The European Accessibility or Act (EAA) marks a milestone for digital accessibility in Europe. It aims to ensure that key products and services in the European market are accessible to people with disabilities and an increasingly aging population.
This regulation is embodied in Directive (EU) 2019/882, which establishes harmonized accessibility requirements throughout the European Union. As its implementation date—June 28, 2025—approaches, many companies are wondering what this law entails, which products and services are covered, and how they should prepare.
In this article, we clearly explain what the European Accessibility Act is, its scope, deadlines, requirements, and how to comply with it to avoid penalties.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a European directive designed to improve the accessibility of certain products and services within the European Single Market. It primarily focuses on digital aspects and ensuring that people with disabilities can use them on an equal basis.
The legal text that implements it is Directive (EU) 2019/882, adopted on April 17, 2019. This directive must be transposed into the national legislation of the Member States, which have until June 28, 2025, to implement its provisions.
Which products and services are affected by the European Accessibility Act
The Directive establishes a specific list of areas in which accessibility requirements must be applied:
Products
- ATMs and self-service terminals related to banking services.
- Ticket vending and billing machines.
- Telecommunications equipment (e.g., smartphones).
- E-readers.
Services
- Electronic communications services (telephony and internet).
- Passenger transportation services (air, rail, road, and water).
- Retail banking services.
- E-commerce (e-commerce websites and mobile applications).
- Audiovisual services (on-demand media content).
Implementation schedule and compliance deadlines
Directive 2019/882 establishes the following timetable:
- National transposition: to be completed by June 28, 2022.
- Effective implementation: June 28, 2025.
This means that from that date, all covered products and services marketed or provided in the EU must meet accessibility requirements.
Existing products
Products already on the market before that date are not subject to the requirements unless they are significantly modified.
Ongoing services
Existing services (e.g., e-commerce websites or apps) will need to be adapted to comply with the Directive from 28 June 2025.
National transposition: Spain, France and Germany
Each country has implemented the Directive into its national legislation. Let’s briefly review the status in some key markets:
Spain
- Law 11/2023, which modifies the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- The Spanish Data Protection Agency and other authorities will oversee compliance.
France
- Ordonnance n° 2022-550, published in April 2022.
- Supervision by the Direction générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des frauds (DGCCRF).
Germany
- Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG), in force since June 2021.
- Supervision by regional authorities (Länder).
Conclusion and recommendations
The European Accessibility Act represents a profound change in the design of digital products and services in Europe. Companies must:
- Review whether their products and services are covered by the Directive.
- Assess their current level of accessibility.
- Plan and implement the necessary adaptations by June 2025.
- Document compliance and be prepared for audits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is an EU directive (2019/882) that establishes accessibility requirements for certain products and services in the European market.
ATMs, self-service terminals, smartphones, e-readers, online banking, passenger transportation, e-commerce, electronic communications, and audiovisual services.
The requirements will be mandatory starting June 28, 2025.
Support for assistive technologies, accessible navigation, adaptive content, clear interface, WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, and more.
Risk of fines, obligation to adapt services, and reputational damage.
On the official EU portal: EUR-Lex.
The competent authorities designated in Law 11/2023, with the participation of the Spanish Data Protection Agency and other bodies