European Accessibility Act Now in Force: What Your Business Must Do

As of 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA)(this will open in a new window) is officially in effect — a major milestone in making digital and physical services more inclusive across the EU. The EAA sets out mandatory accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services, including:

• Websites and mobile apps
• E-commerce platforms
• Banking services
• Transport ticketing and information systems
• Consumer electronics and self-service terminals

What does this mean for your organisation?

The EAA applies to all organisations offering relevant products or services in the EU market — including non-EU businesses that operate or sell in the EU.

Key compliance milestones:

• From 28 June 2025: All new products and services placed on the EU market must comply with the EAA
• By 28 June 2027: Emergency services must meet accessibility standards
• By 28 June 2030: Existing products and services must be updated to comply
• By 28 June 2045: Long-life self-service terminals (e.g. ATMs, ticket machines) must be compliant within 20 years of installation.

While microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees and under €2 million turnover) are exempt from some service-related requirements, all organisations are encouraged to follow best practices for accessibility.

How do you prove compliance?

Organisations can demonstrate compliance using harmonised European standards such as EN 301 549, which align with the internationally recognised Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These provide a solid technical foundation for making websites, apps, and digital systems accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

What happens if you don’t comply?

Each EU Member State is responsible for enforcing the EAA. Non-compliance may result in fines, service restrictions, or reputational damage, depending on national legislation. The risks are real — and so are the benefits of getting accessibility right.

Why EAA Compliance Matters—And Why You Need the Right Partner

Complying with the EAA is not just a legal necessity—it’s a strategic opportunity. Accessible products and services improve brand reputation, expand your market reach, and demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility. With over €800 billion in disposable income among Europeans with disabilities, accessibility is also a commercial imperative. However, the complexity of the EAA’s requirements, combined with the evolving nature of accessibility standards and technologies, means that achieving and maintaining compliance can be challenging.

This is where having the right partner becomes crucial. Navigating the EAA demands specialist knowledge, practical experience, and a deep understanding of both the regulatory landscape and the real-world needs of people with disabilities. An expert partner like User Vision not only helps you interpret and apply the legislation to your unique context, but also ensures your accessibility solutions are robust, user-centred, and sustainable—protecting your organisation from risk while unlocking the full benefits of inclusive design.

How User Vision Can Help: Your EAA Compliance Roadmap

At User Vision, we don’t just help you tick boxes - we partner with you to embed accessibility into your organisation’s DNA. With over two decades of experience, we have guided leading organisations through every stage of accessibility transformation.

We offer a comprehensive, end-to-end approach to EAA compliance, including:

• Accessibility audits aligned with EAA and WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA standards
• User research involving people with disabilities to ensure real-world usability
• Implementation support for design, development, and testing
• Ongoing monitoring and maintenance to keep you compliant as standards evolve
• Training and upskilling your teams for sustained accessibility practices

Our collaborative, evidence-based approach integrates experiential experts - people with lived experience of disability - into every phase, ensuring authentic accessibility and inclusive design.

Your Next Steps

The EAA is here, and the time to act is now. Whether you are just starting your accessibility journey or need to ensure your services meet the new standards, User Vision is your trusted partner for compliance—now and into the future.

Learn more about our accessibility services and how we can help you meet your compliance goals.