| Jurisdiction: European Union / Economic Area | Status: Adopted. European countries have until 28 June 2025 to impose through national law. |
History and what it’s about
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) was adopted on April 17, 2019, and is intended to enhance the accessibility of products and services for persons with disabilities across the European Union (EU). It creates a harmonized legal framework that sets accessibility requirements for key products and services in a digital society. This aims to promote equal access to such products and services for people with disabilities, and to allow them to fully participate in society.
Who has a role to play in compliance with the Accessibility Act?
Obligation holders:
- Manufacturers of products such as ATMs, computers, smartphones, ticketing machines, and e-books
- Providers of services such as banking, transport, telecommunications, e-commerce, and audio-visual media
- Market surveillance authorities responsible for monitoring compliance
Supervisory bodies:
- National enforcement bodies designated by Member States
- European Commission overseeing general enforcement
Rights holders:
- Persons with disabilities who benefit from increased accessibility to goods and services
What are the most important obligations?
- Adequately train employees on the needs of persons with disabilities
- Ensure that accessibility is considered in the design and production of products
- Ensure that products and services meet accessibility requirements
- Provide accessible user interfaces and assistive technologies for products and services
- Make essential information available in accessible formats, e.g. instructions and customer support materials
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
- Non-compliant businesses may face fines and penalties imposed by national enforcement bodies
- Products or services failing to meet accessibility standards may be removed from the market
- Legal actions from affected individuals or organizations representing persons with disabilities
- Potential exclusion from EU public procurement contracts
- Reputational damage and loss of consumer trust (a risk of user attrition)
Where can I find more information?
The official title for the EU Accessibility Act is: Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for products and services.
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