The European Accessibility Act (EAA) has been enforceable since June 28, 2025. Companies offering digital products or services to consumers in the European Union, including e-commerce platforms, banks, travel providers, and streaming services, must meet accessibility requirements or face serious consequences.
At UsableNet, we’ve spent 25 years helping organizations implement accessibility at scale. Today, we support global brands in maintaining EAA compliance and building long-term accessibility programs that meet regulatory expectations and deliver better user experiences.
Book a 15-minute consultation to review your EAA strategy
What the EAA Requires
The EAA sets clear expectations for the technical accessibility of digital products and the internal processes companies use to maintain accessibility over time.
To comply, organizations must:
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Meet the requirements of EN 301 549, which aligns with WCAG 2.1 Level AA and is expected to reflect WCAG 2.2 soon.
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Implement ongoing testing, remediation, and usability reviews, not just one-time evaluations.
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Maintain internal accessibility policies and public-facing statements demonstrating planning, accountability, and responsiveness.
Digital accessibility must be built into teams' work and supported by documentation, expert review, and continuous improvement.
What’s at Stake
The EAA is enforced by national regulators across EU member states. Penalties for noncompliance may include:
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Regulatory fines
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Removal from the European market
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Disqualification from public procurement
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Reputational harm that impacts brand perception
Companies cannot delay or rely on last-minute fixes in this area. Unlike lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, enforcement under the EAA is regulatory. Companies must prove their accessibility efforts through documentation and demonstrable results.
Common Questions from Digital Teams
Many organizations are evaluating what the EAA requires now that enforcement is active. Some of the most common questions we hear include:
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“Do our existing WCAG audits meet the EAA’s expectations?”
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“What documentation do we need to provide to regulators?”
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“Can automation alone cover our testing requirements?”
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“What should our internal accessibility policy and statement include?”
You are not alone if your team is unsure how to scale existing efforts. With the right strategy in place, you can maintain compliance over time.
Insights from the EAA Webinar Series
To support global compliance, UsableNet hosted three webinars each focused on different aspects of EAA compliance:
1. EAA Legal Update
Presented in partnership with Reed Smith, this session explained how enforcement will vary across EU countries, clarified which organizations fall under the EAA, and outlined steps non-EU companies should take to ensure compliance.
2. Building an Accessibility Testing Program
This session, led by Michele Lucchini and Giacomo Petri, covered the components of a strong testing program. Topics included how to balance automation with manual review, how to embed testing into development lifecycles, and how to track remediation over time.
3. Accessibility Policies and Statements
In the final session, Michele Lucchini and Jeff Adams outlined the requirements for internal policies and public-facing accessibility statements. They also addressed country-specific differences, such as in Italy and France, and shared practical tips for keeping documentation accurate, visible, and current.
You can access the webinars here: Explore the EAA Webinar Series
Why Testing and Process Matter
“Automation plays an important role, but it has real limits,” said Giacomo Petri, Director of Accessibility Auditors at UsableNet.
“Over 70 percent of WCAG success criteria require human judgment. That’s why enterprise teams need a strategy that prioritizes experts being in control while being assisted by automation and AI.”
“The European Accessibility Act places equal weight on having accessible digital products and proving that sustainable processes are in place to maintain accessibility,” said Michele Lucchini, Vice President of Product Management at UsableNet.
“It’s not enough to pass a test once. It must become part of how teams work.”
How UsableNet Helps
UsableNet works with enterprise teams at all stages of accessibility maturity. For companies maintaining EAA compliance, we provide:
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Accessibility testing programs aligned with EN 301 549
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Manual audits, usability testing, and remediation support
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Documentation and guidance for internal policies and public-facing statements
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Platform tools and expert services to embed accessibility into workflows and demonstrate compliance
We also recently led a session at Accessibility Days, Italy’s largest digital inclusion event, offering practical advice on sustainable testing strategies and process implementation.
EAA Compliance in Practice — and What it Requires Now
If your organization is refining or scaling its EAA efforts, a structured and documented approach is essential. Compliance now requires more than passing a scan. It depends on expert testing, documented effort, and inclusive design that lasts.
“The European Accessibility Act 2025 is a crucial step toward building a digital world where everyone has equal access,” said Michele Lucchini, Vice President of Product Management at UsableNet.
“At UsableNet, we believe accessibility is about creating experiences that are inclusive, user-friendly, and designed for real people. As the deadline approaches, our team is here to help businesses navigate compliance confidently, providing the tools, expertise, and human-centered insights needed to achieve meaningful and sustainable accessibility that benefits companies and their customers.”
Explore UsableNet’s EAA Resources
Need Clarity on your Compliance Status? Let’s Talk
If your team is unsure whether your accessibility efforts meet the EAA’s expectations, or you need to validate your process, UsableNet can help.
We offer expert-led assessments, testing programs, and support designed to help your organization meet EN 301 549 requirements and demonstrate enforcement with confidence.
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