The European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force in June 2025. If you do business in the EU, you need to be aware of its requirements.
What is the EAA?
The EAA is an EU directive that sets accessibility requirements for products and services, including websites and mobile apps. It aims to make products and services more accessible to people with disabilities.
Who does it apply to?
The EAA applies to businesses providing services to EU consumers, including:
- E-commerce websites
- Banking and financial services
- E-books and e-readers
- Transport services
- Telecommunications
What are the requirements?
Websites and apps must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust—the WCAG 2.1 AA standard. This includes:
- Text alternatives for images
- Keyboard accessibility
- Sufficient colour contrast
- Clear navigation
- Accessible forms
What should you do?
If you sell to EU customers, audit your website for accessibility issues now. Address any problems before June 2025. This is also good practice regardless of legal requirements—accessible websites work better for everyone.