Key milestones
- June 28, 2019 – The EAA was officially adopted by the EU, marking the beginning of a new era in accessibility legislation.
- June 28, 2022 – Deadline for EU Member States to transpose the EAA into national law. This means each country had to integrate the EAA’s directives into their legal frameworks.
- June 28, 2025 – Main compliance deadline: New products and services placed on the market after this date must meet the EAA’s accessibility requirements.
- June 28, 2030 – Existing products and services that were already on the market before June 28, 2025, must comply by this date. This provides a five-year grace period for updating existing offerings.
- June 28, 2045 – Long-life self-service terminals (e.g., ATMs, ticketing machines) installed before June 28, 2025, must comply within 20 years of installation or by this date, whichever comes first.
What this means for you
- If you’re launching new products or services after June 28, 2025, they must be accessible from day one.
- For existing offerings already on the market before that date, you have until June 28, 2030, to bring them into compliance.
- Long-life self-service terminals installed before June 28, 2025, must be compliant within 20 years of installation or by June 28, 2045, whichever comes first.
Are there any differences between EU Member states?
- National differences: While the EAA sets a common framework, individual EU Member States may introduce additional or stricter requirements within their national laws.
- Stay informed: It’s important to monitor the specific regulations and guidance issued by the countries where you operate.
- Seek local guidance: Consult with legal experts or local authorities to understand any country-specific obligations or support available for compliance efforts.
Don’t wait until the last minute
Achieving full accessibility compliance is a complex and time-consuming process. Early action is essential because:
- Complex implementation: Ensuring all digital platforms, products, and services are accessible may require substantial changes in design, development, and content.
- Resource allocation: Adequate time is needed to plan budgets, allocate resources, and train staff on accessibility best practices.
- Testing and feedback: Implementing accessibility features requires thorough testing to ensure they meet the needs of users with disabilities.
- Avoiding penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal actions, and reputational damage, as enforcement authorities in each Member State will monitor and act on violations.
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