After many years of businesses paying lip service to people with disabilities — despite in some cases being required by law to accommodate their needs — new EU laws are about to change that.

On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will establish common accessibility rules throughout the EU. Its aim is to ensure that digital products and services are accessible to all individuals, particularly those with disabilities. The EAA expands on existing regulation covering websites and mobile apps to include ATMs and payment terminals, e-commerce sites and apps, and digital platforms, including talent platforms and any digital products that create services.

While the Act’s primary focus is on the European Union, its influence is expected to reach beyond the EU’s borders, setting a benchmark for accessibility standards globally. Non-EU organizations that sell products or services in the EU will be required to meet the accessibility standards set out by the Act.

The EAA adopts the definition of “persons with disabilities” outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), which has been ratified by the EU and most of its Member States, to “include those who have a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”

The EAA emphasizes a universal design approach which aims to create “products, environments, programs and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” However, it is important to note that if a product or service remains inaccessible, further adjustments or accommodations may still be required under national or EU laws. 

The directive was formally adopted as a regulation by EU member states on June 28, 2022. From June 28, 2025, all member states must begin applying the EAA’s accessibility measures. By 2030, businesses must stop using inaccessible products that were in use before June 28, 2025. Additionally, member states will start reporting on the Act’s impact and implementation from that date.

Each EU member state is responsible for implementing the Act’s requirements, including determining penalties for noncompliance and designating enforcement bodies. The EAA outlines that penalties must be “effective, proportionate and dissuasive” to ensure compliance. 

The EAA applies to all businesses operating within European Union member states. This includes businesses based outside the EU, such as those in the US and UK, that export products to EU countries.

Businesses should prepare by assessing if products and services fall under the EAA and identify any specific functional accessibility requirements they must meet by June 28, 2025. This should involve reviewing and auditing digital content, apps, websites, platforms and marketing materials for accessibility. Accessibility testing software can be deployed to regularly evaluate and ensure the accessibility of digital content and services. Staff training is also essential to help them effectively communicate and support accessibility features.

There are exceptions for microbusinesses and any business for which meeting the EAA requirements would impose a “disproportionate burden.” However, service providers should be aware that they are responsible for accessibility even if services are provided by subcontractors. The impact of the EAA will trickle down through the supply chain and any business with a digital interface between its products and services, so users should start preparing now.