European Accessibility Act (EAA): what businesses need to know before 2025

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a law that will change how businesses work in the European Union. If you run a business, especially one that sells online or provides digital services, it's important to understand how the EAA will affect you.

This law was created to make things easier for people with disabilities by setting rules that all businesses must follow. This article will explain what the EAA is, how it can impact your business, and how to follow the rules while also making things better for everyone.

Understanding the European Accessibility Act

The European Accessibility Act is a rule that helps people with disabilities access products and services more easily across the EU. It is part of the EU's larger plan to support equal rights and works alongside other rules like the EU Disability Strategy.

The goal is to make the rules the same across all EU countries. This way, businesses can operate in different places without needing to worry about different laws. It helps companies focus on what they do best, instead of getting confused by complicated legal differences.

The EAA covers many products and services. This includes websites, apps, phones, computers, ATMs, banking services, e-books, ticket machines, transport booking, and online shops. Starting 28 June 2025, businesses must make sure these things can be used by everyone, no matter their abilities. That means following clear rules to remove barriers.

Not every business must follow the law in the same way. If your business is very small with fewer than 10 workers and less than €2 million yearly income, you may be exempt from these legal rules. But the EU still recommends all companies try to follow them, because it helps more people and improves products for everyone.

Key areas of impact for businesses

E-commerce and digital services

For businesses that sell online, the EAA means your website or app must be easy for everyone to use. This includes making sure people can move through the site using only a keyboard, adding text for all images, using clear and simple language, and making content easy to see and understand.

These changes can take some time and money, but they bring clear value. They make your website better for all users and help you stand out compared to other businesses that ignore accessibility.

Making your website accessible is not just about legal rules. It's a chance to grow your business. When your site is easier to use, you can reach more customers, including the 80+ million people in the EU who have a disability. This can increase your sales and help you build a loyal customer base. Plus, accessible design also helps everyone, not just people with disabilities. It leads to happier users and better overall experience. As more people care about fairness and inclusion, businesses that focus on accessibility are more likely to grow and gain trust.

Software and technology solutions

If your business builds or uses software, the EAA says those tools must be usable by everyone. You should think about this from the start when you plan and build the software. You should also make sure any tools you use from others follow the same rules.

Adding accessibility features early can save time and money. It also gives you a chance to build smarter tools that work better for more people. For example, adding things like voice commands, screen reader support, or options for bigger text makes your software easier for everyone.

To follow the law, you should look at accessibility guidelines like WCAG 2.1 for websites and EN 301 549 for devices. These are the standards that show what needs to be done.

By including these features and following the right steps, your business can stay ahead. You'll be ready for future changes and create products that help more people.

Steps to ensure compliance

Conduct an accessibility audit

Start by reviewing what your business currently offers. This means looking at your websites, apps, and other digital tools to see where you can improve accessibility. A full audit can help you spot problems and focus on what needs to be fixed to meet the 2025 deadline. It's helpful to work with experts who know the EAA and can give you a detailed view of what's missing.

Implement accessibility features

Once you know what needs improvement, the next step is to make those changes. You might need to redesign your website, update your software, or train your team to follow best practices. You may also want help from designers and developers who know how to build accessible systems.

Some fixes are simple, like adding image descriptions or fixing button contrast. Others might take more planning. Keeping your team aware and involved is also important, so that accessibility becomes part of how you work.

Stay informed and updated

Accessibility standards and tools are always changing. That’s why it helps to stay up to date. Joining groups, reading updates, or attending workshops can keep your team aware of what’s new. Regularly checking your systems and learning from others in your field can give you new ideas and help you stay compliant.

Being active in this area not only protects your business. It also shows that you care and can help you lead by being a business that puts users first.

The benefits of accessibility compliance

Enhanced user experience

Good accessibility often makes digital products better for everyone, not just people with disabilities. For example, captions help users who watch videos in noisy places. Voice commands help people when they can't use their hands. These features make things easier and improve the overall experience.

By focusing on clear design, smart layouts, and simple content, you can make your website or app more enjoyable to use. Happy users are more likely to return and share what they like with others.

Improved SEO and reach

Search engines like websites that are well-designed. Accessibility often means better structure, faster load times, and more useful content — all things that help with SEO. By improving accessibility, your site can rank higher on Google, making it easier for people to find you.

This brings more traffic, more attention, and more chances to turn visitors into customers. Better access is good for people and good for business.

Increased market share

When your products and services are accessible, you can reach more people. That includes people with disabilities, older users, families, and others who value fairness. It also shows that your brand cares about doing the right thing, which many customers respect.

Being accessible helps you build trust and grow your audience. As more people look for brands that support inclusion, you’ll be better positioned to connect with them.

Reduced legal risks

Following the EAA helps you avoid legal problems and possible fines. In some EU countries, governments can block your sales or services if you don’t follow the rules.

Following the standards shows your business is serious about quality and fairness. It also helps you avoid expensive lawsuits or damage to your reputation. Many partners, clients, and investors want to work with companies that follow the rules and support accessibility.

Challenges and considerations

While accessibility brings many benefits, it can also be a challenge. Updates take time, and you may need to invest money, especially if your systems are older or complex. It’s important to plan ahead, set clear goals, and create a budget to avoid last-minute work before the 2025 deadline.

You also need to think about how to balance design, function, and accessibility. With the right help, you can make products that look good and are easy to use for everyone.

It’s worth working with people who understand both design and accessibility. When you do, you get tools that work well, look great, and support users in all kinds of situations.

Frequently asked questions about the European Accessibility Act