EAA – European Accessibility Act

Directive (EU) 2019/882 on the accessibility requirements for products and services (European Accessibility Act)

Adopted EU-wide EU Directive

Overview

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) harmonises accessibility requirements for certain products and services across the EU. Its aim is to enable persons with disabilities and elderly people to have equal access while strengthening the single market for accessible products.

Who Is Affected?

The EAA covers manufacturers and service providers across numerous sectors:

  • Manufacturers of computers, smartphones, tablets, e-readers
  • Manufacturers of ATMs, payment terminals, self-service terminals
  • Providers of e-commerce services and websites
  • Banks and financial service providers (online banking, consumer contracts)
  • Telecommunications providers
  • Passenger transport service providers
  • Publishers of e-books

Core Obligations

  1. Accessible products: Perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (WCAG principles)
  2. Accessible services: Websites, apps, and digital services must be designed accessibly
  3. CE marking: Products must meet accessibility requirements for CE marking
  4. Conformity assessment: Demonstration of compliance with accessibility requirements
  5. Market surveillance: Authorities can remove non-compliant products from the market
  6. Disproportionate burden exemption: Possible but requires documentation

National Transposition

The directive had to be transposed by 28 June 2022; requirements apply from 28 June 2025:

  • Germany: Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) and BFSGV
  • Austria: Accessibility Act (BaFG)
  • Switzerland: Own Disability Equality Act (BehiG) but no direct transposition of the EAA

Legal Sources

EAA: Does it affect you?

Find out if and how this regulation affects your company – we're happy to advise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the accessibility requirements apply?

National transposition laws apply from 28 June 2025. Products and services placed on the market before this date have a transition period until 2030.

Which products and services are covered?

Computers, smartphones, e-readers, ATMs, payment terminals, e-commerce services, banking services, electronic communications, audiovisual media services, e-books, and transport services.

Are there exemptions for small businesses?

Microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees and under EUR 2 million turnover) providing services are exempt. The exemption does not apply to product manufacturers.