1. What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is EU legislation that establishes accessibility requirements for products and services across the European Union. It aims to improve the functioning of the internal market for accessible products and services by removing barriers created by divergent national rules.
🇪🇺 EAA Key Facts
- • Directive: (EU) 2019/882
- • Enforcement Date: June 28, 2025
- • Scope: Products and services sold in the EU
- • Standard: EN 301 549 (based on WCAG 2.1 AA)
- • Applies to: All EU member states
Why the EAA Matters for SMEs
The EAA represents a significant shift in European digital accessibility requirements. Unlike previous directives that focused mainly on public sector websites, the EAA extends accessibility requirements to private sector digital services, directly impacting SMEs across Europe.
✅ Benefits for SMEs
- • Expanded market reach
- • Improved user experience
- • Enhanced brand reputation
- • Legal compliance assurance
- • Innovation opportunities
- • Competitive advantage
⚠️ Compliance Challenges
- • Technical implementation costs
- • Staff training requirements
- • Ongoing maintenance needs
- • Potential penalties for non-compliance
- • Complex regulatory landscape
- • Resource allocation challenges
2. Who Must Comply with the EAA?
The EAA applies to economic operators (manufacturers, importers, distributors, and service providers) who place covered products on the EU market or provide covered services in the EU, regardless of where the company is established.
🏢 SME Definition and Implications
The EAA generally applies to all businesses, but provides specific considerations for SMEs:
- • Micro-enterprises: <10 employees, <€2M turnover
- • Small enterprises: <50 employees, <€10M turnover
- • Medium enterprises: <250 employees, <€50M turnover
- • Special provisions: Potential proportionality considerations
Business Types Affected
🚨 Definitely Covered
- • E-commerce businesses
- • Digital banking services
- • Online booking platforms
- • Streaming services
- • Digital communication providers
- • Electronic payment services
⚠️ Likely Covered
- • SaaS providers
- • Online marketplaces
- • Digital content platforms
- • Cloud storage services
- • Online collaboration tools
- • Digital learning platforms
✅ Potentially Exempt
- • Micro-enterprises (under review)
- • Pure content providers
- • Internal business systems
- • Non-commercial websites
- • Archive or library systems
- • Specialized B2B tools
📋 Need Assessment
- • Mixed business models
- • Partial digital services
- • Platform aggregators
- • International operations
- • Subsidiary businesses
- • Franchise operations
3. Covered Digital Services Under EAA
The EAA specifically covers certain digital services that are essential for participation in economic and social life. Understanding which services are covered is crucial for determining your compliance obligations.
💳 Electronic Commerce Services
Covered Activities
- • Online product sales
- • Service bookings
- • Digital marketplaces
- • Subscription services
- • Digital downloads
Key Requirements
- • Accessible checkout process
- • Product information accessibility
- • Search functionality
- • Customer service interfaces
- • Order management systems
🏦 Electronic Banking Services
Covered Activities
- • Online banking platforms
- • Mobile banking apps
- • Digital payment services
- • Investment platforms
- • Insurance services
Key Requirements
- • Secure authentication
- • Transaction accessibility
- • Account management
- • Customer support
- • Financial information access
🚌 Transport Services
Covered Activities
- • Ticket booking systems
- • Journey planning tools
- • Real-time information
- • Mobile transport apps
- • Booking platforms
Key Requirements
- • Accessible booking process
- • Schedule information
- • Route planning accessibility
- • Mobile interface compliance
- • Customer service access
4. Technical Requirements: EN 301 549
The EAA references the harmonized European Standard EN 301 549, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements. This means compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA (or preferably WCAG 2.2 AA) ensures EAA compliance.
📋 EN 301 549 Overview
- • Full Title: Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services
- • Web Content: Incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- • Mobile Apps: Specific requirements for mobile applications
- • Documentation: Accessibility documentation requirements
- • Support: Technical support accessibility requirements
Core Accessibility Requirements
🌐 Web Content (WCAG 2.1 AA)
- • Perceivable content
- • Operable interface
- • Understandable information
- • Robust technical implementation
- • 50 success criteria total
📱 Mobile Applications
- • Platform-specific requirements
- • Touch interface accessibility
- • Screen reader compatibility
- • Gesture alternatives
- • Voice control support
📋 Documentation
- • Accessibility features documentation
- • User instructions
- • Compatibility information
- • Support contact details
- • Conformance statements
🛠️ Technical Support
- • Accessible support channels
- • Multiple communication methods
- • Reasonable response times
- • Qualified support staff
- • Accessible feedback mechanisms
5. Implementation Timeline and Deadlines
The EAA has specific deadlines that all covered businesses must meet. Planning your implementation schedule is crucial for ensuring compliance by the mandatory deadlines.
🚨 Critical Deadlines
June 28, 2025
All covered digital services must be fully compliant with EAA requirements. No grace period or extensions available.
June 28, 2030
Services used by consumers but contracted before June 28, 2025, must be compliant by this date.
📅 Recommended Implementation Schedule
6. EAA Compliance Steps for SMEs
Achieving EAA compliance requires systematic planning and implementation. Follow these steps to ensure your digital services meet all requirements by the June 2025 deadline.
1️⃣ Assessment and Planning
Scope Assessment
- • Identify covered services
- • Assess current accessibility level
- • Determine compliance gaps
- • Estimate implementation effort
Resource Planning
- • Budget allocation
- • Staff training needs
- • External expertise requirements
- • Timeline development
2️⃣ Technical Implementation
Core Accessibility
- • WCAG 2.1 AA compliance
- • Keyboard navigation
- • Screen reader support
- • Color contrast compliance
Enhanced Features
- • Alternative input methods
- • Customizable interfaces
- • Multi-format content
- • Accessible customer support
3️⃣ Testing and Validation
Technical Testing
- • Automated accessibility scans
- • Manual testing procedures
- • Assistive technology testing
- • Cross-platform validation
User Testing
- • Testing with disabled users
- • Usability assessments
- • Feedback collection
- • Iterative improvements
7. Penalties and Enforcement
EU member states are required to establish effective, proportionate, and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance with the EAA. While specific penalties vary by country, the consequences of non-compliance can be significant.
⚖️ Potential Consequences
Financial Penalties
- • Fines up to 4% of annual turnover
- • Daily penalties for continued non-compliance
- • Administrative fees and costs
Business Impact
- • Market access restrictions
- • Mandatory service suspension
- • Public compliance orders
Legal Consequences
- • Civil liability claims
- • Discrimination lawsuits
- • Regulatory investigations
Reputational Damage
- • Public enforcement actions
- • Negative media coverage
- • Customer trust loss
Prepare for EAA Compliance Now
Don't wait until the June 2025 deadline. Start your EAA compliance journey today with our comprehensive scanner and get detailed guidance for European SMEs.