Summary: What Is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a European Union directive that requires certain products and services sold or used in the EU to be accessible to people with disabilities. Its aim is to improve the daily lives of millions by removing barriers to digital and physical access. Businesses offering covered services in the EU must comply by June 28, 2025, unless exempt as microenterprises.
What Is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) is a law passed by the European Union to harmonize accessibility requirements across member states. Its goal is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to key digital and physical services and products within the EU single market.
The EAA sets minimum accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services, particularly those with digital interfaces. This aligns with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the EU has ratified.
Products and Services Covered
The EAA applies to the design, manufacture, and provision of the following:
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E-commerce services
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Banking services (ATMs, banking apps)
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Telecommunications (smartphones, call centers)
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Ticketing and check-in machines
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E-books and e-readers
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Computer hardware and operating systems
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Audiovisual media services (streaming platforms, TV apps)
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Transport services (websites and apps for air, rail, bus, etc.)
Accessibility Requirements
To comply, services and products must meet standards that ensure they are:
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Perceivable (clear layout, alt text, contrast)
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Operable (keyboard navigation, input methods)
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Understandable (plain language, consistent interface)
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Robust (compatible with assistive technologies)
These principles are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA for digital content.
Who Must Comply
Businesses must comply if:
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They operate in or sell services/products within the EU.
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Their offerings fall under the EAA’s scope.
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They are not classified as microenterprises, meaning:
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Fewer than 10 employees, and
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Annual turnover or balance sheet total of €2 million or less
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Even for exempt microenterprises, accessibility is encouraged for legal, ethical, and business reasons.
Timeline
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2019 | Directive adopted by the EU |
| June 28, 2022 | Transposition deadline for member states |
| June 28, 2025 | Compliance becomes mandatory |
Penalties and Enforcement
Each EU member state enforces the EAA through national legislation. Non-compliance may lead to:
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Fines
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Market access restrictions
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Legal complaints or litigation
