The European Accessibility Act (EAA) has been legally binding since 28 June 2025 for new products and services [siteimprove.com]. Its aim is to improve the internal market for accessible products and services [commission.europa.eu]. Companies and public institutions that provide websites or digital services now face strict requirements. The good news: accessibility creates added value for everyone – people with and without disabilities [commission.europa.eu].

What is the European Accessibility Act?

The EAA is an EU directive (2019/882) designed to harmonize accessibility across Europe. Its goal is to eliminate different rules in member states so that products and services can be offered across borders [commission.europa.eu]. The directive follows the principle of “design for all”: products and digital content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust [siteimprove.com]. Apps and websites must therefore comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) [siteimprove.com].

Why this matters: about 135 million people with disabilities in the EU [siteimprove.com]. Accessible design empowers them to use services independently while expanding the market for providers.

Why this directive matters for businesses

Companies benefit in several ways when they embrace accessibility:

• Common rules reduce costs and make cross-border trade easier [commission.europa.eu]. This increases reach and opens new market opportunities.

• The EAA has been mandatory for new products and services since 28 June 2025 [siteimprove.com]. Failure to comply risks penalties and reputational damage [siteimprove.com].

• Unified requirements create competitive advantages: consumers prefer accessible offerings and reward inclusion with trust.

Which products and services are affected?

The EAA applies to products and services that are particularly important for people with disabilities and that previously faced varying national rules [commission.europa.eu]. These include [hoganlovells.com]:

• Computers and operating systems

• Self-service terminals such as ATMs, ticketing, and check-in machines

• Smartphones and certain TVs

• Electronic communications services (phone and internet)

• E-readers and e-books

• E-commerce platforms and online shops [edf-feph.org]

For websites and mobile apps, this means ensuring WCAG 2.1 compliance (e.g., alternative text, keyboard navigation, sufficient color contrast) [texthelp.com]. Payment and checkout processes must also be accessible [texthelp.com].

Timeline and transitional periods

The EU directive was adopted in 2019 and had to be transposed into national law by June 2022 [siteimprove.com]. Accessibility requirements have applied since 28 June 2025 for all new products and all services offered to consumers [accessible.org]. Products already on the market before this date have a transitional period until 28 June 2030 [accessible.org]. Self-service terminals may remain in use until the end of their economic life, up to a maximum of 20 years [accessible.org]. Businesses should use this time to adapt existing offerings.

How HeBoTek supports you

As a specialist in accessible web projects, HeBoTek has been supporting public institutions and companies for years. Our services include:

• Analysis and audits of your existing website for WCAG and EAA compliance

• Design and implementation of accessible websites and digital services

• Consulting on legal requirements and transitional periods

• Training for editorial and development teams

The European Accessibility Act is not just a legal obligation – it is also a chance to improve usability and expand your reach. Contact us to make your digital future inclusive!