On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into force.
The EAA requires companies in the EU to ensure that their products and services are accessible also to people with disabilities. This applies to software, websites, online stores, financial services, mobile applications, and much more.
Although Swiss companies are not based in the EU, the requirements of the EAA apply to them without restriction as soon as they operate within the EU. It is therefore high time to act now in order to comply with the new accessibility law from June 28. Otherwise, companies risk severe penalties and competitive disadvantages.
Measures to take before time runs out
Use the remaining days until the EAA enters into force to take effective measures so that your company meets the EAA requirements in the best possible way.
Here are our top 5 recommendations for a systematic approach:
- Perform a quick audit of your digital offerings
Use automated tools and the expertise of specialists to check your website, apps, and digital services for barriers. Pay particular attention to:
- Contrast and keyboard operability
- Structure and comprehensibility of the website
- Compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies
- Prioritize immediate measures
Create a list of the most urgent problems, prioritize them, and work through them. Start with the simplest problems and focus on the weak points that prevent or significantly restrict the use of your offers.
- Obtain support from experts
If your company lacks the expertise, consult an accessibility specialist! They know the EAA requirements inside out and can recommend efficient solutions.
- Involve employees and raise their awareness
Train your employees – especially developers, designers, and content managers – in order to quickly raise awareness of accessibility. Even small adjustments can lead to significant improvements.
- Obtain user feedback
Involve users with disabilities in a targeted manner. They give you realistic feedback and allow you to rectify errors efficiently.
Avoid consequences of non-compliance
The EU member states can impose fines of up to 100’000 euros for violations of the EAA. In addition, there is the threat of a considerable loss of reputation. The risk should not be underestimated, especially for Swiss companies that use the EU market as an important distribution channel.
What should you do?
Upload an accessibility statement to your website that shows that you are striving to remove barriers. Provide contact details of the person those affected can turn to if they discover barriers or need help.
The EAA – a wake-up call to finally address accessibility
In a few days, the accessibility requirements will become legally binding. But accessibility is not just an arduous duty. If you make your offer accessible to all users, its quality and reach will increase – a fact that will be reflected in your success.
If you are interested in further information or professional support, our accessibility team will be happy to assist you. To get an overview on the topic, check out the following links:
- Webinars:
- Whitepapers:
- Blog posts: