Accessibility requirements apply e-Commerce as of June 28, 2025
Starting June 28, 2025, new EU accessibility requirements came into force, requiring private businesses, such as e-commerce sites and digital service providers, to make their services accessible to all users.
Why did this change happen?
This is part of the implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). The directive aims to ensure that digital products and services are accessible to people with various disabilities, such as visual, hearing, or motor impairments. In addition to building a fair digital environment, this is also a business opportunity – accessibility opens your services to a wider customer base.
Who is affected by the new requirements?
Who is affected by the new requirements?
The new accessibility rules now apply to services such as:W
- Online stores
- Banking services
- E-books and e-readers
- Digital travel services (e.g. ticket sales, timetables, booking systems)
So if you sell products or services online, accessibility applies to you.
What does an online store need to do?
Your online store must ensure that its interface, content, and functionality meet accessibility requirements, including:
- Sufficient contrast
- Keyboard navigation (focus states)
- Clear and descriptive link texts
- Accessible forms and error messages
- Text alternatives (alt texts) for images
- Accessible checkout and payment flows
- Captions for videos
You must also publish an accessibility statement, explaining the current state of accessibility and any known issues.
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