Does the EAA Apply to US Companies Selling in the EU?. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires many businesses to meet accessibility standards. These businesses sell products or services in the European Union. It applies even if your company is based outside Europe, including the United States.
If you already follow ADA, Section 508, or WCAG 2.2 Level AA, you’re on the right path toward EAA compliance.
Key Takeaways
- The EAA applies to many US businesses serving EU customers.
- The law takes effect from 28 June 2025.
- Compliance is based on where your customers are, not where your business is located.
- The EAA is closely aligned with EN 301 549 and WCAG accessibility standards.
- A single accessibility strategy can support both US and EU compliance.
- Enabled.in helps organizations achieve compliance with the EAA, ADA, Section 508, WCAG, and EN 301 549.
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA), also known as Directive (EU) 2019/882, is a European law. It ensures digital products and services are more accessible for people with disabilities.
The law creates common accessibility requirements across all EU member states and applies from 28 June 2025. Each country is responsible for enforcing the rules.
The EAA is closely aligned with EN 301 549. This is the European accessibility standard for ICT. It is based on WCAG 2. It covers websites, mobile apps, software, hardware, and digital documents.
Unlike many accessibility laws that only apply to government organizations, the EAA also affects many private businesses. These businesses sell products or provide services to consumers in the European Union.
Key Points
- Applies to digital products and services offered in the EU.
- Improves accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Applies from 28 June 2025.
- Covers many private businesses as well as public organizations.
- Aligns with EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Does the European Accessibility Act Apply to US Companies?
Yes.
A US company needs to comply with the European Accessibility Act. This is necessary if it offers covered products or services to consumers in the European Union.
Your headquarters are located in New York, California, Texas, or anywhere else in the United States. But, that alone does not exempt your organization from the law.
If your business sells digital products or services within the EU market, accessibility requirements apply.
Examples include businesses that:
- Sell products to customers in EU countries
- Offer subscription based digital services to European users
- Offer SaaS platforms used by organizations in Europe
- Run websites or mobile apps accessible to EU consumers
- Accept online bookings, registrations, or payments from EU customers
- Market products or services specifically to European audiences
The EAA focuses on market access, not corporate location.
Understanding EAA Jurisdiction Rules
A simple way to find out if your organization falls within the scope of the EAA is available. Check if consumers in the European Union can access your covered digital services.
| Business Activity | EAA Applies |
|---|---|
| Selling products to customers in Germany | Yes |
| SaaS platform used by EU organizations | Yes |
| Mobile app available in EU app stores | Yes |
| Hotel booking platform serving EU travelers | Yes |
| Streaming platform marketed in Europe | Yes |
| Online banking services available to EU consumers | Yes |
Every business should assess its specific circumstances. Companies serving European customers need to evaluate their accessibility obligations. This should be done before enforcement actions arise.
E Commerce Businesses Covered by the EAA
Online retail is one of the most common areas where US businesses become liable to European accessibility requirements.
Imagine a US clothing retailer that ships products to:
- France
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- Netherlands
Customers can browse products, create accounts, place orders, finish online payments, and track shipments.
The retailer provides digital purchasing services to consumers in the European Union. Because of this, the accessibility of those digital experiences becomes an important compliance consideration.
How the EAA Affects SaaS Companies
Software as a Service providers often assume accessibility regulations only affect government software.
But, SaaS platforms serving European customers also fall within the scope of the European Accessibility Act.
Examples include:
- Customer Relationship Management software
- Human Resource platforms
- Learning Management Systems
- Accounting software
- Project management tools
- Collaboration platforms
Users should be capable of interacting with every major feature using assistive technologies.
Organizations purchasing enterprise software increasingly expect vendors to show accessibility compliance as part of procurement requirements.
Travel Companies Have Specific Accessibility Obligations
The travel sector receives explicit attention under the European Accessibility Act.
US companies offering travel related services to EU consumers should ensure accessible booking experiences.
Examples include:
- Airline reservations
- Hotel booking platforms
- Car rental services
- Railway ticket systems
- Cruise bookings
- Vacation packages
A traveler using assistive technology should be able to independently complete the entire booking journey.
Important accessibility considerations include:
- Search filters
- Calendar and date pickers
- Passenger information forms
- Seat selection
- Payment process
- Booking confirmations
- Mobile booking functionality
Accessibility barriers at any stage of the booking process may create compliance risks while also affecting customer experience.
Technical Standards That Support EAA Compliance
The European Accessibility Act establishes legal obligations. Recognized accessibility standards offer the technical framework. Organizations typically use this framework to show compliance.
Common standards include:
- WCAG 2.2 Level AA
- EN 301 549
- WAI ARIA best practices
- Accessible PDF documents
- Mobile application accessibility requirements
Many organizations also prepare supporting documentation such as:
- Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACR)
- Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT)
- Accessibility testing reports
- Remediation documentation
These documents can support procurement activities, customer requests, and internal compliance programs.
