When did the EAA take effect?

The EAA Directive 2019/882 was published in June 2019. Member states had until June 2022 to transpose it into national law. Enforcement obligations for private sector organizations apply from 28 June 2025. Products and services already on the market before that date have a transition period until 28 June 2030.

Who must comply with the EAA?

Private sector organizations providing the following in the EU must comply: e-commerce services, banking and financial services, transport services (ticketing, real-time info), electronic communications (telephony, messaging), audiovisual media (on-demand video), and e-books. Micro-enterprises (< 10 employees, < €2M revenue) are exempt. The 'disproportionate burden' clause can apply if full compliance costs are grossly disproportionate to the benefit.

What are the EAA fines and penalties?

Penalties vary by member state, as each country sets its own sanction regime. Fines can reach €50,000 to €100,000 or more per infraction in some member states, with additional daily fines for continued non-compliance. Market surveillance authorities can also require product/service withdrawal from the market. Legal counsel in the relevant country should be consulted for specific national enforcement rules.

Is the EAA the same as EN 301 549?

No. The EAA is a legal directive setting accessibility obligations for private sector products and services. EN 301 549 is the technical standard specifying how to meet those obligations. EN 301 549 v3.2.1 is the current reference standard. EN 301 549 v4.1.1 (October 2026) will be the first version harmonized to EAA requirements in the Official Journal.

Does the EAA apply to my Shopify store?

Yes. If you sell goods or services to consumers in the EU, your online store is an e-commerce service covered by the EAA since 28 June 2025 — regardless of where your company is based. A US or UK store selling to French or German consumers is in scope, and the enforcement authority is in the member state where the consumer is located. Micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 staff and under €2M turnover) are exempt. A free scan shows where your store stands against EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 AA.

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European Accessibility Act (EAA)

Q: What are the EAA fines and penalties?

Penalties vary by member state, as each country sets its own sanction regime. Fines can reach €50,000 to €100,000 or more per infraction in some member states, with additional daily fines for continued non-compliance. Market surveillance authorities can also require product/service withdrawal from the market. Legal counsel in the relevant country should be consulted for specific national enforcement rules.

Q: Is the EAA the same as EN 301 549?

No. The EAA is a legal directive setting accessibility obligations for private sector products and services. EN 301 549 is the technical standard specifying how to meet those obligations. EN 301 549 v3.2.1 is the current reference standard. EN 301 549 v4.1.1 (October 2026) will be the first version harmonized to EAA requirements in the Official Journal.

Q: Does the EAA apply to my Shopify store?

Yes. If you sell goods or services to consumers in the EU, your online store is an e-commerce service covered by the EAA since 28 June 2025 — regardless of where your company is based. A US or UK store selling to French or German consumers is in scope, and the enforcement authority is in the member state where the consumer is located. Micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 staff and under €2M turnover) are exempt. A free scan shows where your store stands against EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 AA.

The European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) has applied to private companies since 28 June 2025. If you run an online store, a banking, transport, telecom or e-book service for EU customers, your website must meet the EN 301 549 standard — which maps to WCAG 2.1 AA. Market surveillance authorities can fine non-compliant services and order them off the market. This page explains who is in scope, what the fines look like, and how to document a credible compliance effort — without an overlay widget that won't hold up.

Status

European Commission

In force

2025 (enforcement)

Auto coverage

~35 %

Legal disclaimer — This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult qualified legal counsel for compliance guidance.

Detailed coverage

What ScanAccess detects on European Accessibility Act (EAA)

Art. 4Accessibility requirements — GeneralManual
Annex I §1General requirements for web-based servicesManual
Art. 14Disproportionate burden exemptionManual
Art. 13Conformity assessment by service providersManual
Art. 20Market surveillance and enforcementManual
Art. 5Micro-enterprise exemptionManual
Annex I §2Requirements for mobile servicesManual
Art. 7Free movement clauseManual
Art. 31Transition period for existing contractsManual
EN 301 549 v4.1.1Harmonized technical standard (October 2026)Manual

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