The European Accessibility Act makes accessibility a legal requirement for e-commerce and other consumer services across the EU from 28 June 2025. Each member state wrote it into national law and enforces it through its own authorities.
High and rising exposure for private websites. Since June 2025 online shops selling to EU consumers must be accessible. Each country enforces it in its own way.
Quick answers
Does website accessibility law apply to my business in European Union?
European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) applies to: Businesses selling covered products or services to consumers, including e-commerce. Microenterprises (fewer than 10 staff and turnover or balance sheet of EUR 2 million or less) are exempt for services.
What accessibility standard must a website meet in European Union?
Accessibility requirements of the European Accessibility Act; the harmonised standard EN 301 549 maps to WCAG 2.1 AA for web content.
How is website accessibility enforced in European Union?
National market surveillance authorities, acting on complaints and checks; in some countries competitors and associations can also take action.
What are the penalties for an inaccessible website in European Union?
Set by each member state; must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Businesses selling covered products or services to consumers, including e-commerce. Microenterprises (fewer than 10 staff and turnover or balance sheet of EUR 2 million or less) are exempt for services.
Standard
Accessibility requirements of the European Accessibility Act; the harmonised standard EN 301 549 maps to WCAG 2.1 AA for web content.
Enforcement
National market surveillance authorities, acting on complaints and checks; in some countries competitors and associations can also take action.
What it can cost
Set by each member state; must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Key dates
Applies from 28 June 2025. Services already offered on that date may continue using products already in use until 28 June 2030.
Impact on your website
An online shop or a site where consumers can conclude a contract online must meet the accessibility requirements and publish information on how the service meets them.
What it means for your website
Selling to EU consumers brings you in, wherever your business is based.
You must publish how your service meets the accessibility requirements.
See the country guides for how each market enforces it.
How Jralo helps in European Union
Daily checks against WCAG 2.2 A and AA with axe-core, the same rules EN 301 549 points to for web content. Automated testing finds many, not all, problems.
A dated, independently timestamped record of what was checked and fixed, ready if a regulator, customer or court asks.
Website Mechanic fixes problems in your code and opens a pull request for you to review.
General information, checked 9 October 2026. Not legal advice. Laws, guidance and enforcement change; speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation.