EAA Compliance Services – Complete Guide to theEuropean Accessibility Act (EN 301 549)
If your organization operates in the European Union, digital accessibility is becoming mandatory under the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
The EAA requires certain products and services — including websites and digital platforms — to meet accessibility standards aligned with EN 301 549.
Webability helps businesses achieve full EAA compliance through WCAG-aligned audits, automated monitoring, and structured remediation support.
Check Your Website for EAA Compliance
What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) is an EU law aimed at improving accessibility across member states.
It harmonizes accessibility requirements for digital products and services across the European Union to ensure equal access for people with disabilities.
In simple terms: If you sell products or provide digital services in the EU, your website may need to meet accessibility standards under the EAA.
What is EN 301 549?
EN 301 549 is the European standard that defines accessibility requirements for ICT (Information and Communication Technology).
It aligns closely with:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), particularly WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
To comply with the EAA, organizations must meet the accessibility requirements outlined in EN 301 549.
EAA Compliance Deadline
EU Member States were required to transpose the EAA into national law by 2022.
The primary compliance enforcement date for businesses is June 28, 2025, after which covered products and services must meet accessibility requirements.
Organizations should act proactively to avoid regulatory risk.
Who Must Comply with the EAA?
EAA applies to organizations offering products or services in the EU, including:
- eCommerce platforms
- Banking and financial services
- Telecommunications providers
- E-book services
- Ticketing and transportation services
- Digital hardware and software providers
Microenterprises may have limited exemptions, but most commercial digital services fall within scope.
EAA Website Requirements (Under EN 301 549)
EN 301 549 requires digital platforms to meet accessibility standards aligned with WCAG.
1. Perceivable Content
- Text alternatives for non-text content
- Captions and transcripts
- Adequate color contrast
2. Operable Interface
- Keyboard accessibility
- Focus indicators
- Logical navigation
3. Understandable Experience
- Clear instructions
- Error prevention
- Predictable navigation
4. Robust Technology
- Screen reader compatibility
- Assistive technology support
- Standards-compliant HTML
Compliance is evaluated against WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteria under EN 301 549.
EAA vs WCAG – What's the Difference?
WCAG is a technical accessibility standard.
The EAA is a legal directive that requires conformance to EN 301 549, which itself references WCAG standards.
In short:
- WCAG = technical framework
- EN 301 549 = European accessibility standard
- EAA = EU law enforcing accessibility
EAA vs ADA – What's the Difference?
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) governs accessibility in the United States.
The EAA governs accessibility requirements across the European Union.
Organizations operating globally may need to comply with both laws depending on their market presence.
What Happens If You Are Not EAA Compliant?
Penalties vary by EU Member State but may include:
- Administrative fines
- Market restrictions
- Enforcement actions
- Product withdrawal
- Reputational damage
Regulators expect accessibility to be built into digital services — not retrofitted after complaints.
EN 301 549 Compliance Checklist
A simplified checklist includes:
- All images include descriptive alt text
- Videos provide captions and transcripts
- Forms are keyboard accessible
- Color contrast meets WCAG standards
- Error messages provide guidance
- Navigation is consistent and predictable
- Screen readers can interpret content correctly
Full compliance requires evaluation against all applicable EN 301 549 clauses.
How Webability Helps You Achieve EAA & EN 301 549 Compliance
Webability provides structured compliance solutions for EU accessibility requirements.
1. Automated WCAG-Based Monitoring
Continuous detection of accessibility violations aligned with EN 301 549.
2. Manual Accessibility Audits
Expert testing to validate real-world usability.
3. Compliance Roadmap
Clear remediation guidance for developers and product teams.
4. Ongoing Monitoring
Ensures sustained compliance as digital platforms evolve.
5. Global Compliance Alignment
Helps organizations meet EAA, ADA, AODA, and Section 508 standards simultaneously.
Request an EAA Accessibility Audit
Why Choose Webability for EAA Compliance?
- Alignment with EN 301 549 standards
- WCAG-based compliance framework
- Enterprise-ready monitoring
- Transparent reporting
- Reduced EU regulatory risk
Webability ensures real, standards-based accessibility — not superficial overlay fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions About EAA & EN 301 549
1. Is EAA compliance mandatory?
Yes, once enforced by Member States, organizations offering covered products or services in the EU must comply. The primary enforcement deadline is June 28, 2025.
2. What standard must I follow for EAA compliance?
Organizations must comply with EN 301 549, which references WCAG 2.1 Level AA for website accessibility. Meeting WCAG requirements is central to EAA compliance.
3. Does EAA apply to non-EU companies?
Yes, if a company sells products or provides services within the EU market, it may be subject to EAA requirements. Geographic location does not exempt companies serving EU customers.
4. Is EN 301 549 the same as WCAG?
No, EN 301 549 is a broader European accessibility standard covering ICT products and services. It incorporates WCAG standards for web accessibility compliance.
5. What happens if my website is not EAA compliant?
Penalties depend on national enforcement laws and may include fines or market restrictions. Non-compliance can also impact brand reputation and customer trust.
6. Does EAA apply to mobile apps?
Yes, mobile applications offering services covered under the EAA must meet accessibility standards. Accessibility must extend across web and mobile platforms.
7. Is EAA compliance a one-time requirement?
No, accessibility must be maintained continuously as digital products evolve. Ongoing monitoring helps ensure sustained compliance.
8. How can I test my website for EN 301 549 compliance?
You can begin with an automated WCAG-based accessibility scan. A full compliance audit should include manual testing against EN 301 549 requirements.
9. What industries are most affected by the EAA?
Banking, eCommerce, telecommunications, transportation, publishing, and digital service providers are heavily impacted. Any organization selling digital services in the EU should assess compliance risk.
10. How can Webability help with EAA compliance?
Webability combines automated scanning, manual audits, and continuous monitoring aligned with EN 301 549 and WCAG standards. Our approach ensures long-term compliance across global markets.
Ensure Your Digital Services Meet EU Accessibility Standards
Prepare for enforcement. Reduce regulatory risk. Expand accessibility across Europe.
