Web Development
European Accessibility Act: What It Means for Your Website and Online Store
The European Accessibility Act is the most significant accessibility law for private businesses in Europe. It applies across all EU member states through national laws, and covers businesses outside the EU that sell to EU consumers. If you run an online store, a booking platform or a consumer app serving Europe, this guide explains whether it applies to you and what to do.
By WebsNexus · September 24, 2026 · 3 min read · Updated September 24, 2026
Does the EAA apply to you?
| Situation | Likely covered? |
|---|---|
| Online store selling to EU consumers | Yes, unless a microenterprise |
| Consumer banking or payment services | Yes |
| Passenger transport booking websites and apps | Yes (certain services) |
| B2B-only software or website | Generally no (the EAA targets consumer services) |
| Microenterprise providing services (<10 staff and ≤ €2m) | Exempt from the service requirements |
| Non-EU business selling to EU consumers | Yes, if it provides covered services in the EU |
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) sets common accessibility requirements for a range of products and services across the EU. Member states transposed it into national law, and the requirements apply from 28 June 2025. Covered services include e-commerce, consumer banking, electronic communications, e-books, and certain elements of passenger transport services.
Each country enforces it through its own market surveillance authorities, with penalties set nationally.
Which websites and online stores are covered?
“E-commerce services” are defined broadly: services provided at a distance through websites and mobile apps, at the consumer’s request, with a view to concluding a consumer contract. That covers most B2C online stores and many booking and subscription services, including the whole purchase journey from product pages to checkout.
Microenterprises providing services, meaning businesses with fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover or balance sheet total not exceeding €2 million, are exempt from the service requirements. Many small stores are therefore exempt, but growing businesses should plan ahead.
What technical standard should you follow?
The harmonised European standard EN 301 549 is used to show conformity, and for web content it incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Meeting WCAG 2.1 AA across your site and apps is therefore the practical target. Building to WCAG 2.2 AA covers it and future-proofs the site.
What else does the EAA require besides an accessible site?
Service providers must also publish information explaining how the service meets the accessibility requirements, commonly done through an accessibility statement, and keep that information available. They need processes to maintain conformity as the service changes. Customer support channels should also provide information about accessibility.
How do you make an online store EAA-ready?
Start with an audit of key journeys: home, category, product, search, basket, checkout, account and contact pages, on desktop and mobile. Fix issues in the shared templates and components first; that’s where most problems live. Pay special attention to checkout: form labels and errors, keyboard access, focus management in modals, accessible payment widgets and time limits.
Then publish an accessibility statement, train content editors (alt text, headings, link text), and add accessibility checks to your QA process so new features don’t regress.
What if you’re outside the EU?
The EAA applies to services provided to consumers in the EU regardless of where the business is based. A UK, US or Asian store actively selling to EU consumers should treat it as applicable. The good news is that the same WCAG work also reduces ADA risk in the US and supports the UK’s Equality Act obligations.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
When did the European Accessibility Act come into force?
Its requirements apply from 28 June 2025, through national laws in each EU member state. Some transitional periods apply to services using products already in use before that date.
Are small businesses exempt from the EAA?
Microenterprises providing services, with fewer than 10 employees and no more than €2 million in annual turnover or balance sheet total, are exempt from the service requirements.
Does the EAA require WCAG compliance?
The EAA sets functional requirements; the harmonised standard EN 301 549, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 AA for web content, is the recognised way to demonstrate conformity.
Does the EAA apply to B2B websites?
Generally no. It targets services provided to consumers, though accessibility remains good practice for B2B sites.