EU Accessibility Act – Everything Businesses Need to Know

EU Flags Flying at the European Commission Building, Home of the EU Accessibility Act 2025

Independent guidance on the EU Accessibility Act from accessibility specialists

If you've recently searched for the EU Accessibility Act 2025, you're not alone. Since the legislation came into force, thousands of organisations have been trying to understand what it means, who it affects and whether they need to take action.

The official name of the legislation is the European Accessibility Act, but many businesses, websites and news articles refer to it simply as the EU Accessibility Act. Both names describe the same legislation.

Whether your organisation is based in the UK, Europe or elsewhere, understanding the law is becoming increasingly important. This guide explains what the EU Accessibility Act is, why it matters and what businesses should do next.

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In This Guide

  • What the legislation is
  • Why people use different names for it
  • Why the law was introduced
  • Who should pay attention
  • Why organisations outside Europe may still be affected
  • Common misconceptions
  • What businesses should do next

What Is the EU Accessibility Act?

The EU Accessibility Act is the commonly used name for legislation introduced by the European Union to improve accessibility for disabled people. Although many people use the shorter title, it refers to the same law that established accessibility requirements for a wide range of digital products and services across Europe.

The legislation came into force on 28 June 2025 and affects organisations providing certain products and services to customers within the European Union. This includes many businesses located outside Europe that trade with EU customers.

The purpose of the legislation is to remove barriers that prevent disabled people from accessing digital services. Rather than each member state applying different accessibility rules, the legislation creates a more consistent framework across the European Union.

Accessibility is no longer simply considered good practice. For many organisations, it has become an important legal and commercial requirement.

Why Is It Called the EU Accessibility Act?

One of the most common questions businesses ask is whether the EU Accessibility Act and the official legislation are different.

They are not.

The formal legal title is longer, so many organisations, journalists and businesses naturally shorten it to "EU Accessibility Act" when discussing the legislation. Both names describe exactly the same law.

This is similar to the way legislation is often abbreviated in everyday conversation. Using the shorter name makes discussions easier while still referring to the same legal requirements.

Why Was the EU Accessibility Act Introduced?

The EU Accessibility Act was introduced to make products and services more accessible to disabled people while creating a more consistent approach to accessibility across the European Union.

Before the legislation, accessibility requirements often varied between member states. Businesses operating internationally could find themselves dealing with different rules in different countries, making compliance more complicated and increasing the cost of developing accessible products and services.

For disabled people, the experience was equally inconsistent. A website, banking service or mobile application that worked well in one country might present significant barriers in another. This lack of consistency made it more difficult for people to access information, purchase products and use everyday digital services independently.

The legislation aims to reduce these differences by establishing a common framework for accessibility. Rather than treating accessibility as an optional feature or an afterthought, it encourages organisations to build accessibility into the design, development and maintenance of their products and services from the outset.

Although many organisations first think about websites when they hear the term "EU Accessibility Act", the legislation has a much broader scope. It applies to a wide range of digital products and services that people rely on every day, helping to create a more inclusive experience for millions of users across Europe.

Who Should Pay Attention?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the legislation only affects large multinational organisations. In reality, many different types of businesses should understand whether the requirements apply to them.

If your organisation provides products or services to customers within the European Union, it is important to understand how the legislation may affect you. This applies whether your business is based inside or outside the EU.

Examples of organisations that may be affected include:

  • Online retailers selling products to EU customers.
  • Software companies providing cloud-based services.
  • Banks and financial service providers.
  • Transport operators offering online booking.
  • Publishers supplying digital books or publications.
  • Telecommunications providers.
  • Businesses developing mobile applications.
  • Manufacturers of certain digital products and self-service technology.

Not every organisation will have exactly the same obligations, and there are exemptions in some circumstances. However, businesses should avoid assuming that the legislation does not apply without first understanding its scope.

For many organisations, taking the time to understand the legislation now is far easier than dealing with accessibility issues after products have already been launched or complaints have been received.

Does the EU Accessibility Act 2025 Affect Businesses Outside Europe?

Yes, in many cases it can.

This is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of the legislation. Many organisations assume that because they are based outside the European Union, they do not need to consider the requirements.

That is not necessarily true.

The legislation is concerned with products and services made available to people within the European Union. If your organisation supplies digital products or services to customers in EU member states, you may need to comply regardless of where your business is located.

This means organisations based in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada or Australia should not automatically assume they are outside the scope of the legislation.

