EU countries and star abstract green background.

Understanding the European Accessibility Act (EAA): A New Era for Inclusive Products & Services in the EU

Starting today, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) becomes enforceable across all European Union (EU) Member States—marking a pivotal step toward making everyday products and services accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Read more about the EAA’s technical requirements in Disability:IN and White & Case’s Legal Analysis of Corporate Responsibilities in the EU. 

What It Covers

The EAA applies to a wide range of digital and physical products and services, such as smartphones, ATMs, websites, e-commerce platforms, and banking apps. Any business selling to consumers in the EU, even if based outside the EU, must follow strict accessibility standards. This includes manufacturers, importers, and distributors. Non-compliance can lead to fines, market bans, or other penalties.

A blue outline of a map of the EMEA regions. Surrounding the outline are icons for digital accessibility, smart phones with read aloud text, marketplace, and curb cuts.
  • Purpose: Enhances accessibility for people with disabilities and opens access to new customer markets.
  • Scope: Applies to all economic operators—manufacturers, importers, and distributors—selling to EU consumers.
  • In-Scope Products: Self-service terminals, smartphones, digital TV equipment, e-readers, etc.
  • In-Scope Services: Audio-visual media, passenger transportation, banking, e-commerce.

Why It Matters Globally

The EAA is more than a compliance requirement, it’s a competitive advantage. Companies that embed accessibility into their core operations stand to gain from broader market reach, reduced risk, and increased alignment with Europe’s broader sustainability agenda. The EAA applies to all companies operating in the single market, not just those headquartered in the EU.

What’s Next: Resources from Disability:IN

Read more about the EAA’s technical requirements in Disability:IN and White & Case’s Legal Analysis of Corporate Responsibilities in the EU.

View the plain language (PDF) or high-level summary (PDF) on how EAA works in tandem with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).