The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a directive of the European Union (EU) which took effect in April 2019. This directive aims to improve the trade between members of the EU for accessible products and services, by removing country-specific rules. Businesses benefit from having a common set of rules within the EU, which should facilitate easier cross-border trade. It should also allow a greater market for companies providing accessible products and services.

Persons with disabilities Disability is the experience of any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or have equitable access within a given society. Disabilities may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, ...

and elderly people will benefit from having more accessible products and services in the market. An increased market size should produce more competitive prices. There should be fewer barriers within the EU and more job opportunities as well. Originally proposed in 2011, this act was built to complement the EU's

Web Accessibility Directive The Directive on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications also known as Directive (EU) 2016/2102 was adopted by the European Union (EU) in 2016. This Directive applies to public sector organizations of member states of the European ...

which targets the public sector and became law in 2016. It also reflects the obligations of the UN's

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international human rights instrument, international human rights multilateral treaty, treaty of the United Nations intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with Disabil ...

. It includes a wide range of systems including personal devices such as computers,

smartphone A smartphone is a mobile phone with advanced computing capabilities. It typically has a touchscreen interface, allowing users to access a wide range of applications and services, such as web browsing, email, and social media, as well as multi ...

e-books An ebook (short for electronic book), also spelled as e-book or eBook, is a book publication made available in electronic form, consisting of text, images, or both, readable on the flat-panel display of computers or other electronic devices. A ...

, and TVs, as well as public services like television broadcast, automated teller machine (ATMs), ticketing machines, public transport services, banking services, and

e-commerce E-commerce (electronic commerce) refers to commercial activities including the electronic buying or selling products and services which are conducted on online platforms or over the Internet. E-commerce draws on technologies such as mobile co ...

sites. The laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive have to be adopted and published by the

member states A member state is a state that is a member of an international organization or of a federation or confederation. Since the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) include some members that are not sovereign states ...

by 28 June 2022. Three years later, in 2025, the requirements of the European Accessibility Act must have been implemented.

Compliance deadline (2025)

By 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will require a wide range of digital products and services—websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, ATMs, transport services, and more—to be accessible to people with disabilities across the EU. The goal? A unified standard that removes market barriers, increases inclusivity, and opens opportunities for businesses to reach a broader audience. Devices like smartphones, TVs, and e-readers must be accessible by design. Services must offer accessible interfaces, support, and information formats. While microenterprises (under 10 employees or €2M turnover) are exempt, accessibility is fast becoming a competitive edge and a brand expectation—not just a compliance box. The European policy of applying " Design for all" principles on digital technology led to the creation of the European Harmonized Accessibility Standards

EN 301 549 EN 301 549 is a European standard that specifies accessibility requirements for information and communications technology (ICT) products and services. The standard sets guidelines for digital accessibility, including for people with disabilitie ...

which defines "Accessibility requirements suitable for public procurement of ICT products and services in Europe".

Key Requirements

The EAA outlines general accessibility standards for all products and services within its scope with additional requirements for specific products and services. For products, businesses must: * Design products to maximise usability for individuals with disabilities; * Provide accessible instructions for use and maintenance; * Ensure packaging and support services are accessible; For services, requirements include: * Ensuring websites and mobile apps are accessible; * Providing information on service features in accessible formats; * Offering customer support systems that cater to people with disabilities; These standards aim to improve usability and foster inclusivity across the EU.

External links

European Accessibility Act: A Big Step On A Long Journey

EU Web Accessibility Compliance and Legislation

ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES / 2015-12

All set for design for all! An update on the European Accessibility Act

Video by the European Commission explaining the benefits and background of the EAA

Lainey Feingold's Global Law and Policy: Europe

* ttps://www.tpgi.com/whats-the-difference-between-wcag-the-eaa-and-en-301-549/ TPGi's What’s the Difference Between WCAG, the EAA, and EN 301 549*

References

{{Reflist 2019 in Europe 2019 in law Disability legislation Accessibility European Union directives Accessible procurement

Compliance deadline (2025)

Key Requirements

See also

External links

References