The European Accessibility Act is the most significant expansion of digital accessibility law globally. It applies to private sector organisations — including those based outside the EU — and came into full effect on 28 June 2025. Non-compliance can result in market withdrawal and financial penalties.
European Accessibility Act (EAA) — Directive 2019/882
EN 301 549 — Harmonised Technical Standard
WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 AA Technical Baseline
Effective: 28 June 2025
Applies to Non-EU Organisations Selling Into EU
Web Accessibility Directive (Public Sector)
Earlier EU directives covered only public sector websites. The EAA extends binding obligations to the private sector — any business offering covered products or services in any EU member state must comply, regardless of where the business is based. The harmonised technical standard is EN 301 549, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
If your digital products or services are available in any EU member state — as e-commerce, a mobile app, a banking service, or a streaming platform — the EAA applies to you. Non-EU companies are required to appoint an EU-based authorised representative for EAA compliance purposes.
* The EAA compliance deadline for most covered products and services was 28 June 2025. New products and services must comply. Products placed on the market before that date have a transitional window until 2030.EAA in effect. If your products or services reach EU consumers, independent audit documentation is your compliance foundation.
Micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 employees, annual turnover under EUR 2 million) providing services are exempt. This exemption does not apply to product manufacturers regardless of size.
Not sure if the EAA covers your product or service category? We conduct applicability assessments before full audit scope is confirmed.
EN 301 549 is the harmonised European standard for ICT accessibility. Clause 9 incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content and mobile applications. Conformance with EN 301 549 is the accepted technical path to EAA compliance.
| Standard | Scope | WCAG Baseline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 301 549 v3.2.1 | ICT products and services — EU | WCAG 2.1 AA (Clause 9) | Current harmonised standard |
| WCAG 2.1 AA | Web content and mobile apps | Technical criteria | Incorporated into EN 301 549 |
| WCAG 2.2 AA | Web content and apps | Additional criteria | Accord audit standard |
Market withdrawal orders for non-compliant products and services
Financial penalties — amounts set by national law, vary by member state
Public notices of non-compliance
Prohibition on sale within the member state's market
Every member state must establish a complaint mechanism through which persons with disabilities or representative bodies can report non-compliance. Formal complaints are expected to rise significantly following the June 2025 enforcement date.
Our EAA audit framework covers scope confirmation, EN 301 549 testing, and how compliance reports are structured for national enforcement authorities.
Read our EAA Audit FrameworkThe Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102) applies exclusively to EU public sector bodies, requiring EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 AA conformance for websites (since 2018) and mobile apps (since 2021). If you are a public sector body or government-linked organisation, the Directive applies in addition to national accessibility law.
Central, regional, and local government bodies
Public universities and educational institutions
Public healthcare providers and transport operators
Bodies governed by public law receiving public funding
EAA enforcement is live. Independent audit evidence is the only defence that holds up against national enforcement authorities and formal complaints.
