Next, we will explore the main penalties and disadvantages that could jeopardize your business activity when you have an inaccessible e-commerce.
Can my e-commerce be suspended for lack of accessibility?
To begin with, and as a noteworthy aspect beyond economic sanctions, authorities may impose a suspension of your website’s activity if, after several warnings, you still fail to meet the accessibility requirements mandated by the regulation.
This involves a temporary ban on sales and, in extreme cases, indefinite closure until necessary modifications are made.
How much can it cost to have an inaccessible e-commerce?
The regulation is clear for e-commerce that do not meet accessibility requirements. They will be penalized with fines that vary depending on the severity of the violation and the size of the company. But undoubtedly, sanctions will affect any inaccessible e-commerce.
Large companies, especially those with more than 100 employees or 6 million euros in revenue, will be the most affected, with penalties that could reach tens of thousands of euros for each violation.
Changes may be required under supervision
The situation goes even further; if an e-commerce receives sanctions and continues to be non-compliant, authorities may require them to implement accessibility changes under supervision.
This means these businesses will be forced to make all necessary improvements within reduced deadlines and with constant reviews to verify compliance.
An inaccessible e-commerce will impose barriers to your business reach
Furthermore, failing to adapt to the new regulation will result in your e-commerce being excluded from a large market consisting of users with disabilities. This accounts for approximately 20% of the European population.
If we add that having an inaccessible e-commerce will clearly limit your international expansion opportunities within the EU, making the change becomes essential.
Impact on the reputation of an inaccessible e-commerce
The lack of accessibility not only represents a technical barrier but also affects your customers’ trust.
Companies that do not invest in web accessibility may damage their image by being perceived as exclusive, which can seriously harm user loyalty. This is particularly important as efforts in inclusion and social responsibility are increasingly valued. To learn more about current accessibility guidelines, you can refer to the WCAG 2.1.
Do you want to learn more about the European Accessibility Act of 2025? Visit our Complete Guide.
