The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is reshaping the way businesses approach accessibility in the EU. Designed to improve inclusivity for persons with disabilities and older individuals, the EAA harmonizes accessibility requirements across member states, ensuring that products and services are operable, perceivable, understandable, and robust.

Key Deadlines

June 28, 2025: New products and services must comply with EAA standards.

June 28, 2030: All existing products and services must meet compliance requirements.

Who Needs to Comply?

The EAA applies to businesses operating in or selling to EU consumers. This includes:

EU-based companies with at least 10 staff and €2 million annual turnover.

Non-EU businesses offering goods or services accessible to EU consumers.

Sectors Covered

The EAA impacts a broad range of industries, including banking, transportation, e-commerce, telecommunications, and media. Compliance ensures accessibility for ATMs, ticketing machines, mobile apps, websites, and more.

Why Compliance Matters

Non-compliance can lead to fines up to €1 million or removal of products/services from the market. However, businesses that prioritize accessibility can unlock new market opportunities and enhance their reputation.

Tools for Compliance

Crownpeak’s Digital Quality Management (DQM) tool offers automated testing against WCAG 2.1 standards and generates VPATs to simplify reporting. Businesses should act now to prepare for the June 2025 deadline.

The EAA represents a significant step toward inclusivity, benefiting both businesses and consumers by fostering accessibility and reducing barriers. Start your compliance journey today!