The landscape of digital accessibility in Europe is about to transform as we approach a critical milestone: the June 28th 2025 deadline for implementing Directive EU 2019/882, commonly referred to as the European Accessibility Act.
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The scope of this legislation extends beyond European borders - any business serving European customers must comply, regardless of their geographical location. If your customer base includes EU residents, these regulations apply to you.
Understanding the European Accessibility Act
The EAA represents a landmark initiative to create uniform accessibility standards across Europe. Following its adoption by the European Parliament in 2019, businesses have until June 28th, 2025 to achieve full compliance.
This legislation aims to enhance accessibility for disabled and elderly individuals by eliminating barriers across various services, from digital banking platforms to self-service terminals. The consequences of non-compliance include substantial fines, potential legal action, and the risk of reputational damage as consumers increasingly favor accessible alternatives.
Who Needs to Comply?
The directive’s reach is straightforward but extensive: if your business provides products or services to European consumers, compliance is mandatory.
Location is irrelevant - whether your company operates from Tokyo, Toronto, or Texas, serving European customers means adhering to EAA requirements. The only exemption applies to micro-enterprises: businesses with fewer than 10 employees and annual revenue or balance sheet totals below €2 million.
Timeline for Implementation
The clock is ticking toward the June 28th, 2025 compliance deadline.
This timeline follows a carefully planned rollout: the directive was enacted in April 2019, with EU member states required to incorporate it into their national legislation by June 2022.
Required Accessibility Standards
The EAA aligns with existing frameworks, specifically referencing Directive EU 2016/2102 (Web Accessibility Directive). This framework emphasizes four core principles:
- Perceivability
- Operability
- Understandability
- Robustness
These principles are implemented through EN 301 549, which currently references WCAG 2.1 AA standards. For optimal compliance and future-proofing, we recommend implementing WCAG 2.2, the most current version available.
Learn more about the European Accessibility Act
Time is of the essence. Start your compliance journey today with our detailed overview of this crucial European directive.
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