The European Accessibility Act (EAA) and Why It’s Important
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is one of the most important accessibility regulations in the world, with implications that go beyond European borders. As the June 2025 compliance deadline approaches, businesses worldwide must understand and prepare for this legislation.
The EAA aims to create standardized accessibility requirements across all EU member states. This could save companies up to €10 billion annually while improving digital inclusion for people with disabilities. Failure to comply could result in significant penalties and market exclusion for American companies in Europe. So, preparation is critical for US companies to continue their operations in the European market.
Understanding the European Accessibility Act
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a European Union (EU) directive to make products and services across the EU accessible to people with disabilities, creating a more inclusive digital and physical environment. It will become national law in all 27 EU Member States and take effect on June 28, 2025.
This directive goes beyond public sector requirements to include private businesses, marking a significant change in regulatory expectations across industries.
The main goals of the EAA are to remove market barriers by standardizing accessibility laws, to improve access to products and services for people with disabilities, and to foster innovation in a more inclusive digital landscape.
The scope of the EAA is extensive. It covers digital platforms, electronic communications, eCommerce sites, mobile apps, banking services, eBooks, and more.
Critical Deadlines for EAA Compliance
The EAA is being implemented in phases. Most businesses are preparing for the deadline of June 28, 2025, when the law will become active across all member states.
Starting June 28, 2025, new products and services falling under the EAA must meet the accessibility requirements set out by the local laws of individual EU member states. All products or services launched after this date must be designed with accessibility in mind from the start.
This creates an immediate compliance requirement for all new offerings intended for the European market in both Europe and the United States. This deadline is important because failing to meet it could result in heavy penalties and restrictions on market access.
The directive states that penalties should be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive. Because of this decentralized enforcement approach, companies operating across multiple EU countries may need to navigate slightly different implementation requirements.
According to the EAA, the final deadline by which all in-scope products and services must meet local accessibility standards is June 28, 2030. This five-year transition period gives businesses with existing products and services more time to change and adapt to meet the new requirements. However, companies should not view this as an excuse to delay planning.
Why US Companies Should Pay Attention
The EAA is an EU directive, but it affects US companies that operate in or sell to European markets. The EAA applies to any US business that serves customers or operates in the European Union. This includes companies that sell physical products to European consumers and companies that provide software or eCommerce platforms to European businesses or individuals.
Today's consumers expect and demand accessible products and services. Accessibility is an essential factor in buying decisions. Brands that align with EAA standards show a commitment to inclusion that can increase brand loyalty and customer trust. US companies that prepare for EAA compliance are also preparing for similar requirements that may come up in other markets, including possibly expanded regulations in the United States itself. American businesses can gain a competitive advantage by making accessibility a strategic priority instead of just a compliance issue.
Preparing for EAA Compliance
With the June 2025 deadline approaching, businesses need to take steps to prepare for EAA compliance. First, look at your current digital properties and products to see where they are with accessibility requirements. This first evaluation provides critical insights into the gaps that need to be filled and helps prioritize remediation efforts based on impact and complexity. Companies should look at customer-facing websites and applications, as well as internal tools that European employees or partners might use.
Adopting a shift-left approach is necessary for implementing accessibility as a consistent and ingrained element across the organization. This methodology includes accessibility considerations from the very beginning of development, instead of trying to add accessibility features later. By incorporating accessibility into design processes, development workflows, and quality assurance testing, companies can reduce the cost of compliance while making more accessible products.
Embracing Accessibility as an Opportunity
The European Accessibility Act significantly changes how businesses approach digital and product accessibility. US companies must understand and prepare for the June 2025 deadline, which affects market access, customer relationships, and brand reputation.
Being accessible has benefits that go beyond regulatory compliance. Companies that prioritize accessibility find that they have better user experiences for all customers, a bigger market reach, more innovation, and stronger brand loyalty.
Companies can achieve accessibility excellence by starting now, conducting thorough assessments, making strategic plans, and creating a culture that values inclusion.
Want to learn more about what the EAA means for your organization and how you can make the necessary changes to meet its June deadline? Reach out. Our accessibility experts would be happy to chat with you.