EAA – European Accessibility Act

EAA- European Accessibility Act 

Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and the council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for the products and services

What are the current rules, how and when will they change? Are there exceptions?

All EU member states were required to transpose and implement the European Accessibility Act (EAA) for both private and public sector products and services into their national accessibility laws by June 28, 2025. From this date, companies must ensure that new products and services placed on the market are accessible. In the private sector, the law applies to companies with more than 10 employees and an annual turnover exceeding 2 million euros.

Which services and products are covered by the law?

Due to their growing importance for communication and economic participation, digital technologies are the focus of the European Accessibility Act. The EAA does not apply to all products but only to an exhaustive list of items:

• Specific hardware: The directive covers what is referred to as universal computing hardware systems, including operating systems. This includes classic desktop computers and end devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
• Electronic communication devices: Includes products with interactive features used for electronic communication services, such as mobile phones, tablets, modems, or routers.
• TV accessories, streamers, gaming consoles, etc.: Includes consumer devices with interactive features used to access audiovisual media services.
• E-readers: Portable reading devices must be usable by people with reading impairments, including visual impairments, e.g., by being equipped with voice output.
• Self-service terminals: Includes mainly cash machines, ticket vending machines, information kiosks, and check-in machines.

The requirements apply to both product design and functionality, but they extend beyond that. For example, the EAA specifies requirements for installation instructions and packaging. The obligations can apply to manufacturers, authorized representatives, importers, and distributors. This means that the requirements may impact companies outside the EU if they offer their products to EU consumers. In addition to design obligations, a product must, for example, bear the CE marking, and compliance must be technically documented.

Which services are affected?

• E-commerce: Covers all services provided to conclude consumer contracts in e-commerce, e.g., online sales of products or services such as booking a taxi ride via an app.
• Streaming and TV access services: Includes services that allow access to audiovisual media services, including specific accessibility features. Electronic program guides are also explicitly included.
• Telecommunications services: Covers standard voice telephony, internet telephony, and other forms of digital communication such as email, chat, or SMS.
• Consumer banking services: Includes consumer credit agreements, services related to financial instruments, payment services, payment accounts, and e-money.
• E-books and related software: E-books and e-book software are included in the services.
• Websites, applications, documents, mobile services, e-tickets, and all transport-related information: Applies to websites, apps, e-tickets, and ticketing services. Travel information and interactive self-service terminals, as well as accessibility information about transportation means and surrounding infrastructure (elevators, ramps, etc.), must also be accessible.

Enforcement and Sanctions

As part of the law, EU member states are required to set effective, proportionate, and dissuasive sanctions. In many member states, competitors or consumer protection organizations can issue warnings for violations. Enforcement measures go beyond traditional fines and include product recalls and bans, as well as deterrent sanctions. From June 28, 2025, customers will be able to file complaints before courts or national authorities if services or products do not comply with the new rules.

What are the common accessibility requirements in the law?

The European Accessibility Act specifies product and service features that must be accessible to people with disabilities. The law uses functional EU accessibility requirements. Importantly, this EU law does not specify a technical standard like WCAG to ensure compliance but provides only general guidelines (Annex I) and examples (Annex II), allowing room for innovation and flexibility. Therefore, it is essential to check each EU country’s national accessibility laws separately.

• General requirements reference: Annex I – European Accessibility Act
• Examples reference: Annex II – European Accessibility Act

For example, regarding websites, the requirement is to comply with WCAG’s fundamental principles only: “Making websites accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception, operation, and understanding, including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction, where necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at Union and international level.” Examples of legal requirements and non-binding examples for implementation:

What are the exceptions?

Despite the comprehensive requirements, some exceptions apply. First, specific website and application content, such as mapping services or certain archives, are excluded. Additional specific exemptions:

• Micro-organizations with up to 10 employees (applies to services, partial exemption for products); however, all micro-enterprises are encouraged to make their products and services accessible.
• If compliance would lead to a “fundamental alteration” of the product or service.
• If compliance imposes a disproportionate economic burden (based on a cost-benefit test specified in the EAA).
• Existing service contracts signed before the implementation date may continue unchanged.

Link to the EAA directive –https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudr/2019/882?view=plain