The European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force on 28 June 2025, and even though the UK is no longer part of the EU, this law still has serious implications for UK businesses operating online.
If your website sells products, offers services, or is used by customers in the EU — you must comply with this new regulation, or risk losing access to the EU market.
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA is a new EU-wide law designed to make digital products and services accessible for people with disabilities. It applies to:
- Websites
- Mobile apps
- E-commerce stores
- Banking services
- Ticketing and transport platforms
And more...
It's based on WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards, which define how to make digital content usable for everyone.
Isn't the UK No Longer Part of the EU?
Correct — but if your website can be accessed or used by people in the EU, or you serve EU customers, you're expected to comply.
- UK businesses that ignore this risk:
- Being blocked from the EU market
- Facing legal action from EU-based users
- Damaging their brand reputation
What About UK Accessibility Law?
The Equality Act 2010 already requires websites to make “reasonable adjustments†for people with disabilities. Public sector websites must also meet WCAG 2.1 AA under the 2018 Accessibility Regulations.
But the EAA goes further — and applies more strictly to private sector companies, especially those with customers in the EU.
What You Need to Do
To get compliant before 28 June 2025:
- Audit your website for accessibility issues (e.g. poor contrast, missing alt text, keyboard traps).
- Fix key barriers — forms, navigation, media, and third-party tools.
- Update your accessibility statement with clear info about what's compliant and what's being worked on.
- Train your team — designers, developers, and content creators — on accessibility best practices.
- Test regularly using WCAG tools and real users where possible.
Why It's Worth Doing Anyway
Making your website accessible isn't just about compliance - it's about better user experience for everyone. Accessibility:
- Improves SEO
- Boosts conversion rates
- Enhances mobile usability
- Futureproofs your business
Don't Wait for the Deadline
28 June 2025 will arrive fast. If you're unsure where to start, now's the time to get help.
Need an audit or support? Contact Codeguys and we'll help bring your site up to standard - and make it better for every visitor.
