Why Dutch Businesses Need ADA & WCAG Compliance — EAA Guide 2026

Why Dutch Websites Need Accessibility

The Netherlands is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world. Dutch businesses are known for their innovation and global reach — and web accessibility is now a key part of that reputation. Here's why Dutch websites need to be accessible:

1. European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) came into force on 28 June 2025. It requires all businesses selling to EU customers to make their websites and mobile apps accessible. As an EU member state, the Netherlands is fully subject to this law. The EAA applies to:

• E-commerce websites and online stores
• Banking and financial services
• Transport and travel services
• Healthcare websites and patient portals
• Education and learning platforms
• All public-facing digital services

Dutch businesses that do not comply with the EAA face potential fines and legal action. The deadline has already passed — compliance is mandatory now.

2. ADA Title III (US Law)

The ADA Title III applies to any business that serves the US public — regardless of where the business is located. If you sell to US customers, your website must be ADA compliant. This applies to:

• Dutch e-commerce stores selling to the US
• SaaS companies with US clients
• Dutch businesses with US subsidiaries
• Any Dutch website accessible to US users

ADA lawsuits have been filed against non-US companies before. Jurisdiction is not a defense — if your website is accessible to US users, you can be sued under the ADA.

3. Dutch Law — Temporary Act for Digital Accessibility

The Netherlands has implemented the EAA through national legislation. The Dutch Temporary Act for Digital Accessibility requires public sector websites to be accessible, and private sector businesses are increasingly expected to follow the same WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.

What Are the WCAG 2.1 Level AA Requirements?

WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the international standard for web accessibility. It includes over 50 success criteria across four principles:

1. Perceivable — Can users perceive the content?

• 1.1.1 — Non-text Content: All images must have alt text descriptions.
• 1.4.3 — Color Contrast: Text must have 4.5:1 contrast ratio.
• 1.4.4 — Resize Text: Text must resize up to 200% without breaking.

2. Operable — Can users navigate and interact?

• 2.1.1 — Keyboard: All functionality must work with a keyboard.
• 2.4.7 — Focus Visible: Keyboard focus must be visible.
• 2.5.8 — Target Size: Touch targets must be at least 24x24px.

3. Understandable — Can users understand the content?

• 3.1.1 — Language of Page: Page language must be declared.
• 3.3.2 — Labels or Instructions: Form fields must have labels.

4. Robust — Can assistive technologies read the content?

• 4.1.2 — Name, Role, Value: Custom components must be accessible.
• 4.1.3 — Status Messages: Status updates must be announced.

How to Check Your Dutch Website's Compliance

Step 1: Run a Free WCAG Scan in Dutch

Use AccessiTool's Dutch ADA checker to scan your website. The tool is fully available in Dutch and tests against WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Results in 10 seconds.

Step 2: Fix Critical Violations First

Start with the most critical issues:

• Missing alt text — Add descriptive text to all images
• Color contrast — Ensure 4.5:1 ratio for all text
• Keyboard access — Test your site with only Tab key
• Form labels — Add visible labels to all form fields

Step 3: Test with Screen Readers

Use NVDA (Windows, free) or VoiceOver (Mac, built-in) to test your site. Listen to how your content is announced in Dutch.

Step 4: Document Everything

Keep records of your scans, fixes, and testing results. This documentation is your legal defense if a lawsuit or complaint is filed.

Dutch Accessibility Tools — Free & Available

Real Example — Dutch Business Sued Under ADA

Frequently Asked Questions