A major change in accessibility regulations is coming soon to the European Union, and it will have a big impact on US companies who do business there.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is set to come into effect on June 28, 2025. The EAA will enhance accessibility across industries within the EU with expanded measures including captions, audio descriptions, braille, sign language and a slew of digital accessibility requirements.
While the directive is based in the EU, it will apply to almost all companies that do business within the union. So, if your business is based in the US but provides a product or service to European customers, you are subject to EAA requirements as well as penalties for non-compliance.
This guide provides an overview of the EAA. It explains if and how your business will be impacted and provides some helpful steps for ensuring compliance.
To learn more about the specific EAA regulations that will affect your business, schedule a free EAA consultation with Wolfestone Group. We specialize in accessibility compliance for businesses, and we can help you develop a checklist to meet EAA standards by the deadline of June 28, 2025.
What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The European Accessibility Act is an EU directive designed to create a more inclusive society by ensuring that products and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The EU is home to about 135 million residents with disabilities, and it has not had the best track record regarding accessibility. This directive is aimed at modernizing Europe’s accessibility standards to better serve its citizens.
The EAA requires that most consumer-focused products and services meet specific accessibility criteria, allowing individuals with disabilities to use them without barriers. A great deal of the directive focuses on web and digital accessibility, so almost every business with a website or social media presence in the EU will need to update its media accessibility.
Each member state is responsible for implementing these standards into national law. This means that while all states must meet the baseline standards of the EAA, some countries may choose to impose stricter accessibility requirements.
Individual nations are also responsible for enforcement, meaning the consequences for non-compliance will also vary per country.
Businesses must stay informed about local regulations to ensure full compliance.
Which Businesses Will Be Affected?
According to the EAA directive, its accessibility standards apply to “any natural or legal person who provides a service on the Union market or makes offers to provide such a service to consumers in the Union.”
Simply put, the EAA applies to any business that offers products or services to consumers within the EU, regardless of where the business is based.
This means that US companies with operations in the EU or those providing services to European consumers—such as websites or apps—must comply with the EAA.
The EAA predominantly affects online services, but some physical services will also be affected, such as transport and banking (accessible busses, trains, ATMs, etc.).
Some of the most affected industries include:
- Websites and E-Commerce
- Ticket Sales
- Mobile phones and Apps
- Digital Television and Streaming
- Telecom Services
- Transport Services
- Banking
- Audio/Visual Content
Most US companies doing business in the EU will need to make changes to ensure their offerings meet accessibility standards, regardless of industry.
The required changes will vary by business, but most US firms should focus on updating their web accessibility by adding or improving alt-text, mouse-free navigation, captions, SDH subtitles and audio descriptions.
Are Any Businesses Exempt?
The EAA provides exemptions for microenterprises—businesses with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet not exceeding €2 million.
Additionally, businesses may be exempt if complying with the EAA would impose a significant burden or fundamentally alter the nature of their product or service. These exemptions are subject to interpretation so businesses should consult legal counsel to understand their obligations.
Businesses should also be aware that the EAA applies to a firm’s services, but not necessarily the products that it offers. For example, a retail app would need to comply with EAA regulations, but the products available for sale on the app would not.
How to Comply with the EAA
Businesses must be proactive in adapting their products and services to meet the EAA’s accessibility criteria. Those exact criteria will depend on your business and where you operate.
However, there are some key steps you can take to help ensure compliance.
- Review the EAA Guidelines: Businesses should thoroughly review the EAA directive to understand what is expected of their products and services. For a quick look, skip to Annex 1 for detailed guidelines and a list of accessibility features.
- Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Perform an audit of your current products and services to identify areas that may not meet the EAA’s accessibility standards. Make sure this includes a comprehensive evaluation of your website and digital content.
- Update Products and Services: Based on the audit findings, update your offerings to ensure they are accessible to all users. This could include adding features such as alt-text, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility.
- Consult with Experts: Compliance with the EAA can be complex, especially given the variations in national regulations across the EU. Consulting with experts, such as those at Wolfestone Group, can help your business navigate the red tape and implement the necessary changes.
- Monitor Ongoing Compliance: Establish procedures to maintain compliance with the EAA over time. This includes regularly reviewing and updating products and services to ensure ongoing accessibility and avoid penalties.
What are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
The penalties for non-compliance with the EAA vary depending on the member state. Each country is responsible for setting its enforcement measures, which can include fines, sanctions, or other penalties.
In some cases, non-compliance could result in criminal charges, depending on the severity of the violation and the specific laws of the member state. Businesses must understand the local legal regulations where they operate and ensure that their products and services comply.
The deadline for transcribing the EAA into law in each EU nation was June 28, 2022. While not all nations have met that deadline, it is currently possible to access most states’ accessibility laws and penalties.
Prepare for the European Accessibility Act with Wolfestone Group
The European Accessibility Act will impact US businesses operating in the European market. Only a short time remains before the act comes into effect, yet many businesses have not prepared.
With the compliance deadline set for June 28, 2025, US businesses must act now to ensure their products and services meet the required accessibility standards. Because penalties for non-compliance are issued by individual nations, companies that fail to update their accessibility measures could find themselves facing legal challenges from multiple states at once.
But the news isn’t all bad. Updating your accessibility will also improve your reach to over 135M European residents who will have better access to your products and services. Updating your website, apps, social media content and more with high-quality accessibility features can grant you a competitive advantage as other businesses drag their feet.
For businesses seeking assistance with compliance, Wolfestone Group offers expert guidance and support to help navigate the complexities of the EAA. We’ve specialized in accessibility in the European market for nearly two decades, and our compliance team has assisted numerous US businesses across various industries to meet EAA compliance requirements.
Let us help you improve the reach of your business while making the world a more inclusive place for all consumers. Contact Wolfestone today to schedule your free EAA accessibility consultation.
