What is the European Accessibility Act?

The European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) is EU-wide legislation that requires accessibility for products and services sold to EU consumers, including websites and mobile applications. It has been enforcement-active across all 27 EU member states since June 28, 2025.

Does the EAA apply to US businesses?

Yes — the EAA applies to any business that places products or services on the EU market, regardless of where the business is headquartered. If you accept orders from EU consumers, you are within scope. There is a microenterprise exemption (fewer than 10 employees AND less than €2 million in annual turnover).

What is the technical standard for EAA?

EN 301 549 v3.2.1, the European harmonized standard for ICT accessibility. EN 301 549 incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content. In practice, meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the operative requirement for EAA web compliance, the same standard as ADA Title II and HHS Section 504.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Each EU member state sets its own penalties. Examples: Germany up to €100,000 per violation; France €5,000–€250,000; Spain up to €1,000,000; Netherlands up to €900,000 or 10% of revenue; Italy up to 5% of annual turnover. Enforcement varies by country, but most consumer-facing businesses are now within scope.

European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) is EU-wide legislation that requires accessibility for products and services sold to EU consumers. It has been enforcement-active since June 28, 2025 across all 27 EU member states. The technical standard is EN 301 549 v3.2.1, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content. US businesses serving EU customers are within scope regardless of where they are headquartered.

Who and what does the EAA cover?

The EAA covers a wide range of products and services placed on the EU market, including:

E-commerce websites and mobile applications
Consumer banking services (online banking, ATMs)
E-books and dedicated e-reader software
Audiovisual media services
Air, bus, rail, and waterborne passenger transport services
Telephony equipment and services
Computers, smartphones, payment terminals, ATMs, ticketing/check-in machines

Penalties by member state (illustrative)

Member state	Max penalty
Germany	Up to €100,000 per violation
France	€5,000 – €250,000
Spain	Up to €1,000,000
Netherlands	Up to €900,000 or 10% of revenue
Italy	Up to 5% of annual turnover

Each EU member state implements its own enforcement regime. Penalties listed are illustrative ceilings; routine non-compliance typically triggers smaller fines.

Official source: EUR-Lex — Directive 2019/882

FAQ

What is the European Accessibility Act?: The European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) is EU-wide legislation that requires accessibility for products and services sold to EU consumers, including websites and mobile applications. It has been enforcement-active across all 27 EU member states since June 28, 2025.
Does the EAA apply to US businesses?: Yes — the EAA applies to any business that places products or services on the EU market, regardless of where the business is headquartered. If you accept orders from EU consumers, you are within scope. There is a microenterprise exemption (fewer than 10 employees AND less than €2 million in annual turnover).
What is the technical standard for EAA?: EN 301 549 v3.2.1, the European harmonized standard for ICT accessibility. EN 301 549 incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content. In practice, meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the operative requirement for EAA web compliance, the same standard as ADA Title II and HHS Section 504.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?: Each EU member state sets its own penalties. Examples: Germany up to €100,000 per violation; France €5,000–€250,000; Spain up to €1,000,000; Netherlands up to €900,000 or 10% of revenue; Italy up to 5% of annual turnover. Enforcement varies by country, but most consumer-facing businesses are now within scope.