From 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into force. The EAA aims to promote digital accessibility within the European Union. For many online shops, these regulations bring obligations. But besides obligations, the EAA also offers opportunities. An accessible webshop not only means complying with the law, but also reaching a broad target group and staying ahead of your competitors.
What does the EAA entail?
The EAA obliges web shops, with the exception of small businesses (less than 10 FTEs and turnover under €2 million), to be digitally accessible to people with disabilities. This means that your webshop must comply with the WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines. These modifications allow anyone, regardless of their disability, to access your webshop.
For example, an accessible webshop is:
- Controllable via keyboard navigation;
- Compatible with screen readers;
- Clearly structured with clear navigation;
- Equipped with sufficient colour contrast;
- Includes alternative texts for images.
What does this mean for your webshop?
To comply with the EAA you may have to make adjustments. Consider:
- Better keyboard support: Visitors need to navigate through your website without a mouse.
- Compatibility with screen readers: Make sure visually impaired visitors can understand your content.
- Clear structure: Give your website a logical layout and clear headings.
- Optimise colour contrast: Choose colours that make your texts readable and provide sufficient contrast.
- Alternative image descriptions: Add alt-texts to clarify images.
What opportunities does the EAA legislation present?
Late we take a look at the key benefits and opportunities brought by the EAA legislation:
Larger customer base
More than 2.5 million people in the Netherlands have a disability and depend on accessible websites. By making your webshop accessible, you reach a wider audience.
Increased customer satisfaction
Accessible websites are more pleasant to use. This leads to satisfied customers and contributes to a higher conversion rate.
Competitive advantage
Many online shops are still lagging behind on this topic. By starting now, you create a head start and stand out in the market.
Avoidance of fines
By making timely adjustments, you avoid fines and remain compliant with EAA legislation.
Social impact
With an accessible webshop, you help create a more inclusive society where your services are accessible to all.
Getting started with digital accessibility
The first step towards an accessible webshop requires insight into the current state of your webshop. For all our customers, Ecomwise therefore offers a no-obligation accessibility scan in which we make an overview for you of the points that need to be adapted to your webshop and draw up a plan to make your webshop compliant with the EAA legislation.
Conclusion
By getting to work now on the European Accessibility Act, you will not only be prepared for the 2025 legislation, but also ensure a better experience for all users. This results in higher customer satisfaction, more conversions and, ultimately, better sales.
Do you have questions about how to adapt your webshop to the EAA Or would you like to have an accessibility scan carried out? Feel free to contact our specialists. Together, we will make sure your web shop is future-proof and accessible for everyone!
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