European Accessibility Act:
what businesses need to know.
The EAA has applied to private-sector businesses since June 28, 2025. Here is what it requires and how INCLUXA can help.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation and jurisdiction.
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA), Directive (EU) 2019/882, is an EU law that harmonizes accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services across all EU member states.
Unlike the Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102), which covers public sector bodies only, the EAA extends to private-sector businesses that offer products and services in the EU market.
Member states were required to transpose the EAA into national law by June 28, 2022. The obligations for businesses took effect on June 28, 2025.
What the EAA Covers
The EAA applies to a broad range of digital and physical products and services, including:
Small Micro-Enterprise exemption: Businesses with fewer than 10 employees AND annual turnover or balance sheet total below €2 million are exempt from EAA requirements for services (not products).
Technical Standard: EN 301 549
The EAA references EN 301 549 as the harmonized European standard for accessibility. This standard incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web and mobile content.
For most websites and apps, meeting WCAG 2.1 AA is the primary technical requirement under the EAA. EN 301 549 also covers additional requirements for documentation and support services.
WCAG 2.2 is not yet formally required under the EAA, but implementing it is considered best practice and future-proofs your compliance position as standards evolve.
Enforcement and Penalties
Each EU member state is responsible for designating enforcement bodies and establishing penalties. Penalties vary by country but may include:
The EAA also enables civil society organizations and individuals to bring complaints on behalf of affected persons. The threshold for action is lower than litigation — regulatory complaints are easier to file and pursue.
How INCLUXA Helps
WCAG 2.1 AA Scanner
Scans your website and reports machine-detectable WCAG 2.1 AA failures — the core technical requirement under EN 301 549 and the EAA. Manual review is still required.
Accessibility Statement
The EAA requires organizations to publish an accessibility statement. INCLUXA generates one for you based on your scan results and lets you customize it.
Compliance Documentation
VPAT-format reports document your accessibility posture for regulatory purposes and procurement due diligence.
AI Remediation
Provides specific code fixes for identified issues, accelerating your path to WCAG 2.1 AA conformance.
GDPR-aligned Data Processing
INCLUXA's data practices comply with GDPR, including Standard Contractual Clauses for international transfers.
Key Dates
April 2019
EAA published (Directive EU 2019/882)
June 2022
EU member states required to transpose EAA into national law
June 28, 2025
EAA obligations apply to businesses providing in-scope products and services
June 2030
Transitional period ends — existing contracts for services must also be compliant