Why the European Accessibility Act (EAA) remains relevant for the UK
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 28
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU-wide law designed to make sure that organisations make their products and services accessible. The deadline for business to comply with the was 28 June 2025.
It focuses on many of the everyday essentials that people need to use like:
computers and operating systems
smartphones
ATMs and ticketing machines
banking services
e-books
e-commerce websites and apps
Even though the UK is no longer part of the EU, the European Accessibility Act is set to have a tangible impact on this side of the channel. If you think you can continue to ignore it because you’re in Manchester rather than Madrid, you might want to think again.
Here’s an overview of why UK-based businesses need to pay attention to the EAA.
1. Ethics and customer loyalty
First and foremost, accessibility is about people. Millions of potential customers have visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive needs. When you ignore accessibility, you are effectively shutting the door on them. Customers are loyal to brands that demonstrate social responsibility. By meeting the EAA standards you're providing tangible evidence that your business cares about everyone. That builds trust, and trust builds loyalty.
2. The Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland (Eire) is an EU member state, and it is right on our doorstep. Many UK businesses treat Ireland as an extension of the UK domestic market. In fact, the Department for Business and Trade (opens in a new window, PDF) recognised Ireland as the UK’s 6th largest trading partner in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2025 accounting for 4.6% of total UK trade. If you sell goods or digital services to customers in southern Ireland, you must comply with the EAA. The penalties for non-compliance in EU member states include fines or legal action. If you have any footprint in the Irish economy, or plan to expand into this market, this law applies to you.
3. The Brussels effect
There’s a concept in international business called the Brussels effect. It refers to the way EU regulations often end up setting global standards or best practice.
Global market leaders aren't going to design one product for Europe and a worse, less accessible one for non-member state markets. Instead, they’ll design one product that meets the strictest standard and sell it everywhere.
It makes economic sense to upgrade your products to meet EAA standards because it’s easier than maintaining two separate versions. If your competitors are offering a seamless, accessible experience and you aren't, you’re at risk of looking outdated and losing competitive advantage.
4. Future-Proofing for WCAG 3.0
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set the gold standard for how to make web technologies accessible. Currently, we’re on version 2.2 but the next iteration is already being developed.
My prediction is that the next version will look to harmonise as many existing laws and standards as possible, which will include the EAA. By aligning with the EAA now, you aren't just meeting a current need, you’re future-proofing yourself for the next generation of web standards.
5. Supply chain analysis
EU member states complying with the EAA will be looking at the whole supply chain when they consider their own compliance. If you're a cog in their machine and you don't meet EAA standards, you pose a potential risk to their conformity.
6. Winning new business
Being listed as a supplier on a procurement framework can give you significant advantage when it comes to winning new contracts. If you want to win the business of those with a footprint in EU markets, you'll need to provide reassurance that you meet the required standards.
7. Talent retention
With remote working now the norm, your employees have increased opportunity to work for companies across the globe. Giving them exposure to products that meet EU-wide accessibility requirements will be an important part of retaining them.
