Key compliance dates and the importance of timely action
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) establishes a single, universal deadline for compliance: June 28, 2025. By this date, businesses across all industries—whether e-commerce, telecommunications, banking, transportation, or public services—must ensure that their products, services, and digital platforms are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- 2022–2025: The EAA has already been transposed into national laws in many EU member states as of 2022. This means that national authorities are preparing businesses and service providers to meet compliance standards by June 2025. During this period, companies are expected to assess their current status, make necessary changes, and test for accessibility.
- June 28, 2025: The EAA will come into full effect on this date. By this point, all products and services covered by the directive must meet the accessibility standards outlined in the act. This includes e-commerce websites, telecommunications services, banking platforms, transportation systems, and more.
- Post-2025 (Monitoring & reporting): Following the June 2025 deadline, ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements will begin. Authorities in each member state will monitor compliance, and businesses may be required to provide evidence of their accessibility efforts through audits or reports.
What does this mean for your business or organization?
Regardless of the sector you operate in, the message is clear: accessibility must be embedded into every aspect of your customer-facing products and services. With a single deadline, businesses have limited time to ensure compliance, which means immediate action is crucial.
Practical steps to take before the June 28, 2025 deadline
1. Conduct an accessibility audit
Start by evaluating your current digital presence, products, and services for accessibility gaps. Use this time to audit your websites, mobile apps, and self-service systems.
- Example: An e-commerce store should check whether its product listings, filters, and checkout process are accessible to users with disabilities, ensuring all core functionalities can be navigated by assistive technologies like screen readers.
2. Create a compliance roadmap
With the results of your audit in hand, build a roadmap outlining the specific changes you need to make. Prioritize critical functions like payment systems, account management, and customer service portals.
- Example: A bank could focus on ensuring that its mobile app allows users with visual impairments to check their balance, transfer money, and authorize payments using accessible interfaces.
3. Test with real users
Accessibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Involve users with disabilities in the testing process to identify pain points and gather feedback on the usability of your platforms.
- Example: A transportation service could test its ticket-booking platform with users who rely on keyboard navigation and screen readers to ensure real-time travel updates and ticket purchases are accessible.
4. Update and monitor your digital content
Ensure that all digital content, from product descriptions to legal agreements, is accessible. This includes providing text alternatives for images, ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies, and designing with high-contrast visuals.
- Example: A streaming service should ensure that subtitles and audio descriptions are easy to enable, and that the platform’s navigation works well with voice controls.
5. Train your team
Everyone from web developers to customer service representatives should be trained on accessibility best practices. This will not only ensure compliance but also help build a culture of inclusion within your organization.
- Example: A public services department should ensure that customer support staff know how to assist individuals with disabilities through multiple communication channels, including accessible email and phone services.
Why you should act now
While the June 28, 2025 deadline might seem distant, the work required to become compliant can be complex and time-consuming. Businesses that wait until the last minute risk falling short of compliance, which could lead to:
- Penalties and fines: Non-compliance could result in fines, depending on each country’s enforcement approach.
- Loss of market access: Non-compliant businesses may find themselves unable to serve the 87 million people with disabilities in the EU, which can result in lost revenue and market share.
- Reputational damage: Failing to meet accessibility standards can harm your brand’s reputation and relationships with customers.
Are there any differences between EU Member states?
Although the EAA sets a uniform deadline, some EU member states may have additional or more stringent requirements based on their own national laws. However, most countries are expected to align with the June 28, 2025 deadline.
- For example, countries like Germany and France may impose stricter guidelines or reporting requirements on businesses, while Nordic countries, known for leading in digital accessibility, may provide even more detailed guidance on achieving compliance.
It’s essential to stay informed about local regulations in the countries where your business operates. Member states may offer resources or support to help businesses comply with the EAA in time.
Key takeaways
- June 28, 2025 is the firm deadline for all businesses to meet EAA compliance requirements.
- While this single deadline applies across industries, the complexity of achieving compliance may vary depending on your business’s specific services and digital platforms.
- Begin by auditing your current accessibility status, creating a detailed roadmap, and engaging with accessibility experts and users with disabilities to ensure your efforts are effective.
- Different EU countries may offer specific guidance or have additional compliance expectations, so keep an eye on national developments as well.