European Accessibility Act vs ADA and Section 508
Many organizations already keep accessibility programs to support US regulations. The European Accessibility Act builds upon many of those same accessibility principles.
| Requirement | ADA | Section 508 | European Accessibility Act |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic focus | United States | US Federal Agencies | European Union |
| Applies to private businesses | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Digital accessibility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| E commerce | Yes | Sometimes | Yes |
| Consumer services | Yes | No | Yes |
| Common technical guidance | WCAG | WCAG | EN 301 549 based on WCAG |
Organizations already aligned with WCAG have a strong foundation. However, they may still need to address additional legal considerations. Documentation and procurement aspects may also require attention.
Common Misconceptions About EAA Jurisdiction
Our Company Is Based in the United States
Company headquarters do not determine whether the EAA applies.
If covered digital products or services are offered to EU consumers, accessibility obligations may still exist.
Our Website Is Only Available in English
Language is not the deciding factor.
If European consumers can purchase products or subscribe to services through your website, accessibility requirements may still apply.
We Already Meet ADA Requirements
ADA compliance is an excellent starting point.
However, organizations should also evaluate EN 301 549 requirements, documentation expectations, procurement obligations, and any country specific implementation rules.
Only Large Businesses Need to Worry About Compliance
Although limited exemptions exist under the legislation, many businesses should evaluate their situation. Those selling digital products or services into the EU need to assess whether the EAA applies to them.
Why a Unified Accessibility Strategy Makes Business Sense
Many global organizations maintain separate accessibility initiatives for different regions.
This often results in duplicated testing, inconsistent remediation efforts, higher costs, and unnecessary complexity.
A unified accessibility strategy allows businesses to:
- Align digital experiences with WCAG 2.2 Level AA
- Support ADA compliance in the United States
- Meet Section 508 accessibility expectations
- Address EN 301 549 requirements for the European Accessibility Act
- Test websites, mobile applications, SaaS platforms, and documents together
- Produce consistent reporting and remediation guidance
- Reduce compliance costs across multiple jurisdictions
Rather than managing accessibility as individual legal projects, organizations can build one scalable accessibility program that supports multiple regulatory frameworks.
How Enabled.in Helps US Companies Meet Global Accessibility Requirements
Navigating accessibility regulations across different regions can quickly become complex.
Enabled.in helps organizations simplify compliance through a coordinated accessibility program that addresses both US and European requirements.
Our services include:
- WCAG 2.2 AA Accessibility Audits
- European Accessibility Act Readiness Assessments
- EN 301 549 Compliance Evaluations
- ADA Accessibility Testing
- Section 508 Accessibility Assessments
- VPAT and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) Preparation
- Web Accessibility Testing
- Mobile Application Accessibility Testing
- PDF Accessibility Testing
- SaaS Accessibility Evaluations
- Manual Testing with Assistive Technologies
- Accessibility Remediation Guidance
- Accessibility Validation Testing
With more than 17 years of digital accessibility expertise, Enabled.in collaborates with organizations to create scalable accessibility programs. These programs reduce duplication, improve user experience, and support compliance across multiple jurisdictions through a single engagement.
The bottom line is…
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) can apply to US companies. This applies if they offer digital products or services to customers in the European Union. It is based on where your customers are, not where your business is located.
If your organization already follows ADA, Section 508, or WCAG, you have a good foundation. However, you should also review your compliance with EN 301 549 and the specific requirements of the EAA.
A single accessibility strategy can assist your business in meeting US and European accessibility laws. This strategy also improves the experience for all users.
At Enabled.in, we help organizations achieve compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA, ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, and the European Accessibility Act. From accessibility audits and testing to remediation guidance and ongoing support, our experts make compliance simple and scalable.
If your business serves customers in the European Union, this is the right time to assess your digital accessibility. You should prepare for long-term compliance.
Contact Enabled.in
If you are unsure whether the European Accessibility Act (EAA) applies to your business, consult the experts. If you need guidance on achieving accessibility compliance across multiple jurisdictions, the experts at Enabled.in are here to help.
With over 17+ years of experience in digital accessibility, Enabled.in helps organizations meet the requirements of WCAG 2.2 Level AA, ADA, Section 508, and the European Accessibility Act (EAA). They offer comprehensive audits, testing, remediation guidance, and compliance support.
Explore our services:
- European Accessibility Services: https://enabled.in/uk-accessibility-audit-and-testing-services-for-digital-products-wcag-2-2-eaa-vpat-compliance/
- US Accessibility (ADA & Section 508) Services: https://enabled.in/ada-title-ii-digital-accessibility-compliance-wcag-2-2-aa-section-508-vpat/
- VPAT Compliance Services: https://enabled.in/vpat-compliance-certification/
Website: Enabled.in
Email: info@enabled.in
You might operate an eCommerce platform, SaaS application, travel booking service, or any other digital product. If you serve customers in the United States and Europe, Enabled.in can help you build an accessibility strategy that reduces compliance risk and creates inclusive digital experiences.