It’s not ‘adapt or die’, but Every (eCommerce) Advantageously Adapts to the European Accessibility Act. There are only benefits for your eCommerce. And if you don’t believe us, keep reading.
In an increasingly digital world, web accessibility has become a crucial issue, especially for eCommerce businesses. Starting in June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into force across the European Union, requiring all digital platforms, including online stores, to be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
Additionally, new legal requirements will be enforced, with penalties of up to €500,000 for non-compliance.
What is the EAA?
Te European Accessibility Act is a regulation from the European Union that sets the minimum accessibility requirements for digital products and services, including websites, mobile apps, and eCommerce platforms. Its main goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can navigate, shop, and access information without barriers. In Spain, the EAA is integrated into the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and their Social Inclusion.
How does the EAA affect eCommerce in Spain and Europe?
The EAA affects all eCommerce businesses operating in Spain and Europe. This means your online store must be navigable and usable by everyone, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor disabilities. To comply with this regulation, your platform must adhere to WCAG 2.1 AA standards (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), which establish key accessibility criteria, such as:
- Accessible design: Ensure your website design facilitates reading and navigation, with appropriate colors, fonts, and structures.
- Optimized content: Images must have alternative text (alt text) for people with visual disabilities.
- Compatibility with screen readers: Your online store must be fully functional without the need for a mouse, using only a keyboard.
- Testing and validation: Thorough tests must be conducted to ensure that the improvements are effective.
What to do to comply with the EAA?
Complying with the EAA is not just a legal requirement, but also a great opportunity to offer a better user experience. Here’s how to adapt to this regulation:
- Review and adapt your website design: Make sure your online store is navigable with a keyboard, has high visual contrast, and includes alternative text for images.
- Comply with WCAG 2.1 Guidelines: Implement assistive technologies like subtitles in videos and ensure your store is compatible with screen readers.
- Conduct regular audits: Use specialized tools like WAVE or Axe to assess and correct accessibility aspects of your eCommerce.
- Train your team: Ensure your development, marketing, and support teams are trained in digital accessibility and the importance of the EAA.
What are the benefits of complying with the EAA for your eCommerce?
Complying with the EAA not only avoids penalties but also offers several key benefits:
- Wider customer reach: Making your online store accessible expands your market, especially among people with disabilities, a frequently underrepresented consumer segment.
- Better user experience: An accessible website tends to be more intuitive and easier to use, which increases conversion rates.
- Regulatory compliance: Complying with the regulations helps you avoid legal issues and potential penalties, ensuring your platform aligns with EU accessibility laws.
- Competitive advantage: Consumers are increasingly valuing inclusion and social responsibility from brands. Being accessible improves your reputation and can attract loyal customers.
What happens if you don’t comply with the EAA?
If you don’t adapt your eCommerce to the EAA, you not only jeopardize the user experience but also expose yourself to fines and legal restrictions. Additionally, you’ll exclude an important segment of customers who need an accessible platform, meaning you’ll miss out on valuable opportunities in an increasingly diverse market. Digital exclusion not only impacts your reputation but also limits your reach and the profitability of your business.
How can we help you?
At Interactiv4, we understand how important it is to comply with the EAA and adapt to a more inclusive digital world. As experts in eCommerce development and consulting, we offer:
- Complete accessibility audits to assess your store according to WCAG 2.1 criteria.
- Optimization of images and multimedia content to ensure all users can access them.
- Review of compatibility with screen readers and keyboard navigation.
- Quality assurance (QA) testing to verify that the implemented improvements are effective.
Don’t wait until the last minute. The EAA will come into effect in June 2025, and the sooner you adapt your eCommerce, the better. Not only will you avoid penalties, but you’ll also make your store more accessible, inclusive, and efficient for all your customers.
Don’t wait any longer
Adapting to the EAA is not just a legal obligation, but an intelligent strategy to grow in an increasingly diverse market. Complying with accessibility in your eCommerce opens up new opportunities, improves the user experience, and strengthens your brand’s reputation as a responsible and inclusive company. At Interactiv4, we’ll guide you on the path to a more accessible and effective eCommerce for everyone.
