The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a landmark EU directive designed to enhance access to products and services for people with disabilities. While adopted in 2019, it becomes legally binding across EU member states, including Ireland, on 28 June 2025, meaning that all covered digital and physical offerings must comply from that date onward.
Compliance deadline: 28 June 2025
Scope includes: Things like smartphones, ATMs, e-commerce platforms, banking services, transport ticketing systems, consumer electronics, and websites or mobile apps
Standards referenced: Typically based on EN 301 549, which aligns with WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA for web content
Enforcement: Each EU country will implement national penalties, including fines or product recalls, from that date forward
Exemptions: Micro-enterprises (under 10 employees/€2M turnover) or entities claiming 'undue burden' may be exempt
Audit whether your products or services fall under the EAA scope
Map applicable accessibility requirements and harmonised standards
Start implementing accessible design and publishing an accessibility statement by the June 2025 deadline
Engage suppliers and designers to establish a cross-team compliance plan
Plan for enforcement, ensuring you’re prepared for market checks and potential complaints
In short: from 28 June 2025, any covered product or service offered in the EU must meet the mandates of the EAA. Failing to comply could result in significant consequences, including fines and product withdrawal.
Discover how the UX Design Institute is helping teams quickly build the skills needed to design accessible, compliant digital products https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/courses/designing-for-accessibility.
