The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU directive that harmonizes accessibility requirements for digital products and services across all European Union member states.
Who Does the EAA Apply To?
The EAA applies to a wide range of digital products and services, including:
- E-commerce websites and online stores
- Digital banking and financial services
- E-books and digital publishing platforms
- Hardware, computers, and smartphones
It impacts businesses operating within the EU or selling products and services to EU customers.
Important: Even if your business is based outside the EU (e.g., in the US, UK, or Canada), the EAA applies to your website if you sell goods or provide services to EU residents.
(Note: Micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover under €2 million are exempt from EAA requirements).
Enforcement Status & Key Requirements
- Current Status: The EAA went into full effect on June 28, 2025, and is currently enforced across EU member states.
- New Services: Any website, store, or digital service launched after June 28, 2025, must comply immediately upon launch.
- Technical Standard: While the EAA relies on technical standard EN 301 549, conforming to WCAG 2.1 Level AA is widely recognized as the practical baseline for digital web compliance.
How to Ensure Your Site Complies
To meet EAA requirements on your WordPress/Elementor site:
- Keyboard & Assistive Navigation: Ensure all menus, popups, and forms can be navigated using a keyboard and are fully compatible with screen readers.
- Perceivable Content: Maintain sufficient color contrast, logical heading structures (H1–H6), and descriptive alt text for non-decorative images.
- Publish an Accessibility Statement: Include a dedicated accessibility page that outlines your compliance status and provides a feedback mechanism for users to report accessibility issues.