As the June 22, 2025 deadline approaches, businesses across Europe must prepare for the full implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). This landmark legislation mandates that a wide range of products and services must be accessible to persons with disabilities, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and equal participation in society.
In this blog, we will explain what the EAA entails, why your business must comply, and how Sweans can help you navigate the path to accessibility compliance.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) is a comprehensive EU law designed to ensure that key products and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. It covers a range of digital and physical products, including computers, smartphones, ATMs, ticketing machines, and various online services like eCommerce and banking.
From June 2025, all businesses trading within the EU must ensure that their products and services meet the accessibility standards set by the EAA. Failure to comply can lead to significant penalties, legal action, and loss of business opportunities.
Why is Compliance Critical?
- Legal Requirements: Non-compliance can result in fines, legal actions, and even exclusion from public procurement processes. Each EU member state is required to enforce the EAA, and penalties for non-compliance can vary but are uniformly stringent across the board.
- Market Opportunity: Accessible products and services appeal to a broader audience, including nearly 87 million people in Europe who have disabilities.
- Brand Reputation: Companies that prioritise accessibility are seen as inclusive and socially responsible, which can enhance their brand reputation and customer loyalty.
What Products and Services are Covered?
The EAA primarily focuses on digital products and services, reflecting their growing importance in modern life. These include:
- Computers and Operating Systems
- Smartphones and Communication Devices
- TV Equipment
- ATMs and Payment Terminals
- E-commerce Platforms
- Banking Services
- Transportation Services (including ticketing and check-in machines)
- E-books and Audio-Visual Media
Each category must meet specific accessibility standards to be legally sold within the EU.
How to Prepare for EAA Compliance?
- Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Start with a thorough audit of your products and services to identify areas that do not meet the EAA standards. This is where Sweans can assist with our comprehensive accessibility auditing services.
- Implement Remediation Strategies: Once issues are identified, the next step is remediation. This might involve redesigning websites, updating software, or modifying hardware to ensure compliance.
- Continuous Monitoring and Updates: Accessibility is not a one-time effort. As technology evolves, so do accessibility standards. Regular updates and monitoring are essential to remain compliant.
Who Does the EAA Apply To?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is broader in scope than previous accessibility legislation, such as the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR). Unlike these earlier laws, the EAA also applies to private-sector companies. Specifically:
- Business Criteria: It applies to any business with at least 10 employees and a turnover exceeding €2 million.
- Geographical Scope: It covers any business that operates within the EU.
- Global Reach: Companies headquartered outside the EU must also comply with the EAA if they offer relevant goods or services within the EU market.
Is This Already Law?
Not quite. Although the European Accessibility Act was passed in 2019, member states are still in the process of implementing it. The directive will officially come into force on June 28, 2025.
How Is It Being Implemented?
The EAA’s implementation is decentralised, meaning each EU member state is responsible for developing its own laws and detailed regulations to comply with the Act. These national regulations must identify who is responsible for enforcing the Act, as well as the monitoring processes and penalties for non-compliance. While some countries have already begun this process, all member states must have these laws in place by June 2025.
What Are the Penalties for Not Complying with the EAA?
Non-compliance with the EAA can result in several penalties, which may vary depending on the country and the severity of the violation:
- Fines and Legal Action: Regulatory authorities in each member state may impose fines, and businesses could face legal action from individuals or advocacy groups representing people with disabilities.
- Reputational and Financial Risks: Non-compliance could damage your business’s reputation, lead to a loss of customers, and result in costly business disruptions as you work to meet EAA standards.
- Exclusion from Procurement Processes: Non-compliant businesses may be excluded from both public and private sector procurement opportunities as EAA compliance becomes a standard requirement.
Why Choose Sweans for Your Accessibility Needs?
At Sweans, we specialise in helping businesses like yours achieve full compliance with the European Accessibility Act. Our services include:
- Accessibility Audits: We perform detailed audits of your digital and physical products, pinpointing areas that require improvement to meet EAA standards.
- Remediation Services: Our team of experts will guide you through making necessary adjustments, ensuring that your products and services are accessible to all.
- Ongoing Support: We don’t just help you achieve compliance—we provide ongoing support to ensure you stay compliant as regulations and technologies evolve.
The deadline for compliance with the European Accessibility Act is fast approaching. Now is the time to take action, not just to avoid penalties, but to seize the opportunity to make your business more inclusive and competitive.
Contact Sweans today to schedule an accessibility audit and learn how we can help you achieve full compliance with the EAA. Together, we can ensure that your products and services are accessible to all, positioning your business as a leader in the European market.
Ready to start your journey to accessibility compliance? Contact us today for a free consultation and let Sweans guide you towards full compliance with the European Accessibility Act.
