The clock is ticking...
Starting June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will officially go into effect—changing the landscape of eCommerce and digital services across the European Union.
This isn’t just another regulation—it’s a legal and moral move toward creating an online world where everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access.
What Is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
Adopted by the EU in 2019, the EAA sets mandatory accessibility standards for key digital products and services. That includes:
- eCommerce platforms
- Banking and ticketing systems
- Mobile apps and websites
- Audiovisual media services
- Hardware like smartphones, ATMs, and kiosks
For online stores and digital businesses, this means ensuring full compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards—covering everything from screen reader compatibility to keyboard navigation and visual contrast.
Why This Matters for Your Online Store
If your site lacks accessibility features, or if it was built on an outdated theme or tech stack, you may be at risk of:
- Legal fines for non-compliance
- Lost revenue due to frustrated customers
- Damaged brand reputation in a digitally inclusive world
And here’s the truth: Accessibility is not optional anymore. It’s your responsibility as a business operating in or targeting the EU.
Key Signs Your Website Isn’t Compliant
- No keyboard navigation or screen reader support
- Low contrast text or small fonts
- Missing alternative text (alt text) on images
- Unlabeled icons, buttons, and forms
- No focus indicators or skip links
- Difficult navigation for people with cognitive or motor impairments
If any of these sound familiar, your site likely needs a serious accessibility review.
What Happens If You Ignore It?
Non-compliance after June 2025 could lead to:
- Penalties and fines, defined by each EU member state
- Restricted market access in the EU
- Loss of trust among your customers and partners
- Risk of lawsuits from users with disabilities
How Pampart Design Can Help
At Pampart Design, we specialize in accessibility-first web design and maintenance for eCommerce businesses using platforms like WooCommerce, OpenCart, and custom CMS solutions.
Our process includes:
- Full WCAG 2.1 Level AA audit and remediation
- Redesigning UI/UX with accessibility baked in
- Ensuring screen reader & keyboard navigation compatibility
- Optimizing for speed, SEO, and responsive design
- Ongoing support, testing, and compliance checks
We don’t just patch the problems—we future-proof your website.
The EAA isn’t a distant deadline—it’s around the corner. Acting now gives you time to upgrade your site thoughtfully and avoid the scramble later.
If you’re unsure where to start or want a free initial consultation, reach out to our team today. Let’s turn your eShop into a digital space that’s accessible to everyone—and fully compliant before it’s required.
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Learn more about the European Accessibility Act:
