The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which came into force on June 28, 2025, marks a significant step towards greater inclusivity for people with disabilities. However, businesses in the U.S. may be unaware that it doesn’t just apply to EU-based companies.
Any business with websites and mobile apps reaching EU customers must now comply. Here’s what you should know.
What EAA Compliance Requires
If your website or app is accessible by or marketed to EU residents, you’re subject to EAA standards. The law mandates uniform accessibility requirements across all 27 EU member states, covering not only digital platforms but also hardware, e-readers, and self-service kiosks. Any non-compliance could result in significant legal and financial repercussions.
The EAA requires that:
- Information must be presented in ways that users can perceive. Examples include text alternatives for images, captions for video, and clear content structure.
- The interface and navigation must be usable.
- Content must be understandable: language, navigation, and instructions should be clear and predictable.
Why This Matters for U.S. Websites
At Ecomback, we’ve long urged clients that accessibility isn’t optional or just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a legal and reputational imperative, especially if you serve or intend to serve European users.
Additionally, by prioritizing accessibility, businesses not only meet legal standards but also improve their brand reputation and expand their customer base. Taking action now to ensure digital accessibility is not merely a compliance issue; it reflects a commitment to inclusivity that benefits all users.
What U.S. Businesses Should Do Right Now
For any U.S.-based company with EU customers, they should:
- Conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit across websites and mobile apps.
- Use both automated and manual testing. Automated tools catch common issues, but manual audits catch real-world accessibility barriers.
- Prioritize high-impact fixes, such as keyboard navigation, alt text, color contrast, proper labels, and more.
- Treat accessibility as an ongoing development priority, not a one-time project.
- Document your compliance efforts. Maintain records, commit to accessibility statements, and build internal processes to ensure ongoing compliance as content or features change.
- Work with accessibility experts (like us) if you lack in-house expertise. EAA compliance often requires deep knowledge of accessibility, especially for complex platforms.
Don’t wait until a demand letter lands; act now.
