Prepare Your Business for the June 2025 Deadline
Attention, all businesses operating in the European Union! You have an important task ahead. It is time to make your digital assets (websites, devices, and content) accessible, compliant, and usable for people with disabilities to meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act.
The requirements for product and service providers will come into effect on June 28, 2025. This date might seem distant, but we know how busy you are and you might be tempted to postpone these digital accessibility matters. Don’t make the mistake of skimming through this guide and putting off action for later. The reality is: it is essential to start preparations now.
Understanding the European Accessibility Act
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates that certain digital products and services in the European Union be usable by people with disabilities. The EAA aims to unify accessibility requirements across the EU, making accessibility initiatives less costly and promoting cross-border trade.
People with disabilities in the 27 member states represent a purchasing power of $2.3 trillion in the EU and $13 trillion globally. Before the EAA, businesses trading in the EU faced different accessibility requirements at different levels, making it difficult to comply with divergent rules.
The EAA addresses this issue by requiring member states to implement the EAA in their national laws and regulations, providing a consistent set of basic accessibility requirements. However, some member states may add additional requirements. Therefore, it is important to review the specific requirements of each member state’s legislation.
EAA Requirements
The EAA covers commonly used hardware and software, as well as various services related to communication, commerce, finance, education, and transportation. These include:
- Websites and mobile applications
- Computers and operating systems
- Smartphones
- Self-service devices, such as ATMs and ticketing machines
- E-books and e-readers
- E-commerce experiences
- Communication technologies and equipment
- Banking services
- Passenger transport services
- Audiovisual media services, including digital television and associated equipment
The EAA does not provide specific technical standards for accessibility but relies on existing accessibility standards, notably the European Standard EN 301 549. This standard applies WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA requirements to websites, digital documents, and software, including mobile applications. In support of the EAA, EN 301 549 is currently under revision, and a new version with additional requirements is likely to be published in 2025, adopting WCAG 2.2 Level A and AA requirements.
Implementing and Monitoring Accessibility
To prepare to meet the EAA requirements, it is best to ensure that digital products comply with WCAG 2.2 Level A and Level AA requirements. Use accessibility testing software and robust manual testing processes to monitor digital products. Include people with disabilities in evaluating the usability of digital products and document the progress of accessibility efforts.
Conclusion
The EAA is an important step towards a more inclusive digital environment in Europe. Meeting the EAA requirements is not just a legal obligation but also an opportunity to improve user experience and increase customer loyalty. Start preparations now to ensure that your business is compliant and accessible by the June 2025 deadline.
