EAA Products and Services — What is Covered in the UK? 2026
„Which products and services are covered by the EAA?" That's a question many UK business owners ask when they learn about the European Accessibility Act.
In this guide, we'll explain which products and services are covered by the EAA, what the requirements are, and what UK businesses need to do.
📌 Quick Answer — EAA Products and Services
The EAA covers six main categories of products and services: E-commerce websites, banking services, transport services, telecommunications, e-books, and self-service terminals. UK businesses that offer these products or services in the EU must comply with the EAA.
✅ Test your website for EAA compliance
Use the free UK ADA checker to scan your website against WCAG 2.2 Level AA.
Free UK Checker →Overview — EAA Products and Services
The EAA covers six main categories of products and services:
| Category | Examples | UK Businesses Affected |
|---|---|---|
| E-commerce websites | Online stores, marketplaces | All UK e-commerce businesses trading in the EU |
| Banking services | Online banking, mobile banking | UK banks with EU customers |
| Transport services | Flights, trains, buses, ferries | UK transport companies operating in the EU |
| Telecommunications | Phone, internet, mobile services | UK telecom companies with EU customers |
| E-books | Digital books, reading apps | UK publishers, e-book platforms |
| Self-service terminals | ATMs, ticket machines, check-in kiosks | UK manufacturers and operators |
1. E-commerce websites
E-commerce websites are one of the most important categories covered by the EAA. Any UK business that sells products or services online to EU customers must comply.
What is covered?
- Online stores — selling physical or digital products
- Marketplaces — platforms connecting buyers and sellers
- Subscription services — recurring products or services
- Digital downloads — software, e-books, music, video
- Online services — booking, reservations, appointments
Key requirements:
- Alt text for all product images (WCAG 1.1.1)
- Colour contrast — minimum 4.5:1 (WCAG 1.4.3)
- Keyboard accessibility — all functions with Tab key (WCAG 2.1.1)
- Form labels — all input fields must have labels (WCAG 3.3.2)
- Checkout process — fully accessible from start to finish
- Error messages — clear and descriptive (WCAG 3.3.1)
📊 E-commerce — Examples of UK Businesses Affected
- Online clothing retailers — selling to EU customers
- Digital product sellers — software, e-books, courses
- Subscription box services — monthly deliveries to EU
- Marketplace sellers — selling on Amazon, eBay to EU customers
2. Banking services
Banking and financial services are covered by the EAA. UK banks with EU customers must make their digital services accessible.
What is covered?
- Online banking — websites and mobile apps
- Mobile banking — iOS and Android apps
- Payment systems — online payments, transfers
- Financial portals — investment, trading platforms
Key requirements:
- Accessible login — screen reader compatible
- Transaction process — fully accessible
- Statement display — accessible format
- Security — accessibility-friendly authentication
3. Transport services
Transport services are covered by the EAA. UK transport companies operating in the EU must make their booking systems accessible.
What is covered?
- Flight booking — airlines, travel agents
- Train booking — rail operators
- Bus/coach booking — long-distance bus services
- Ferry booking — maritime transport
- Travel platforms — booking aggregators
Key requirements:
- Booking process — fully accessible
- Timetables — accessible format
- Payment process — accessible
- Confirmation emails — accessible format
4. Telecommunications
Telecommunications services are covered by the EAA. UK telecom companies with EU customers must comply.
What is covered?
- Phone services — landline, mobile
- Internet services — broadband, mobile data
- TV services — digital television
- Communication apps — messaging, video calls
Key requirements:
- Accessible interfaces — screen reader compatible
- Alternative formats — text-based communication
- Emergency services — accessible access
5. E-books
E-books and digital publishing are covered by the EAA. UK publishers and e-book platforms with EU customers must comply.
What is covered?
- E-books — digital books
- Reading apps — e-book readers, mobile apps
- Digital publications — magazines, newspapers
Key requirements:
- Accessible reading experience — screen reader compatible
- Font resizing — adjustable
- Contrast adjustment — user adjustable
- Navigation — accessible
6. Self-service terminals
Self-service terminals are covered by the EAA. UK manufacturers and operators with terminals in the EU must comply.
What is covered?
- ATMs — cash machines
- Ticket machines — transport, events
- Check-in kiosks — airports, hotels
- Self-service checkouts — retail
Key requirements:
- Physical interface — accessible buttons, displays
- Audio guidance — for blind users
- Touch screen — accessible operation
- Feedback — audio and visual
What is NOT covered by the EAA?
Some products and services are exempt from the EAA:
- Military products — weapons, military equipment
- Some medical devices — depending on type
- Some transport services — limited exemptions
- Micro-enterprises — <10 employees, <€2M turnover
How to comply with EAA requirements
Step 1: Identify which EAA categories apply to you
Determine which of the six categories your products or services fall into.
Step 2: Scan your website
Use the free UK ADA checker to scan your website against WCAG 2.2 Level AA.
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: Document everything
Document all tests and improvements. This serves as evidence of your compliance efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions — EAA Products and Services
The EAA covers six categories: e-commerce websites, banking services, transport services, telecommunications, e-books, and self-service terminals.
Yes. If your UK e-commerce website sells products or services to EU customers, it is covered by the EAA.
Yes. ATMs are covered as self-service terminals under the EAA. They must have accessible physical interfaces and audio guidance.
Yes. E-books and reading apps are covered by the EAA. They must be accessible to disabled users.
If your product or service is not covered by the EAA, you do not need to comply with it. However, you must still comply with the Equality Act 2010.
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