The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a directive from the European Union designed to harmonize accessibility requirements for various products and services across the EU. It aims to improve the functioning of the internal market for accessible products and services.
Who Does the EAA Apply To?
- The EAA applies to a wide range of digital products and services, including computers, smartphones, banking services, e-commerce websites, and e-books.
- It primarily impacts private companies operating within the EU. While it doesn’t apply to all websites (e.g., some NGO websites might be exempt), it is critical for any business selling products or services online to EU customers.
- The deadline for EU member states to implement the EAA into their national laws was June 28, 2022, with the requirements set to be enforced from June 28, 2025.
Key Requirements:
- Websites and mobile applications covered by the act must be accessible.
- While the EAA doesn’t explicitly mention WCAG, conforming to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is widely considered the best method to meet the EAA’s requirements.
- Businesses must provide accessible information about their products and services, including how to use them.
If you operate an e-commerce site or provide digital services to customers in the EU, you must ensure your website complies with these accessibility standards to avoid penalties and serve all your customers effectively.
