Your online store is at risk of penalties! Are you ready for the new accessibility regulations?
Starting June 28, 2025, new regulations stemming from the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into effect. These requirements mandate that online stores in the European Union comply with digital accessibility standards in accordance with WCAG 2.1 at the AA level. This means adjusting your sales platforms to ensure they are user-friendly for everyone, including people with disabilities.
Penalties for Non-Compliance – What’s at Stake for Your Business?
Failure to align your online store with the requirements may result in significant consequences:
Substantial financial penalties
In Poland, fines can range from tens of thousands to even hundreds of thousands of złotys, depending on the severity of non-compliance. This is a compelling reason to prioritize accessibility.
Sales or service suspension
Non-compliance could lead to your store being suspended, which means not only losing customers but also revenue.
Reputation damage
Today’s customers expect socially responsible business practices. Digital inaccessibility can harm your brand’s image and erode customer trust.
Why Are These Regulations Important?
The EAA is more than just a regulatory requirement – it’s a step toward digital inclusivity and an opportunity for business growth. It offers both social and commercial benefits:
- Expand your customer base – Digital accessibility opens doors to a wider audience who may have been previously excluded.
- Enhance brand image – Socially responsible actions build trust and increase customer loyalty.
- Avoid financial penalties – Non-compliance could lead to severe consequences, such as high fines or business restrictions.
Who Does the New Regulation Apply To?
The new rules will impact a wide range of businesses:
- Large companies and corporations offering products or services online.
- E-commerce platforms catering to a broad consumer base in the retail market.
- Businesses working with the public sector or receiving EU funds.
Small and micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 employees) are partially exempt from these obligations. However, implementing accessibility measures can still bring significant business benefits.
Overwhelmed by the Changes? How to Prepare Your Online Store for the New Accessibility Regulations
Aligning your online store with the new EAA regulations is a significant challenge, encompassing every aspect of your website – from design and content to navigation, mobile device support, and user communication. This requires thorough analysis and implementation of solutions to meet WCAG 2.1 standards at the AA level.
Although some changes may seem minor, like improving text contrast, others, such as integrating screen reader compatibility, require advanced technical expertise. Below are key areas to focus on.
Key Accessibility Requirements
To meet WCAG 2.1 standards at AA level, online stores need to comply with four main areas:
1. Perceivability – Focus on What Users See
- Alternative Text for Images (ALT): Every image, from advertising banners to product thumbnails, must have alternative descriptions. Without these, users relying on screen readers will be excluded from fully accessing the site.
- Text on Graphics: Graphics containing text must have text equivalents. People with visual impairments may struggle to read text embedded in images.
- Adequate Contrast: All textual elements must maintain a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 with their background. This applies not only to content but also to buttons, headers, and links.
- Audio and Video Files: If multimedia content is present, captions for videos and transcripts for audio files must be provided.
2. Functionality – Ensure the Site Works for Every User and Device
- Keyboard Accessibility: Users must be able to navigate the site using only a keyboard. Every interactive element (e.g., menus, forms, product filters, shopping carts) must be accessible via the Tab key.
- Dynamic Elements: Pop-ups, dropdown menus, and banners must be fully operable with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
- Autoplay Content: Content that plays automatically (e.g., videos on the homepage) must offer users an immediate way to pause or stop it.
3. Understandability – Make Content and Site Functions Clear
- Forms: Each form field, such as shipping details or credit card information, must have clear labels. Clear labels help users fill out forms correctly.
- Intuitive Navigation: The structure of the site should be consistent and logical, enabling users to easily find the content they need. The checkout process should be intuitive at every step.
- Simple and Clear Language: Messages like form error notifications or order confirmations must be straightforward and free from complex jargon.
- Readable Text: Text must be clear, and its size should accommodate users’ needs. Additionally, the site should allow text to be zoomed up to 200% without losing functionality.
4. Compatibility – Ensure the Site Works on All Devices
- Assistive Technology Support: The website must be compatible with screen readers, text magnifiers, and other assistive technologies.
- Responsive Design: The site should function properly on computers, tablets, and smartphones. All elements must adapt to different screen resolutions.
- Avoiding Unsupported Technologies: Elements using outdated technologies like Flash must be removed or replaced with modern solutions.
5. Other Technical Requirements: Details You Might Not Know
- Heading Structure: Each page must have a logical structure of headings (H1, H2, H3) to facilitate navigation for screen reader users.
