Free mini check

The European Accessibility Act in plain language

What the new EU law means for your webshop, explained without legal or technical jargon. Reading time: about 3 minutes.

This guide explains the law in simple words. It is not legal advice.

What is it?

The European Accessibility Act is an EU law (Directive (EU) 2019/882). Since 28 June 2025 it applies to online shops.

Its goal is simple: people with disabilities must be able to use websites and apps, and buy, just like everyone else.

1 in 4

adults in the EU has a disability, about 90 million people.

Source: Council of the EU

Does it apply to my shop?

Yes, if

you sell to consumers in the EU through a website or an app.

No, if

you are a very small business: fewer than 10 employees and a yearly turnover (or balance sheet total) of at most €2 million.

What does “accessible” mean for a webshop?

In everyday terms, every customer must be able to:

  • See or hear it

    Text is readable and images have a short text description.

  • Use it

    Everything works with a keyboard, not only with a mouse.

  • Understand it

    Clear labels, clear error messages, no surprises.

  • Hear it read aloud

    A screen reader is software that reads the page aloud. It can read every button, image and field.

And one page to publish

Your shop must also explain how it meets the requirements. This page is called an accessibility statement.

How is this measured?

With the European standard EN 301 549. For websites it uses WCAG 2.1 at level AA, the level the law requires. WCAG is the international checklist for accessible websites. You don't need to know it by heart. Checking it is our job.

Who checks, and what can happen?

Each EU country has its own law and its own authority that checks webshops. Three examples:

  • Germany

    The law is called the BFSG. Fines can go up to €100,000 per violation.

    Source: BFSG § 37

  • Netherlands

    The ACM, the Dutch consumer authority, checks webshops. In March 2026 it tested about 100 of the largest Dutch webshops. At 61% of them, a customer with a disability could not place an order.

    Source: ACM, March 2026

  • France

    In June 2026 a French court ordered Carrefour to make its website and app accessible within six months.

    Source: Tribunal judiciaire de Caen, June 2026 (French)

What should I do now?

  1. Find out where you stand: can customers with disabilities buy in your shop?

  2. Fix the biggest barriers first. Often these are small changes for your developer.

  3. Publish your accessibility statement.

Start with a free mini check

Within 48 hours you get 2-3 real barriers in your shop, with screenshots. Free and without obligation.

Get my free mini check

Sources

This guide explains the law in simple words. It is not legal advice.