The clock is ticking: The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into force on June 28, 2025. It defines the minimum standards for the accessibility of important products and services throughout Europe.
Although this new EU directive and the possible consequences for Swiss companies have gained media attention, the matter is still being ignored by many market participants. It is therefore high time to take a serious look at the EAA.
The European Accessibility Act aims to make products and services on the Internet accessible to all people in the EU – regardless of physical or cognitive impairments or age. Companies must implement the EAA's requirements by the end of June 2025. Failure to do so may have legal consequences, which could result in fines of up to 100,000 euros. This also applies to Swiss companies operating in the EU.
The following areas in particular are affected by the directive:
- E-commerce and digital services
- Computers, smartphones and other electronic devices
- ATMs, banking services and payment terminals
- E-books, digital media and software applications
- Public transportation and traffic information systems
The implementation of the directive shall ensure that all people can participate in social life on an equal footing. Micro-enterprises (i.e., those with fewer than 10 employees), B2B companies and some other services such as archives are exempt from the EAA.
Wait and see? Taking action for the sake of taking action? Neither of these are good options. The horse has already left the barn. The best thing you can do now is to make the most of the remaining time.
Whether your products and services will meet the requirements of the EAA on the cutoff date depends on how accessible they are today. In other words: If your company has never invested a Swiss franc in accessibility, you are facing a major problem that you will hardly be able to solve completely by the end of June. Putting accessibility as a quality requirement on your list of priorities is therefore the first and most important decision you can make. But there is more.
The following 9 recommendations show how you can establish accessibility in your company step by step:
These recommendations allow you to take important steps in the right direction by the time the EAA comes into force at the end of June 2025 and finally meet the requirements of the EAA. Be aware that accessibility is a process and not a flash in the pan. It is a promise that you have to make to yourself and your customers again and again. Only then will you be rewarded with additional and more satisfied customers.
If you want to gather initial information and get an overview of the EAA and its implications, you can find guidance here:
If you require further information or professional support to prepare for the EAA, our accessibility team will be happy to assist you.