Directive (EU) 2019/882, popularly known as the European Accessibility Act (EAA), establishes a European legal framework to ensure that key products and services are accessible to persons with disabilities and all citizens.
With the implementation deadline set for June 28, 2025, it is essential that companies, institutions, and professionals fully understand what this regulation requires, what products and services it affects, and what the deadlines and consequences are.
In this article, we provide an executive summary of Directive 2019/882, explain its requirements, and tell you how to access the full official text.
What is Directive (EU) 2019/882
Directive (EU) 2019/882, adopted on April 17, 2019, is a key element of the European Union’s accessibility strategy.
Its purpose is to ensure that certain products and services are accessible for:
- People with permanent or temporary disabilities.
- Older adults with functional limitations.
- Any citizen who, under certain circumstances, requires more usable digital environments.
The Directive responds to:
- The need to harmonize accessibility requirements across the EU.
- The removal of barriers in the single market.
- The strengthening of citizens’ rights in the digital age.
Full text in PDF
You can consult the full official text in Spanish on the EUR-Lex portal:
Scope of Directive 2019/882
The Directive applies to:
- Electronic communications services.
- Passenger transportation services.
- Retail banking services.
- E-commerce (e-commerce websites and mobile apps).
- On-demand audiovisual services.
Accessibility requirements
The affected products and services must meet functional requirements such as:
- Compatibility with assistive technologies.
- Text alternatives for visual and audio content.
- Accessible keyboard navigation and voice commands.
- Intuitive and understandable interfaces.
- Accessible product documentation.
For digital environments (websites and apps), compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA or equivalent standards is recommended.
Sectors affected by the EAA in 2025
Starting June 28, 2025, the following products and services must be accessible:
- Online banking and mobile applications: Platforms must be compatible with screen readers, allow keyboard navigation, and provide clear and understandable information.
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) and payment terminals (POS): They must have features such as voice output, Braille text, and a physical design that facilitates use by people with reduced mobility.
- Contracts and pre-contractual information: Documentation must be available in accessible formats.
- Electronic signature and identification services: They must be designed for everyone to use.
- Websites and mobile applications: They must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA. This includes, among other things, providing alternative text for images, subtitles for videos, and ensuring adequate color contrast.
- Purchasing Process: From product selection to payment, the entire flow must be navigable and understandable for people with various disabilities.
- Product and Service Information: Descriptions and specifications must be clear and accessible.
- Transportation: This applies to air, bus, rail, and inland waterway transportation services, with regard to their websites, mobile applications, ticket machines, and real-time information.
- Telecommunications: This includes electronic communications services and the equipment used to access them.
- Audiovisual Services: Streaming platforms and other audiovisual services must guarantee the accessibility of their content.
- Electronic Books (E-books): E-book readers and the formats of digital books themselves must be accessible.
- Computer Equipment and Operating Systems: General-purpose computers and their operating systems fall within the scope of the law.
- Public Administration: Although already subject to accessibility regulations, the AEA strengthens and expands the obligations of public entities.
- Insurers: Insurance companies are explicitly included within the scope of the Act. They are considered part of the “financial services” aimed at consumers.
- Supermarkets: Given that the online sale of food and household products is a booming service, most large and medium-sized supermarket chains are required to make their e-commerce platforms fully accessible.
Countries affected by the European accessibility law: Applicable regulations
- Spain: Law 11/2023 adapts the Directive to the Spanish legal framework.
- France: Ordonnance n° 2022-550 published in April 2022.
- Germany: Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) effective June 2021.
Each country defines competent authorities to oversee compliance.
Steps to comply with Directive 2019/882
- Audit the current accessibility level of your products and services.
- Plan any necessary adaptations.
- Train internal teams on accessibility.
- Integrate accessibility requirements into design and development processes.
- Document compliance for potential audits.
Starting as soon as possible is key to meeting the June 2025 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is the legal basis that establishes common accessibility requirements in the EU for certain products and services.
On the EUR-Lex portal: Directive 2019/882 – full text.
ATMs, ticket machines, smartphones, e-readers, e-commerce, online banking, passenger transport, electronic communications, and on-demand audiovisual services.
From 28 June 2025, compliance will be mandatory in all Member States.
Microenterprises that provide services are exempt, but product manufacturers are not.
Fines, mandatory adaptation, legal claims, and reputational damage.