For example, an online retailer based in the UK that sells products to customers in France or Germany may need to consider the accessibility requirements. Likewise, a software company providing subscription services across Europe should understand how the legislation applies to its digital platforms.

Every organisation is different, and the exact legal position will depend on the products or services being offered. However, businesses that trade internationally should not dismiss the legislation simply because their headquarters are located outside the European Union.

Understanding your obligations early gives you time to plan improvements, prioritise accessibility work and reduce the risk of future compliance issues.

Common Misunderstandings About the Legislation

As awareness of the EU Accessibility Act 2025 has grown, so have the number of misconceptions surrounding it. Many organisations assume they understand the legislation based on headlines or social media posts, but the reality is often more nuanced.

“It only applies to businesses based in the European Union.”

This is probably the most common misunderstanding. Many organisations outside the EU assume they have nothing to worry about simply because they are not established in an EU member state.

In reality, the location of your headquarters is not always the deciding factor. If your products or services are offered to customers within the European Union, the legislation may still be relevant to your organisation.

“It only affects websites.”

Websites are only one part of the picture. The legislation covers a much broader range of digital products and services, including mobile applications, online banking, e-commerce platforms, ticketing systems, self-service technology and many other consumer-facing services.

For many organisations, accessibility needs to be considered across an entire digital ecosystem rather than on a single website.

“Accessibility is only about people who are blind.”

Accessibility benefits people with a wide range of disabilities, including those with visual, hearing, physical, cognitive and neurological impairments. Many accessibility improvements also make digital services easier for everyone to use, particularly on mobile devices or in challenging environments.

“We can fix everything with an accessibility overlay.”

There is no single product that can make an inaccessible website or application fully compliant. Although automated tools and overlays may help identify or address some issues, they cannot replace good design, accessible development and testing with disabled users.

Organisations should view accessibility as an ongoing process rather than a one-off technical exercise.

What Should Businesses Do Next?

If your organisation may be affected by the legislation, the first step is understanding how it applies to your products and services. Many businesses discover that they already have accessible features in place, while others identify areas that need improvement.

Rather than trying to fix everything at once, it is usually more effective to take a structured approach. Understanding your current position allows you to prioritise the most significant barriers, plan improvements and demonstrate a genuine commitment to accessibility.

Accessibility should not be viewed simply as a legal requirement. Well-designed accessible products and services improve the experience for all users, reduce support requests and help organisations reach a wider audience.

For many businesses, seeking independent advice early can save significant time, cost and effort later in the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the EU Accessibility Act 2025 the same as the official legislation?

Yes. The EU Accessibility Act is simply the shortened name that many organisations, journalists and businesses use when referring to the legislation. Both names describe exactly the same legal requirements.

When did the legislation come into force?

The legislation became applicable on 28 June 2025. From this date, many products and services supplied within the European Union are expected to meet the relevant accessibility requirements.

Does it only apply to organisations based in Europe?

No. Businesses outside the European Union may also need to comply if they provide products or services to customers within EU member states. The important factor is often where the service is offered rather than where the organisation is headquartered.

Does the legislation only cover websites?

No. It covers a much broader range of products and services, including mobile applications, software, banking services, transport booking systems, e-books, self-service terminals and many other consumer-facing technologies.

Do small businesses need to worry about the legislation?

Some organisations may benefit from exemptions depending on their circumstances, but businesses should never assume they are automatically excluded. It is always advisable to understand how the legislation applies before deciding that no action is required.

Can automated accessibility tools make me compliant?

No. Automated tools can identify some accessibility issues, but they cannot determine whether disabled people can successfully use your products or services. Manual testing and testing with disabled users remain essential parts of any accessibility programme.

Where Next?

If you found this guide useful, you may also find these resources helpful:

If you're unsure how the legislation applies to your organisation, we'd be happy to help.

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Final Thoughts

The EU Accessibility Act 2025 is one of the most significant developments in digital accessibility for many years. While understanding the legislation can seem daunting at first, taking the time to understand your responsibilities now is far easier than responding to accessibility problems later.

Whether your organisation is based in the UK, elsewhere in Europe or further afield, accessibility should be viewed as an opportunity rather than simply another compliance exercise. Accessible products and services reach more people, provide a better user experience and demonstrate a commitment to inclusion.

By taking a structured approach and seeking expert advice where necessary, organisations can prepare with confidence while creating better digital experiences for everyone.