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European Accessibility Act (EAA) FAQs
What you need to know
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025 is an important step toward making products and services accessible to everyone across the EU. This FAQ page is here to provide you with a simple overview of the regulations and requirements. On this page you’ll find:
- Key compliance deadlines to help you plan ahead
- Details about exemptions and who qualifies
- Clear definitions of who the EAA applies to and what accessibility means in practice
- Guidance on responsibilities within your supply chain
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page about the European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025. Here, you will find essential information and answers to the most common inquiries regarding the regulations and compliance requirements of the EAA. This page aims to provide clarity and guidance on how businesses can effectively adapt to and comply with the upcoming accessibility standards.
If you still have questions, our team is ready to help.
EAA compliance deadlines: when do I need to be ready?
All new products and services released after 28 June 2025 must comply with the EAA’s requirements.
Any self-service terminals (ATMs, ticket machines, info-points) already in use (or released before 28 June 2025) have 15 years to comply.
All other existing products have until 28 June 2030 to be fully compliant.
Are there any exemptions to the EAA?
Yes, businesses may qualify for exemptions if:
- Compliance would fundamentally alter the nature of your service or impose an unreasonable burden.
- Your business qualifies as a microenterprise:
- Fewer than 10 employees
- Annual turnover or balance sheet under €2 million
Who counts as a consumer?
The EAA applies to all services and products provided to consumers.
A consumer is anyone purchasing for personal use, rather than for business purposes.
B2B products are generally out of scope unless they are also marketed directly to consumers.
What does “persons with disabilities” mean?
The EAA defines persons with disabilities as individuals with long-term:
- physical
- mental,
- intellectual or
- sensory impairments
Accessibility requirements aim to remove barriers that prevent equal participation in society.
Accessibility requirements must be met for all people with and without disabilities.
If my product/service is part of a chain, who is responsible?
Responsibility to comply with the EAA falls on all ‘economic operators’ throughout the chain.
‘Economic operators’ are:
- manufacturers
- authorised representatives (i.e. any natural or legal person established within the Union who has received a written mandate from a manufacturer to act on its behalf in relation to specified tasks)
- importers
- distributors
- service providers (i.e. any natural or legal person who provides a service on the Union market or makes offers to provide such a service to consumers in the Union).
How does the EAA ensure products/services are accessible to all users?
The EAA requires businesses to design products and services that work for everyone, regardless of their technical skills or expertise. The focus is on creating solutions that are intuitive, inclusive, and easy to use for all, not just those with advanced knowledge.
Why does Accessibility matter for my business?
- Market expansion: Accessible products and services reach a broader audience.
- Customer loyalty: Inclusive design creates better user experiences and builds trust.
- Brand reputation: Accessibility strengthens your position as a forward-thinking, inclusive business.
This document (and any information accessed through links in this document) is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any action as a result of the contents of this document.
Key contacts
If you have any questions, contact a member of the European Accessibility Act FAQs team for assistance:
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