With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) deadline of June 2025, businesses must ensure that their digital services are accessible. Whether you’re based inside or outside the EU, compliance is mandatory if you serve EU customers.
The EAA applies to various industries, from e-commerce and telecommunications to transportation and banking. Non-compliance risks vary by country, with some enforcing strict penalties like turnover-based fines or prison sentences. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to align with EAA requirements while staying efficient.
1. Understand the Scope of the EAA
The EAA aims to harmonize accessibility requirements across the EU, covering products and services like e-commerce, e-books, and video streaming platforms. Even without a physical presence there, businesses offering these services in the EU must comply.
The EAA applies to organizations offering services in the EU, regardless of location. However, enforcement varies by member state. For example, Ireland imposes stricter penalties, such as turnover-based fines or prison sentences for severe breaches, while other countries may take a more lenient approach. Determining which member state’s rules apply to your business is critical for avoiding compliance risks.
It’s also important to scope your products and services accurately. The EAA applies to e-commerce websites, digital kiosks, and even partial web services embedded in software. Misunderstanding what falls under the directive could lead to oversights.
2. Balance Automation with Manual Testing
Automated tools can help identify basic accessibility issues but don’t provide a complete picture.
Manual testing remains essential for meeting EN 301 549 standards, as automation alone cannot fully validate any WCAG success criteria. Testing with individuals who have disabilities adds invaluable insights and ensures real-world accessibility.
Additionally, businesses using third-party vendors should request VPATs (Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates) to confirm compliance levels and ensure accountability for outsourced work.
3. Embed Accessibility into Your Development Lifecycle
Accessibility isn’t a final check—it needs to be part of every stage of development.
Embedding accessibility into each phase—design, development, testing, and release—avoids expensive retrofits and ensures initial compliance. For instance, accessibility plans mandated in countries like Italy and France encourage accountability and team alignment.
4. Create a Long-Term Accessibility Roadmap
Compliance with the EAA doesn’t stop at meeting the June 2025 deadline.
Upcoming updates to WCAG guidelines, focusing on cognitive and motor disabilities, will likely require ongoing adjustments to stay compliant. A long-term roadmap that includes regular audits, prioritization strategies, and continuous monitoring ensures that accessibility becomes part of your operations.
Why Compliance Matters
The EAA isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about creating inclusive digital experiences.
Built on POUR principles (Perceivability, Operability, Understandability, and Robustness), the EAA is designed to adapt to evolving technology and consumer needs. Businesses prioritizing accessibility can reduce legal risk, connect with a broader audience, and build trust.
The June 2025 deadline is fast approaching.
Watch the on-demand webinar on EAA compliance to learn more about the EAA, practical steps for compliance, and strategies to future-proof your digital accessibility
