Is your organisation ready for the European Accessibility Act? This new EU directive will transform how services and products are made accessible across both digital and physical spaces.
With compliance becoming mandatory from June 2025, it is essential to understand what the Act entails and how it may affect your operations. From public interfaces to digital communication, accessibility is rapidly becoming a standard expectation across Europe.
What the EAA Means for You
The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) is designed to harmonise accessibility standards across the EU using a “Design for All” approach. It addresses the increasing digitalisation of services and affirms accessibility as a fundamental aspect of inclusion and equal participation in society.
As outlined in Article 1, the Act seeks to eliminate barriers that arise from inconsistent accessibility requirements between Member States. By creating a shared legal framework, it aims to improve access for persons with disabilities while also benefiting older adults, temporary users, and those facing situational challenges.
Implications for Businesses and Service Providers
If your business relies on self-service technology, digital platforms, or customer-facing communications, the EAA directly may apply to you. Products and services that are not designed to accommodate diverse users may soon be non-compliant. This may put you at a commercial disadvantage compared to competitors who plan for accessibility.
Some of the key product and service categories include:
- Consumer general-purpose computer hardware and operating systems
- ATMs, ticketing, and check-in machines
- Telephones and smartphones
- Audiovisual media and e-books
- E-commerce platforms and banking services
These areas are fully specified in Article 2 of the Directive, which outlines the scope of the legislation.
Meeting the EAA Requirements from June 2025
From 28 June 2025, all in-scope products and services placed on the market must comply with the EAA. Article 32 allows transitional measures for existing products, including continued use of self-service terminals for up to 20 years, if not replaced.
In good news, Ireland has already transposed the EAA into national law through S.I. No. 636/2023. This provides organisations with a clear framework to follow. Now is the time to begin accessibility audits and review your products and services. Acting early not only supports compliance but also positions your organisation as proactive, inclusive, and aligned with both ethical standards and future market expectations.
Conclusion
The European Accessibility Act offers a critical opportunity to improve how products and services are conceived and accessed. This represents a meaningful commitment to inclusion and equality across Europe and provides a legal framework to enforce it. Organisations should be progressing with preparations to ensure their compliance and demonstrate leadership in accessibility across the European market.
OHAC offers tailored guidance and practical support to help your organisation align with the EAA and embed inclusive design as a standard practice.
You can access the complete text at the European Accessibility Act.
Sources
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. S.I. No. 636/2023 – European Union (Accessibility Requirements of Products and Services) Regulations 2023.
European Commission. Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for products and services (Text with EEA relevance)