In recent months, alarming headlines have been everywhere: “All companies must comply by June 28, 2025 or there will be very heavy fines!”. But how much of it is true? Spoiler: only partly.
In this article we clarify, point by point, what the law really provides forEuropean Accessibility Act, who it concerns, what the real deadlines are and how companies should behave
What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The EAA is the EU Directive 2019/882, implemented in Italy with Legislative Decree 82/2022. It officially comes into force from 28 June 2025 and requires that certain digital products and services are also accessible to people with disabilities.
The goal is to reduce digital barriers for all, promoting inclusion and equality in access to websites, e-commerce, apps and other online services.
Who is required to comply with the EAA?
Obligatory from now:
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Companies with more than 10 employees or turnover exceeding 2 million euros
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What they offer digital services to the public, such as:
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corporate websites
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e-commerce
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mobile app
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online banks
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transport or multimedia platforms
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automatic teller machines (self-service)
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Excluded for now:
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Microenterprises (less than 10 employees and < 2 million turnover)
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Personal Sites, amateur blogs
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Reality that they do not offer public services
What's happening? from the June 28, 2025?
It depends on when was your site published.
🔹 Do you have a new website (published after 06/28/2025)?
→ Must already be compliant to WCAG 2.1 AA
→ You need a accessibility audit
→ You need to post a official accessibility statement
🔹 Have you had a website online before 06/28/2025?
→ It can remain active until June 28, 2030, unless substantially modified
→ You are not obliged to comply immediately, but it is Highly recommended:
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Conduct an accessibility audit
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Publish a statement with any critical issues and improvement plans
So… is everything postponed to 2030?
Not exactly. Even if you don't have to right away, it's good practice to be transparent:
✅ Have your site analyzed by an expert
✅ Post a highly visible statement
✅ List the problems and communicate your action plan
Disproportionate burden: what is it?
If the adaptation involves for your company an excessive economic or organizational burden, you can invoke thedisproportionate burden. But it is not enough to declare it:
📌 A documented evaluation is required
📌 It should be kept for 5 years
📌 It must be cited in the declaration accessible on the site
Practical examples
📌 Company with 15 employees, 2022 site:
→ You are not obligated by 2025, but you must audit and publish a declaration.
📌 New e-commerce online from July 2025:
→ It must be compliant from the start.
📌 Complete restyling in 2026:
→ You need to update everything and make the site compliant.
What do you risk if you do nothing?
⚠️ Fines up to 5% of turnover
⚠️ Complaints and reports
⚠️ Exclusion from public tenders
⚠️ Reputational damage
Why act now (even if you don't have to)?
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Accessibility improve SEO
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Improve the user experience for everyone (elderly, users with temporary problems, mobile users)
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It avoids you last minute races and positions you as an inclusive and professional reality
In conclusion
The European Accessibility Act is not (yet) an obligation for everyone, but it's already an opportunity to stand out.
If you operate in the digital world, especially with e-commerce, apps or online services, adapt to accessibility it is not only an ethical duty, but also a strategic one.
🛠 If you have any doubts or want an accessibility audit for your site, contact us!
