EAA for UK Businesses — Do You Need to Comply? 2026

„Does the European Accessibility Act apply to UK businesses?" That's a question many UK business owners ask since Brexit. The answer is yes — but only if you trade in the EU.

In this guide, we'll explain what the EAA is, who it applies to, and what UK businesses need to do to comply.

What is the EAA?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU law that requires businesses to make their products and services accessible to people with disabilities. The EAA came into force on 28 June 2025.

The EAA applies to:

• E-commerce websites and mobile apps
• Banking services and financial portals
• Transport services (booking systems for flights, trains, buses)
• Telecommunications services
• E-book platforms and reading apps
• Self-service terminals (ATMs, ticket machines)

Does the EAA apply to UK businesses?

Yes — but only if you trade in the EU.

When does the EAA apply to UK businesses?

1. You sell goods to EU customers

If your UK business sells physical or digital products to customers in the EU, the EAA applies to your website.

2. You provide services to EU customers

If your UK business provides services (banking, transport, telecoms, e-books) to EU customers, the EAA applies.

3. You have an EU presence

If your UK business has a physical presence in the EU (e.g., office, warehouse), the EAA applies.

4. You target EU customers

If your website is targeted at EU customers (e.g., language, currency, marketing), the EAA applies.

When does the EAA NOT apply to UK businesses?

• You only serve UK customers — if you don't trade in the EU, the EAA does not apply
• You are a micro-enterprise — fewer than 10 employees and less than €2 million turnover
• Your products/services are not covered — some products and services are exempt

EAA vs UK Equality Act — What's the difference?

EAA vs PSBAR — What's the difference?

What do UK businesses need to do for EAA compliance?

Step 1: Check if the EAA applies to you

Determine if you offer goods or services to EU customers.

Step 2: Scan your website

Use the free UK ADA checker to scan your website against WCAG 2.2 Level AA (which is higher than EAA requirements).

Step 3: Fix all violations

Follow the recommendations in the report to fix all violations.

Step 4: Publish an accessibility statement

Publish an accessibility statement on your website (required under the EAA).

Step 5: Monitor and update

Monitor your website regularly and update your accessibility statement at least once a year.

What are the exemptions for UK businesses?

1. Micro-enterprises

Businesses with fewer than 10 employees and less than €2 million turnover are exempt from the EAA.

2. Disproportionate burden

If compliance would be a disproportionate burden, you may be exempt. You must assess and document this.

3. Products and services not covered

Some products and services are not covered by the EAA (e.g., military products, some medical devices).

What are the penalties for EAA non-compliance?

Penalties for EAA non-compliance can be significant:

1. Financial penalties

Up to €900,000 or 4% of annual turnover (whichever is higher).

2. Trading restrictions

Your products and services could be banned from the EU market.

3. Reputational damage

Non-compliance can lead to negative publicity and loss of customers.

4. Legal costs

Defending an EAA case can be expensive.

One scan — Multiple laws

Here's the good news: one accessibility scan can help you comply with multiple laws:

• Equality Act 2010 — WCAG 2.2 AA recommended
• PSBAR 2018 — WCAG 2.2 AA required (public sector)
• EAA — EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1 AA) required (EU trading)
• ADA (USA) — WCAG 2.1 AA required (US trading)

WCAG 2.2 Level AA is the highest common standard. If you comply with WCAG 2.2 AA, you comply with all these laws.

Frequently Asked Questions — EAA for UK Businesses

Internal links — UK Accessibility Resources