European Accessibility Act: What Websites Must Comply With
The European Accessibility Act extends accessibility requirements well beyond public sector websites (which already had obligations) into large parts of the private sector, with genuine enforcement consequences for non-compliant businesses.
Who the EAA Applies To
- E-commerce services
- Banking and financial services offered to consumers
- Transport service websites and apps (booking systems, information services)
- Electronic communications services
- E-books and related software
Small businesses (under specific size and revenue thresholds) have exemptions in some cases — verify your specific business's applicability against current official guidance.
What Compliance Actually Requires
WCAG 2.1 Level AA serves as the practical technical benchmark — proper color contrast, keyboard navigability, screen reader compatibility, and clear content structure, the same core requirements covered in general web accessibility best practice.
Practical Steps Toward Compliance
- Run an accessibility audit against WCAG 2.1 AA criteria specifically
- Prioritize fixes affecting core user journeys (checkout, account management, booking flows)
- Document your compliance efforts and ongoing accessibility maintenance process
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is EU legislation requiring many products and services, including e-commerce websites, banking, and transport services, to meet specific accessibility requirements, with enforcement dates that have already taken effect for many categories.
How does the EAA relate to WCAG accessibility standards?
EAA compliance is generally achieved by meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, which serve as the technical benchmark referenced for demonstrating compliance with the EAA's accessibility requirements.
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