Is Your Website Ready for the EU Accessibility Act?
by Greg Johnson, Owner / Developer
Is Your Website Ready for the EU Accessibility Act?
From 28 June 2025, the EU Accessibility Act (EAA) will introduce legal obligations for many businesses offering products or services in the EU. That includes UK-based companies selling to customers in Europe.
The key takeaway? Websites will need to be accessible by design—and that includes alt text, keyboard navigation, colour contrast, screen reader compatibility and more.
If your site isn’t up to standard, you could risk legal action or lose business to more compliant competitors.
What Is the EU Accessibility Act?
The EAA is an EU directive aimed at ensuring that digital services and products are usable by everyone—including people with disabilities. This includes:
- E-commerce websites
- Mobile apps
- Booking platforms
- Digital kiosks and payment terminals
The focus is on removing digital barriers that prevent equal access. That means your website will need to meet standards similar to WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
What You’ll Need to Address on Your Website
Here are a few key things your business site will need:
- Alt text for images – Screen readers rely on this to describe content.
- Keyboard navigability – Your site must be usable without a mouse.
- Clear and consistent layout – Helps users with cognitive impairments.
- Text contrast and scalable fonts – Essential for those with visual impairments.
- Video captions – Required for all publicly available video content.
Who Is Affected?
You need to act if your business:
- Operates in or sells to customers in the EU
- Runs an online store, booking system or app
- Provides digital information to the public
Even small and medium businesses aren't exempt if they meet these criteria.
What Happens If You’re Not Compliant?
- You may be fined or blocked from operating in certain EU markets
- You risk losing customers who can’t use your site
- You may face legal complaints under anti-discrimination laws
This isn’t just a legal checkbox—it’s also a competitive advantage.
How The Web People Can Help
At The Web People, we specialise in accessibility audits and website updates tailored to small and medium-sized businesses. We’ll:
- Review your site against EU accessibility requirements
- Provide a clear, jargon-free report
- Help implement fixes from alt text to structural changes
- Offer ongoing support and updates
Top tip
Start with a quick compliance check—we’ll highlight what needs attention and where you stand.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility isn’t optional anymore. It’s becoming a legal obligation—and a mark of trust and professionalism. Whether you’re a local builder or an international e-commerce shop, this is your opportunity to stay ahead.
Want peace of mind? Let us audit your site and help you get compliant before the deadline.