A new EU law will soon affect how businesses operate across the digital space. If you run a business in the EU that offers websites, apps, digital tools, or online sales, it’s worth understanding what’s changing and how to respond.
The European Accessibility Act sets clear requirements to help people with disabilities access digital products and services. Starting June 28, 2025, these rules will apply across all EU countries, creating a single standard. That means fewer local differences and more focus on building useful, inclusive tools.
If your business is very small - under 10 employees and less than €2M in yearly turnover – you may be exempt. But even in that case, following accessibility principles can improve your product quality and user experience.
What will change for online shops and digital services?
If you run an e-commerce site or offer digital services, your website or app will need to follow accessibility best practices. That means clear structure, readable text, support for screen readers, keyboard navigation, good contrast, and more.
It’s not just about law. These changes help people use your product more easily, especially the 80+ million people in the EU with disabilities. Better accessibility leads to better UX, improved loyalty, and more people being able to complete purchases or use your service without friction.
What if your business builds or uses software?
The EAA also applies to digital tools and software. Any user-facing interface should be usable by people with different abilities. If you build your own tools, plan accessibility into your process from the start. If you use third-party tools, make sure they comply too.
Standards like WCAG 2.1 (for web) and EN 301 549 (for products and devices) are the main guidelines. Following them helps reduce risk and makes your tools more future-proof.
How to know if you’re compliant
Start by reviewing your website or product with accessibility in mind. Online tools can help give a quick idea, but a proper audit is the most reliable way to check. We help businesses do this. We look at what’s missing, what can be improved, and how to reach the needed level without making the process complicated or expensive.
The sooner you begin, the more time you have to improve and test your changes. We usually recommend tackling the basics first – navigation, text alternatives, contrast, structure – and growing from there.
Why this matters beyond legal compliance
Accessibility brings clear business benefits. It often leads to:
- Better usability for everyone, not just people with disabilities
- Improved SEO and site structure
- Higher trust and brand reputation
- Fewer legal risks or issues in the future
It’s also a mark of quality. Many customers, partners, and investors care about inclusion. A business that takes accessibility seriously is easier to work with and builds more trust.
Challenges and how to handle them
Adding or improving accessibility takes time. Some fixes are simple, like adding text descriptions or adjusting contrast. Others might mean redesigning workflows or retraining your team.
We usually suggest starting with a clear audit, setting practical goals, and prioritizing fixes that have the biggest user impact. You don’t need to do everything at once, but you do need a plan.
According to the European Commission, accessible websites see better engagement and lower bounce rates.
Common questions
- Do small businesses need to comply? If you have fewer than 10 workers and less than €2M in annual income, you're not legally required to comply. But it's still a good idea. It improves usability and shows your business cares.
- What happens if I ignore the law? Governments can block sales or issue penalties. It may also harm your brand reputation.
- Does this apply outside the EU? If your business sells into the EU or serves EU users, then yes, it can apply.
- What products or services are included? Websites, apps, e-books, transport platforms, online shops, ticketing, banking tools, and many more.
- How do I know if my site or tool is compliant? We offer accessibility audits and improvements tailored to your platform. It’s a good place to start.
- Is accessibility only for people with disabilities? No, it helps everyone. For example, captions help people in noisy places. Bigger text helps older users. Voice tools help in hands-free situations. These features are often appreciated by all users.
Conclusion
The EAA deadline is approaching fast. If your business offers digital services in the EU and isn’t exempt, it's time to check where you stand. Many changes improve user experience, reduce legal risk, and create better products overall.
The easiest way to start is by auditing your current website or tool. From there, define clear goals and take steady steps. If you’re unsure what to check or how to begin, we’re happy to help.
Discover more in our full blog
You can read the full article European Accessibility Act: how it affects your business in 2025 on our website.
