European Accessibility Act
EU Directive 2019/882 requires that websites and apps offering products or services to EU consumers meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. It came into force on 28 June 2025 for most private-sector services.
- In force since
- 2025-06-28
- Jurisdiction
- European Union
- Requires
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA
Who does EU EAA apply to?
Private businesses offering products or services to consumers in the EU, including e-commerce sites, banking portals, transport booking services, and consumer-facing software. Micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 staff and under €2 million annual turnover) are exempt from the service provisions.
Key requirements
- Websites and mobile applications must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- Conformance statements must be published and kept up to date
- A feedback mechanism must be provided for users to report accessibility issues
- Market surveillance authorities in each member state will enforce the directive
- Products and services must be designed so that persons with disabilities can use them
Enforcement and penalties
Enforcement is handled by national authorities in each EU member state. Penalties vary by country and can include fines, mandatory remediation orders, and withdrawal of non-compliant products from the market.
EU EAA requires WCAG 2.1 Level AA
Review the individual WCAG criteria and learn how to remediate each one.
Browse WCAG 2.1 criteria →Test your site against accessibility requirements
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