In numerous countries, the imperative for government websites to be accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities, is well-acknowledged. However, a pivotal development is on the horizon for European Union (EU) member states, set to unfold in June 2025 with the implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), also known as Directive 2019/882. This groundbreaking directive extends its reach beyond governmental platforms to encompass e-commerce websites, a category that includes your webshop.
The EAA mandates each member state to integrate this directive into their national law, impacting a spectrum of products and services. From June 2025 onward, these regulations will be rigorously enforced across EU countries. Among the entities affected are news publishing websites with subscription options, online stores engaged in the sale of products and services, advertising platforms, professional services (e.g., doctors, lawyers, real estate agents), entertainment and media services, and providers of telecommunications services.
It’s crucial to note that microenterprises, defined as those with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet not exceeding 2 million Euros, are exempt from EAA compliance in 2025. However, prudent foresight is advisable, given the potential for business growth. Regardless of immediate plans, fostering an accessible website is a strategic move that can amplify sales revenue by broadening your audience reach—an undeniable business advantage.
Web accessibility primarily revolves around ensuring that the services offered on a website are accessible to the widest audience possible across various devices. Measurement of web accessibility standards is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), comprising three levels: A, AA, and AAA. Level AA, considered the global standard, encompasses 50 success criteria, such as providing alternatives for time-based media, exemplified by captions for prerecorded audio content in synchronized media.
While the precise enforcement mechanisms of the EAA remain uncertain, the endeavor to make websites accessible is unquestionably worthwhile for businesses. Approximately 20% of individuals stand to benefit from web accessibility, encompassing those with vision impairments, motor impairments, anxiety, ADHD, or even those experiencing fatigue or distraction. A universally accessible website fosters inclusivity and has the potential to convert more visitors into paying customers.
For businesses outside the EU selling products or services within its borders, compliance with EAA regulations is mandatory. It’s important to recognize that the EAA applies to both existing and new sites. Non-updated websites, including their content, might initially escape the EAA directive, although this scenario is unlikely for standard websites that undergo routine updates.
To align with the EAA, businesses can adopt a four-step approach. Firstly, assess the current state of accessibility on the website. Secondly, ensure that the web development team possesses the requisite expertise in designing and coding for accessibility. If lacking, consider engaging a specialized accessibility-focused company. Thirdly, based on the accessibility assessment, contemplate redesigning or rebuilding the website. Finally, equip the content team with the necessary training to create accessible content.
When seeking a web agency versed in accessibility, inquire about the team’s training, request examples of accessible websites they’ve crafted, and familiarize yourself with the guidelines guiding their development process. Resources like Level Level, a WordPress agency renowned for fully accessible websites, and The A11Y Collective, an online platform for web accessibility learning, can prove invaluable.
In summary, the European Accessibility Act will usher in a new era of compliance in EU member states from June 2025. This directive encompasses e-commerce websites with a staff of at least 10 and an annual turnover or balance sheet exceeding 2 million euros. These websites must adhere to WCAG guidelines at level AA, likely version 2.2. Companies outside the EU selling in EU countries must also comply. To ensure compliance, businesses should assess accessibility, verify their web team’s proficiency, potentially redesign the website, and train the content team for accessible content creation. Despite the added effort, the benefits of an accessible website, including increased revenue and a broader audience, make the endeavor undeniably worthwhile.