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European Accessibility Act (EAA) - Frequently Asked Questions

Here we answer your questions about the European Accessibility Act and help you understand what it means for your organisation. No matter what job role you have, this page provides guidance, clarity and a clear starting point for you.

The EAA is a European Union directive aimed at making products and services more accessible for people with disabilities. Its goal is to ensure equal access and remove barriers, particularly in areas such as digital platforms, transport, banking and e-commerce. For a detailed overview, refer to the European Commission’s European Accessibility Act page.

The EAA was introduced to harmonise accessibility requirements across EU member states, promoting inclusion and consistency. It also aims to improve the quality of services for people with disabilities, reducing inequality and supporting independent living.

The EAA came into force on 28 June 2025, and its provisions are now enforceable across all EU member states.

It applies to any organisation that provides products and services to consumers in the EU, including businesses and public bodies in the UK.

The EAA aligns with the WCAG 2.1 AA standards, which provide a comprehensive framework for making digital content accessible. The EAA requires that digital

EAA Scope and Requirements

The EAA covers a wide range of products and services, including:

  • Computers and operating systems
  • Smartphones
  • TV equipment and related broadcasting services
  • Services related to various forms of transport
  • Banking
  • E-books
  • E-commerce
  • ATMs (cash machines), ticketing and check-in machines

Yes, the EAA applies to both public and private sector organisations that offer covered goods and services within the EU, even if your headquarters are outside Europe.

All digital platforms and mobile apps that fall under the scope of the EAA must meet accessibility requirements, including compatibility with assistive technologies, clear navigation, readable content and inclusive design.

While the UK is no longer in the EU, organisations working with EU-based customers or offering products/services in EU markets may still need to comply. Public sector bodies within the UK should also be aware of any domestic accessibility legislation that aligns with the EAA.

Compliance and Enforcement

Non-compliance can result in enforcement actions, which may include fines, mandatory remediation or restrictions on offering certain services. Accessibility failures can also impact reputation and user trust.

Each EU member state is responsible for enforcement through designated national authorities. They oversee compliance and can issue guidance or penalties when necessary.

Penalties vary by country but can include financial sanctions, legal challenges or restrictions on operating within certain markets.

While the EAA sets common standards, individual countries may have specific rules for reporting, audits and enforcement. Organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions should plan for local variations.

Common Misconceptions about the EAA

WCAG compliance is a key step, but EA requirements also cover broader accessibility aspects, including physical products, services and EU-specific reporting obligations.

If your organisation offers products or services to EU customers or falls under covered categories, the EAA likely applies. It’s best to review the scope carefully rather than assume exemption.

Delaying compliance increases the risk of penalties, reputational damage and accessibility failures. Early preparation reduces costs and ensures smoother implementation.

Accessibility covers a wide range of needs, including hearing, mobility, cognitive and neurodiverse conditions. True accessibility ensures inclusivity for all users.

Practical steps to prepare for the EAA

Preparing for the European Accessibility Act begins with understanding where you stand today. The best starting point is a full review of your digital platforms, including websites and apps to internal systems, to identify accessibility gaps and assess compliance against WCAG 2.2 AA standards.

Gathering data from audits, user feedback, and analytics can help reveal the biggest barriers to inclusion. Once you have this baseline, you can prioritise high-impact improvements that make a measurable difference for users.

Maintaining accessibility long term means building it into everyday processes. This includes upskilling teams, introducing accessibility reviews into design and procurement workflows, and regularly testing content and functionality across devices. 

Our team at Invuse supports organisations at every stage, from initial assessment to strategy, training, and continuous improvement.

 

Want to know where to start?

Check out our EAA Self-Checklist to assess your current position and see the steps to full compliance.

Still have questions about the EAA?

If you’re unsure how the European Accessibility Act applies to your organisation, or need guidance on your next steps, get in touch to discuss your accessibility goals.

Or complete this form to get a free one page audit, to identify any issues, or for guidance in how to stay on top of accessibility, get your free audit and report