groups can trigger investigations; private lawsuits are possible in some EU countries. |
Watch Our Webinars on-Demand
For a deeper dive into EAA compliance, watch our webinars:
- Understanding EAA Compliance: What Businesses Need to Know (March 2025)
- Navigating the European Accessibility Act (EAA) (October 2024)
Next Steps for Compliance
Do you need help with your EAA compliance roadmap? Book a consultation to ensure your digital services meet EAA requirements before June 2025.
