In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the new regulation, addressing its impact and scope, its relationship with e-commerce businesses, and answering any questions it may raise.
What is the scope of the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The new European Accessibility Act will apply to a wide range of digital products and services. Among the covered products are websites, mobile devices, television equipment, ATMs, payment terminals, e-books, vending machines, etc.
Regarding services, the law will cover telecommunications, banking services, e-commerce, websites, mobile services, sources of information related to air, land, and sea transport services, and calls to the European emergency number 112, among others.
Does the European Accessibility Act apply to my business?
It is important to understand that it will affect many businesses, and it is crucial to know if your website is included. Additionally, e-commerce businesses are the new addition to this list of portals that must join the initiative by law, so if your portal is an e-commerce site, you should start preparing.
The law is expected to have an impact on businesses of all sizes, although exceptions are granted to those with annual revenues of less than 2 million euros and fewer than 10 employees.
It is worth noting that even if your website had an accessibility audit previously, if changes have been made or content has been added, you may need to pay special attention to ensure that these changes maintain your accessibility intact, as otherwise, an accessibility review may be required to meet the requirements again.
“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today”
The implementation date is approaching, specifically, you will need to mark June 2025 on your calendar, and since preparation to comply with this legislation can require significant time and effort, if your portal is not accessible yet, you should be working on it.
Business owners are advised to take action now. Don’t wait for the legislation to come into effect; offering an accessible experience on your website is not just about complying with current legislation, but it is also an ethical responsibility in favor of equality.
Why should I comply with the European Accessibility Act?
Making your website or e-commerce site comply with web accessibility guidelines (WCAG) level AA is not only the right thing to do, but it can also be strategically beneficial in many aspects.
Companies with websites (especially accessible e-commerce sites) often experience a 15% increase in their conversion rate. On the other hand, there will be an increase in brand reputation by demonstrating commitment to fairness and inclusion, building trust among consumers.
Furthermore, optimizing your website’s accessibility is directly proportional to its visibility on search engines. All these reasons and many more are sufficient for you to make the change. Of course, without forgetting the main reason for this entire movement, the search for an equitable society and equal opportunities for all.
Conclusion
The implementation of the European Accessibility Act in 2025 marks an important milestone towards equal digital access. More companies will need to take action now to ensure their websites and online stores are accessible to everyone.
Complying with these regulations not only meets a legal requirement, but it will also help reach a broader demographic and improve the overall user experience. Don’t underestimate the value of digital accessibility; act now to build an inclusive and equitable online environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I verify if my website complies with the regulation?
You can use accessibility audit tools that analyze your website against the WCAG 2.1 guidelines. However, we recommend a review conducted by experts in the field.
What are the most important criteria?
The most relevant criteria for WCAG 2.1 guidelines include keyboard navigation, clear perception of information, good color contrast, and easy interactivity with all website elements. All essential for an accessible experience.
I’m a small business, am I required to comply?
Yes, all businesses, regardless of their size, must comply with the European Accessibility Act, with specific exceptions for very small businesses.
Is there a tool to help make my site accessible?
There are many tools and resources available, from plugins to implementation guides. From Tu Web Accesible, we recommend WeAllWeb, our AI-based accessibility tool that will help you with accessibility matters.
