European Accessibility Act (EAA)

Understanding the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU directive designed to improve the accessibility of key products and services, especially for people with disabilities. It aims to harmonize accessibility requirements across member states, ensuring that individuals can fully participate in the digital economy.

This legislation applies to various sectors, including e-commerce, banking, transport, telecommunications, and more. Digital interfaces such as websites, mobile apps, e-readers, and self-service terminals are all covered.

Why the EAA Is Necessary

Accessibility is both a moral and legal responsibility. With over 87 million people with disabilities in Europe, the EAA addresses widespread digital exclusion. By complying, businesses:

• Expand their audience reach

• Improve user satisfaction and usability

• Enhance SEO performance

• Reduce legal and reputational risks

The EAA levels the playing field and encourages innovation that benefits all users, not just those with disabilities.

EAA Compliance Deadline

The EAA was adopted in 2019, with member states required to transpose it into national law by June 28, 2022. Businesses must ensure full compliance by June 28, 2025.

This deadline applies to companies offering products and services within the EU—particularly online retailers, banking services, and software providers—and non-compliance can lead to penalties and restricted market access.

How RELA-TECH Supports EAA Compliance

At RELA-TECH, our Quality Assurance (QA) team specializes in web accessibility testing based on WCAG 2.1 AA standards, which underpin the EAA's technical requirements. We utilize a blend of automated tools and manual testing techniques, including:

• Evaluation using WAVE, AXE, and screen readers

• Manual inspections for semantic HTML structure and ARIA roles

• Assistive technology simulations

• Prioritized bug reporting with developer-ready recommendations

We work closely with development teams to resolve accessibility issues efficiently, ensuring our clients are both legally compliant and user-centric.

Case Study: E-Commerce Accessibility Audit

Here’s a real-life example from an accessibility audit we conducted for an e-commerce client:

Your Accessibility Partner Starts Here

The European Accessibility Act marks a significant step forward in building a more inclusive digital world. As the 2025 compliance deadline approaches, businesses must act now to ensure their digital platforms are accessible to all users—including those with disabilities.

At RELA-TECH, we offer specialized accessibility auditing and quality assurance services tailored to meet EAA requirements. Our expert team works with organizations of all sizes to identify, prioritize, and resolve accessibility issues across websites and digital applications.

Are you ready to ensure your platform is EAA-compliant?Whether you're seeking a one-time audit or long-term collaboration, RELA-TECH is here to help.

Let’s collaborate – Contact us at info@rela-tech.com to discuss how we can support your journey toward digital accessibility and legal compliance.