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What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

Starting in June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into force. This European law requires companies to make their digital products and services accessible to people with disabilities. But what exactly does the EAA entail? And what does it mean for your organization or company? In this article, we explain it clearly.

What is the European Accessibility Act?

The European Accessibility Act is a European directive. The purpose of this act is to make digital products and services throughout the European Union more accessible to people with disabilities.

The EAA was passed by the European Parliament in 2019. All member states had to transpose it into national law by June 2022. In the Netherlands, this has now been done. The rules will take effect on June 28, 2025.

Why is the EAA important?

In Europe, it is estimated that more than 80 million people have disabilities. Think of people who:

  • are blind or visually impaired,
  • are deaf or hard of hearing,
  • have difficulty moving,
  • or have a cognitive impairment.

They often encounter barriers when they want to use websites, apps, vending machines or other digital services. The EAA wants to do something about that.

By mandating digital accessibility, the EAA ensures:

  • more equal opportunities,
  • better service,
  • and more inclusion.

It also helps businesses reach more people, including the elderly and those with temporary disabilities.

Who does the EAA apply to?

The EAA applies to commercial companies and organizations offering certain digital products or services in the European Union. These include:

  • Web shops and e-commerce platforms
  • Mobile apps
  • Digital books (e-books)
  • ATMs and ticket machines
  • Electronic communication (such as telephony and chat)
  • Banking Services
  • Transportation services (such as booking apps or public transport vending machines)
  • Television broadcasting and streaming services

Government organizations are not covered by this law because they already have to comply with the Dutch Digital Government Act.

Note that the law also applies to suppliers and manufacturers of the services and products mentioned. So not only to the end provider.

What exactly will be required?

Companies must ensure that their products and services are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes:

  • Websites and apps must comply with WCAG 2.1 level AA.
  • Users must be able to read, hear or operate digital information, even with assistive technology.
  • Products such as vending machines should have clear controls and instructions.
  • There should be alternatives to visual or auditory information (e.g., text for videos or speech for visual notifications).

In addition, companies must provide information on:

  • the accessibility features of their product or service,
  • How users can report problems,
  • and how to file a complaint.

What if you don't comply?

As of June 2025, companies can be fined or otherwise sanctioned if they fail to comply with the EAA. In the Netherlands, the Authority Consumer & Market (ACM) oversees compliance.

Consumers and interest groups can also file complaints or file lawsuits.

But it's not just about the rules. If you're not accessible, you're also missing out on customers. An inaccessible website or app creates frustration, exclusion and missed sales.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes, small businesses can be exempted. This applies to:

  • micro-enterprises, or companies with fewer than 10 employees and annual sales under 2 million euros.

Yet it's often still smart for these small businesses to work voluntarily accessible. Because:

  • accessibility improves usability for everyone,
  • you extend your reach,
  • and you show that you are socially responsible.

Moreover, many small businesses are growing, and then the EAA may still apply.

What can you do right now?

It makes sense to start working on digital accessibility now. That way you avoid stress, fines or costly adjustments later. Here's what you can do:

1. Inform your team

Make sure designers, developers, marketers and content creators know what the EAA is and why it is important.

2. Check your website or app

Use a quick tool such as WAVE or have a manual accessibility audit done.

3. Start with the basics

Provide good structure, sufficient contrast, clear text and alternative text for images.

4. Work with WCAG 2.1

This is the standard on which the EAA relies. Build new projects immediately according to this guideline.

5. Keep documentation

Document what accessibility measures you have taken. This helps in case of questions or complaints later.

How is it different from other laws?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is not the only law that says something about digital accessibility. In the Netherlands and Europe, there are several laws that complement each other. Below we explain the difference.

First, there is the Digital Government Act. This Dutch law applies only to government organizations, such as municipalities, ministries, water boards and public institutions. They are required to make their websites and apps accessible according to the guidelines of WCAG 2.1 level AA. This already applies since 2020 for websites and since 2021 for apps.

In addition, there is the European Accessibility Act. This European law focuses precisely on the commercial market. Think of banks, transport companies, telecom providers, e-commerce platforms and app developers. The EAA requires these companies to make their digital products and services accessible to people with disabilities.

Finally, there is the General Data Protection Regulation (AVG). This privacy law applies to all organizations and companies that process personal data. Accessibility also plays a role here. For example, people must be able to adjust their privacy settings even if they have a disability. So the AVG also indirectly sets requirements for digital accessibility, especially when it comes to ease of use and accessibility of privacy functions.

In short, the Digital Government Act is for governments, the EAA is for commercial providers, and the AVG is for everyone. The EAA aligns well with these existing laws, but for the first time places emphasis on accessibility within the business community.

Summary

  • The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a European law on digital accessibility.
  • The law goes into effect June 28, 2025.
  • It requires companies to make their digital products and services accessible.
  • Think webshops, apps, e-books, vending machines and banking services.
  • It applies to companies across the EU.
  • Small businesses can sometimes get an exemption.
  • Accessibility is becoming a mandatory quality requirement for many products and services.

Want help with digital accessibility?

Through Eclusive you can find:

  • accessibility advice,
  • manual audits,
  • and support in applying WCAG and EAA guidelines.

Contact us for a free introductory consultation, or read more in our knowledge base:

  • What is digital accessibility?
  • What is the WCAG?
  • How do you apply digital accessibility?