The EU Accessibility Act and what it means for UK digital businesses

Starting on 28th June, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will introduce new requirements for the private sector that will significantly change how online services are delivered. Although the United Kingdom is no longer subject to European Union regulations, the impact of this legislation will still be felt by UK businesses that operate online, especially those with customers in the EU.

Digital accessibility has traditionally been viewed as a legal requirement, often limited to compliance within public services or large corporations. However, the introduction of the European Accessibility Act signals a new phase, one in which accessibility becomes central to both commercial competitiveness and user experience.


Understanding What the New Requirements Involve

Until now, accessibility rules in Europe mainly applied to specific companies under national laws such as Italy's Stanca Law. From June 2025, the European Accessibility Act will make accessibility requirements mandatory for all e-commerce platforms serving consumers across the EU. This includes websites, mobile apps, and any systems used for the remote sale of goods and services. For UK SMBs trading digitally with the EU, meeting these new standards will be essential.

EAA is based on core principles designed to ensure equal access for all users, including those with disabilities and ageing populations.

These principles focus on making digital services perceptible, operable, understandable, and robust:

• Information must be perceivable, understandable, and accessible through multiple sensory channels, including formats compatible with assistive technologies
   
• User interfaces should ensure inclusive navigation by being perceptible, usable, understandable, and robust
   
• Support services such as help desks, telephone assistance, and technical support must be accessible to all users
   
• Authentication and payment systems need to be designed to guarantee accessibility, usability, and clarity for everyone, including users with disabilities
   
• These are not minor adjustments and there are no 'quick fixes'. True digital accessibility requires a layered approach of technical depth, human insight, and ongoing governance across digital ecosystems.

Preparing UK Businesses for the European Accessibility Act and Navigating the Transition Ahead

UK businesses must start preparing now for the European Accessibility Act to keep pace with evolving standards, as failing to comply could harm their reputation and lead to missed opportunities. 

Here are steps businesses can take to prepare:

1. Understand the Impact: Understanding the impact is essential to avoiding commercial risks and ensuring your digital services remain accessible and competitive in the evolving EU market.
    
2. Start Preparation Early: Compliance is complex and will take time, so begin reviewing and updating your digital platforms before the 28 June 2025 deadline.
    
3. Assess Compliance Needs: Review your website and app content, user interfaces, backend systems, and support services to ensure they are accessible to all users.
    
4. Use Support Resources: Take advantage of technical guidelines, self-assessment tools, and financial aid offered by EU Member States to assist small and medium-sized businesses.
    
5. Prioritise Key Accessibility Improvements: If full compliance is challenging, focus on making essential features, such as payment, authentication, and support, accessible. Taking these steps helps users complete their journeys and moves your business closer to meeting the Act's requirements.

Unlocking the Strategic Value of Accessibility

Accessibility is much bigger than regulatory compliance, it is a shared responsibility to uphold the universal right all people have to access information. Many forward-thinking businesses have begun embedding digital accessibility practices into their policies and operations, recognising these steps as both an investment in business growth and an improvement in the lives of millions of people. 

Ensuring everyone can engage meaningfully with digital content reflects this responsibility and creates a more inclusive experience, driving greater user satisfaction and loyalty. It also encourages innovation by enabling more flexible and resilient digital services. 

With the June deadline approaching, the European Accessibility Act presents an opportunity to lead on this front by building more digital experiences that are accessible to everyone.