By Thaddée Leblond · Published · Updated: July 2026
If you sell online and exceed 10 employees or €2M turnover, your website's accessibility has been mandatory since 28 June 2025 — and many SMEs still don't know it. The European Accessibility Act extended this obligation to the private sector, for consumer services (e-commerce, banking, transport, e-books, telecoms, media). The applicable standard is EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 AA, and penalties vary by member state but can be significant.
A major change of scope
Until 2025, digital accessibility obligations in most member states applied only to the public sector and very large companies. The European Accessibility Act changed that: since 28 June 2025, the obligation extends to the private sector, multiplying the number of companies concerned. If you sell online or provide a consumer digital service, you are most likely in scope.
Who is concerned
The threshold is clear: more than 10 employees or more than €2M turnover, where you provide a B2C service in one of the covered sectors (e-commerce, banking services, transport, digital publishing, telecoms, audiovisual media). Microenterprises below those thresholds remain, in principle, exempt for services.
The standard: EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 AA
In practice, compliance runs through the European standard EN 301 549, which builds on the international WCAG 2.1 level AA guidelines. Concretely: keyboard navigation, compatibility with screen readers, sufficient contrast, text alternatives, clear structure. National frameworks transpose these requirements, but the WCAG reference is the common backbone.
Your concrete obligations
Beyond the technical work, you must typically publish an accessibility statement, indicate your level of conformity, maintain a multi-year plan, and offer a contact channel for blocked users, with an accessible alternative. These elements formalise and make your approach verifiable.
Penalties and deadlines
Non-compliance exposes you to penalties set by each member state — which can be significant and are often renewable. The obligation has applied since June 2025; existing services generally have until 28 June 2030 to comply. Beyond the risk, accessibility widens your audience: millions of people with disabilities are also customers.
The EAA's scope and the implementation rules vary by member state and may evolve. Verify your situation and the applicable standard before launching your compliance work.
Frequently asked questions
Since 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act covers companies above 10 employees or €2M turnover that provide digital services to consumers (e-commerce, banking, transport, e-books, telecoms, audiovisual media). Microenterprises below those thresholds are, in principle, exempt for services.
The European standard EN 301 549, which builds on the international WCAG 2.1 level AA guidelines. National frameworks transpose these requirements; meeting WCAG 2.1 AA is the practical reference for compliance.
Penalties are set by each member state and vary across the EU; they can be substantial and are often renewable. Beyond the fine, market share and reputation are at stake.
The obligation has applied since 28 June 2025 for new services; existing services generally benefit from a transition period (up to 28 June 2030 in several member states). It is best not to wait for the final deadline.
Sources
- Directive (EU) 2019/882 — European Accessibility Act
- EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 level AA