Web Accessibility Legislation 2025

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) aims to make digital products and services more accessible to people with disabilities. From June 2025, it will be mandatory for all businesses operating within the EU to ensure that their websites and mobile services comply with strict accessibility standards. This legislation is not just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic necessity. 

For e-commerce businesses, this means that your digital experiences must be accessible to all users, including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. By adhering to these accessibility standards, you can ensure that your customers have the best possible experience while avoiding risks such as fines, loss of customers, and damage to your brand. 

For e-commerce, accessibility isn’t just about compliance, but also about improving user experience, increasing competitiveness, and tapping into greater market potential. Key requirements under the EAA include: 

• Accessible Information: Businesses must ensure that product descriptions, prices, and specifications are easy to access and understand for all users. 

• Secure Processes: The entire customer journey, from login to payment, must be accessible to everyone, regardless of disabilities. This includes providing alternatives to CAPTCHA and using secure identification and payment methods. 

• Support for Assistive Technologies: Websites must be compatible with assistive tools such as screen readers and voice commands to support users with visual or motor impairments. 

With these requirements in mind, e-commerce businesses need to be prepared to adjust their digital solutions to meet WCAG 2.2 standards (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). WCAG 2.2, the latest version, ensures that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust—the four foundational principles of accessibility. 

Making your online store accessible is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic investment in the future. Key benefits of compliance include: 

• Improved User Experience: An accessible website is easier to navigate and understand for all users, leading to higher customer satisfaction. 

• Expanded Customer Base: By including people with disabilities, you open your business to a significant new customer segment, potentially boosting sales and customer loyalty. 

• Better SEO: Accessible websites rank higher in search engines like Google, meaning more organic traffic for your online store. 

• Enhanced Reputation: Businesses that actively promote inclusion and accessibility build a positive brand image, attracting a wider and more loyal customer base. 

Ensuring compliance with the EAA may seem daunting, but with a structured approach, the process can be far more manageable. Here are some actionable steps to get you started: 

1. Conduct an Audit of Your Current Website: Start by evaluating your existing digital platform to identify any accessibility barriers. While automated testing tools are available, it's also worthwhile to involve users with disabilities to gain valuable feedback. 

2. Understand WCAG 2.2 Requirements: Make sure your team has a solid understanding of the WCAG 2.2 standards and how they can be applied to your e-commerce platform. 

3. Prioritize Changes: Once you’ve identified areas that fall short, prioritize critical updates such as making your checkout processes and customer interactions accessible. 

4. Involve Stakeholders: It’s crucial to bring the entire organization along on this journey. Ensure that your developers, designers, and marketers understand how accessibility impacts their work. 

5. Test Continuously: Web accessibility isn’t a one-time task. Make sure to regularly test your solutions and keep them up to date as new technologies and standards evolve. 

With a long-term strategy and the right tools, you can ensure that your e-commerce platform not only complies with the law but also delivers an excellent user experience for all.