Ensure Your Digital Product Complies with the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a law designed to create a more inclusive society by ensuring that essential products and services in the EU are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Whether it's ATMs, websites, e-commerce apps, or banking services, the EAA helps make sure these everyday necessities are user-friendly for all. If your business provides these kinds of services, this law likely applies to you, so it’s all about breaking down barriers and making life easier for everyone.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU law that ensures everyday products and services like online shopping, e-books, banking, and digital devices are designed to be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

To make this happen, the EAA references EN 301 549, a technical standard that outlines accessibility requirements for websites, software, and hardware, largely based on WCAG 2.1 guidelines.

Think of the EAA (European Accessibility Act) as the rulebook. it’s the EU law that requires certain products and services (like websites, apps, and banking tools) to be accessible to people with disabilities.

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), on the other hand, is the how-to guide—it’s the global standard that explains technically how to make digital content accessible (like proper contrast, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility).

The EAA often relies on EN 301 549 (a European accessibility standard), which in turn uses WCAG 2.1 as its foundation for web accessibility. So, while the EAA sets the legal obligation, WCAG provides the practical steps to meet it.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) applies to any business, whether public or private, EU-based or international that offers products or services in the European Union. In simpler terms:

• If your company operates in the EU market (even if you're headquartered elsewhere).
• If you provide things like websites, apps, e-commerce, banking, or hardware in the EU.
• If you serve customers in any of the 27 EU member states

Automated tools can quickly catch and correct some accessibility issues like missing alt text or color contrast errors but they’re just the first step. Think of them like spellcheck: helpful, but they won’t catch everything.

Why manual work still matters:

• Complex barriers (e.g., keyboard traps, illogical focus order) need human review.
• Automated tools can’t fully assess context or user experience.
• True accessibility requires both tech and thoughtful design.

Personalization Tools: Helpful, But Not a Fix

Features like adjustable fonts, colors, or cursors let visitors tailor their experience which is great! But these tweaks don’t address core accessibility problems in the site’s code or structure.

Features like adjustable fonts, colors, or cursors let visitors tailor their experience which is great! But these tweaks don’t address core accessibility problems in the site’s code or structure.

• Share your product details (URL, demo, or documentation).
• Choose a compliance standard (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA or 508).
• We’ll deliver a draft VPAT® in your requested timeframe.

Wondering how your business can meet the European Accessibility Act requirements? Here’s a human-friendly roadmap:

1. Start with an Accessibility Checkup
   • Get an expert audit to spot where your website, apps, or products might be falling short. Think of it like a health check for inclusivity!
2. Build with WCAG 2.1 & EN 301 549
   • Design digital experiences (websites/apps) to work seamlessly with screen readers and other assistive tools. These standards are your accessibility blueprint.
3. Upgrade Physical Products Thoughtfully
   • Add user-friendly features like tactile buttons, adjustable displays, or voice controls—small tweaks that make a big difference.
4. Train Your Team
   • Teach staff how accessibility works and ways to assist customers with disabilities. Knowledge empowers better service!
5. Keep Improving
   • Accessibility isn’t a one-time task. Regularly test, gather user feedback, and stay updated as standards evolve.

Enabled.in offers comprehensive support to ensure your product meets European Accessibility Act (EAA) standards. Our services include:

• Expert Accessibility Audits: Thorough evaluations to identify compliance gaps.
• Remediation Support: Fixing accessibility issues to meet EN 301 549 requirements.
• EAA & EN 301 549 Conformance Guidance : Ensuring your product aligns with legal standards.

Let Enabled.in help you achieve full EAA compliance. contact us today!

Yes! If your US-based company sells products or services to customers in the European Union, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) applies to you. The deadline for compliance is June 28, 2025, so now’s the time to take action. This includes businesses with:

• E-commerce websites targeting EU consumers.
• Digital products (apps, software, or devices) available in the EU.
• Services used by customers in EU countries.

Don’t worry—Enabled.in can help you navigate EAA requirements smoothly. Let’s make sure your business is ready! contact us today!

While the EAA doesn’t prescribe a one-size-fits-all checklist, you’ll need to prove your product or service meets accessibility standards. Here’s what that typically includes:

• Accessibility Statement - A clear, public-facing document explaining how your product meets EAA requirements. (EU countries may have their own formatting rules, so stay tuned for updates!)
• Conformity Assessments If your product falls under the EAA’s scope (like software, hardware, or e-commerce), you may need to:
  • Follow EN 301 549 (the EU’s digital accessibility standard).
• Internal Records Keep detailed logs of:
  • Testing results (how and when you checked for accessibility).
  • Assistive tech compatibility (screen readers, keyboard navigation, etc.).
  • Remediation steps (how you fixed any issues).

Need help sorting this out? Enabled.in can guide you through documentation, testing, and compliance, so you’re audit ready. Let’s make accessibility effortless! contact us today!