- Links: Links should be clearly described, e.g., “View product details” instead of “Click here.”
- Buttons and Icons: Buttons must be large enough to be easily clickable, especially on mobile devices.
- Animated Content: The site should allow users to pause animations (e.g., moving banners) or disable them entirely.
How to Adapt an Online Store to Meet New Requirements?
Here are five steps to prepare your store for the new regulations:
1. Accessibility Audit
The first step is to conduct a detailed analysis of your website’s current state. Identify which elements do not meet WCAG 2.1 requirements. You can use tools like Lighthouse or Axe, which automatically detect basic accessibility issues.
For a more precise diagnosis, consider hiring professionals to perform an audit. They can help pinpoint all areas needing improvement, from site structure to technical details.
2. Develop an Action Plan
After completing the audit, create a list of priorities. Identify quick fixes you can implement immediately, such as:
- Adding ALT descriptions to images.
- Improving text contrast.
- Adding missing labels to forms.
For more advanced changes, like adjusting navigation or ensuring screen reader compatibility, develop a detailed timeline. Include implementation phases and the resources needed to complete these tasks.
3. Implement Accessibility Changes
Start implementing adjustments, focusing on key accessibility elements. Ensure that:
- The website is fully operable using only a keyboard (e.g., the Tab key allows navigation through all functionalities).
- All dynamic elements, such as dropdown menus and pop-ups, are compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers.
- Video content has captions, and audio files have transcripts.
Also, ensure compliance with EN 301 549, which outlines specific technical requirements for ICT accessibility.
4. User Testing
After implementing changes, invite individuals with disabilities to test your platform. This will help ensure that the site is truly functional and user-friendly for everyone. Feedback from real users can highlight potential areas for further improvement.
5. Regular Monitoring
Accessibility isn’t a one-time adjustment. Conduct regular reviews, especially after technical updates or the introduction of new features. Remember, technology and legal requirements evolve, so implementing a policy of periodic audits is essential.
Use monitoring tools to identify and fix any issues promptly. Educate your team to ensure future content aligns with accessibility standards.
That’s Not All!
Adapting your website to meet EAA requirements isn’t a one-off task. Maintaining compliance requires continuous monitoring and updates. Here’s what you should do:
- Regular Accessibility Tests: Check WCAG 2.1 compliance after every update or when adding new features.
- Monitor Regulatory Changes: Stay informed about new regulations and emerging assistive technologies.
- Team Education: Ensure your employees create content that adheres to accessibility principles. Accessibility training is an investment in your company’s future.
Where to Find Additional Information?
Expand your knowledge about accessibility requirements with these resources:
- Directive 2019/882 – The official text of the directive.
- WCAG 2.1 Guidelines – Comprehensive web content accessibility guidelines.
- EN 301 549 – The technical standard for ICT accessibility.
Sounds Complex? We Make It Simple!
Implementing accessibility might seem challenging—from complex technical requirements to time-consuming adjustments. We simplify the process! At Gate-Software, we help you focus on growing your business while we handle every technical detail.
Why Trust Experts?
Adapting an online store to meet EAA and WCAG 2.1 requirements demands expertise, experience, and precision. By working with professionals, you not only comply with regulations but also build a brand that is modern, responsible, and inclusive for all users.
What We Offer at Gate-Software
Comprehensive Accessibility Audit
We’ll analyze your website’s compliance with WCAG 2.1, identifying key areas for improvement—from missing ALT descriptions to advanced technical issues, such as dynamic element accessibility.
Full Accessibility Implementation
We’ll handle all required changes. This includes improving contrasts, optimizing forms, integrating assistive technologies, and ensuring compliance with European standard EN 301 549.
Ongoing Support and Monitoring
After implementing accessibility, we won’t leave you on your own. We’ll regularly monitor your site to ensure it remains compliant, even after updates or new features are added.
The Benefits of Accessibility
With these actions, you will:
- Comply with legal requirements, avoiding financial penalties.
- Strengthen your brand’s reputation as a responsible company.
- Open your store to new customer groups, including individuals with disabilities.
Have Questions About Your Store’s Accessibility?
Don’t wait until the last minute!
Contact the experts at Gate-Software today and gain confidence that your store will meet EAA 2025 requirements.
- Professional WCAG 2.1 compliance audit
- End-to-end accessibility implementation
- Regular support and monitoring
👉 Get in touch with us to start adapting your store today!
Don’t delay! Make your store accessible now and avoid future penalties.
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