The European Accessibility Act: what your website and online store need to change

The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) introduced common accessibility requirements for selected products and services across the European Union. Each member state transposes it into national law; in Poland, where we are based, this was done by the Act of 26 April 2024 on ensuring compliance with accessibility requirements for certain products and services by economic operators, which has applied since 28 June 2025.

Who it applies to

For most businesses, the key category is e-commerce services, meaning sales to consumers through a website or app. The obligations also cover, among others, consumer banking, e-books, electronic communications services and some transport services.

• Online stores and websites through which consumers conclude contracts online.
• Booking and ticketing systems in the sectors covered.
• Mobile apps used to provide these services.

What your website needs to meet

In practice, the reference point is the EN 301 549 standard, which for web content refers to the WCAG 2.1 success criteria at level AA. When designing new websites, we use the newer WCAG 2.2 — which also meets the 2.1 requirements.

• Full keyboard support, with a visible focus indicator and a logical order.
• Text contrast of at least 4.5:1, and 3:1 for interface elements.
• Alternative text for images and a correct heading structure.
• Forms with labels, clear error messages and hints.
• Content that also makes sense to screen reader users.
• Information about the accessibility of the service published on the website.

Where to start: a four-step plan

• Audit: automated tests plus manual checks of the key journeys (search, product page, basket, payment).
• Priorities: first the issues that block a purchase, then everything else.
• Fixes in the design and code, and in the way your team adds content.
• Statement and upkeep: accessibility information and testing after every major change.

Who enforces it

Each EU country has its own market surveillance authority. In Poland, compliance of services is supervised by the President of the Management Board of PFRON (the State Fund for Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons), who can issue decisions and impose financial penalties. Well-prepared documentation of your audit and fixes makes it easier to demonstrate compliance.

This guide is not legal advice. If you’re not sure whether the rules apply to your business, we’ll check during a free consultation and point out which parts of your store need to change.