In many countries, it is a requirement for government websites to be accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. However, starting from June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will be enforced within the European Union member states.
This EU directive drafted by the European commission extends its scope to include for example e-commerce platforms, including webshops. This means that if you have a webshop, you will need to ensure its compliance with the accessibility guidelines outlined in the EAA.
Almost 20% of the European population has a physical or mental disability. No less than 135 million people in the European Union cannot use all digital services at the moment, simply because these services are not usable when you have impairments. The international law on digital accessibility should ensure that more people in Europe have access to online services and products.
Adding accessibility features to your digital products improves overall user experience and satisfaction.
Does the European Accessibility Act apply to my company?
The EAA will apply to many websites, maybe yours too. The EAA covers the following products and services.
Products:
- Computers and operating systems
- Smartphones and other communication devices
- TV equipment related to digital television services
- ATMs and payment terminals (e.g., card payment machines in supermarkets)
- E-readers
- Ticketing and check-in machines
Services:
- Phone services
- Banking services
- E-commerce
- Websites, mobile services, electronic tickets and all sources of information for air, bus, rail and waterborne transport services
- E-books
- Access to Audio-visual media services (AVMS)
- Calls to the European emergency number 112
From June 2025 on the EAA must be enforced within the EU member states. That means that people with disabilities, any disability, can shop online like any user. For this, the platform, app, website or webshop must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) guidelines level AA.
While there is no specific mention of accessibility requirements in the legislation, these guidelines are the go-to accessibility standards for the industry.
However, an exception is made for smaller companies and micro enterprises. These are companies with a turnover of less than 2 million euros per year and fewer than 10 employees.
Be prepared for the EAA and take action now!
As an entrepreneur, you officially have the time until June 2025 to make your website or webshop digitally accessible. This may seem a long way off, but don’t underestimate how much work needs to be done to comply with this legislation.
We advise you to take action now. Why wait for legislation if you can already offer so many people a better experience by making your webshop accessible to them?
It’s not only “a nice thing to do”, it’s also commercially smart to serve this target group as well! An accessible website quickly converts 15% more. In addition, digital accessibility optimization has a direct positive effect on your findability with search engines.
Non-compliance with accessibility legislation can be fined according to national laws. The violating digital service can also be ordered to fix any outstanding accessibility issues within a given time frame.
Let us help you
Do you want to know the state of accessibility of your current website and ensure EAA compliance? Do you want to start building a new accessible website right away? Please contact us, we are happy to help you!
Do you need web accessibility training for you and your team? At The A11Y Collective we offer online courses web accessibility for everyone involved in creating an accessible web project
