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Updated on 5 November 2026.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is Directive (EU) 2019/882 of 17 April 2019. It sets common accessibility requirements for certain products and services, supporting people with disabilities and helping businesses work to consistent requirements across EU countries.
Member States had to transpose it into national law by 28 June 2022. The requirements have applied since 28 June 2025, with transitional arrangements for some existing products and contracts.
Providers outside the EU may also be covered when offering relevant products or services on the EU market.
What does the Act cover?
The Directive covers specific categories, including:
- Consumer computers and operating systems
- Certain self-service terminals, including payment, cash, ticketing and check-in machines
- Consumer equipment for electronic communications, such as smartphones
- Equipment and services for accessing audiovisual media services
- Electronic communications services
- Certain elements of bus, rail, air and water passenger transport
- Consumer banking services
- E-books and associated software
- E-commerce services, such as online shops
The exact scope and requirements vary by category. Not every website or product is automatically covered.
Exemptions and transitional arrangements
Microenterprises providing services are exempt from the service accessibility requirements. These have fewer than ten employees and annual turnover or an annual balance sheet total of no more than two million euros. The same exemption does not apply to products.
Requirements may also be limited where they would fundamentally alter a product or service or impose a disproportionate burden. This requires a substantiated assessment, not a general exemption.
Check the transitional arrangements for existing products and contracts.