In today’s digital economy, accessibility is not a luxury; it’s a legal and ethical imperative. From 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) came fully into force, establishing new legal standards for the accessibility of products and services across the EU.

For businesses operating within or selling to the EU, whether you’re a software developer, an e-commerce retailer, a content creator, or a service provider, this legislation has significant implications. And while meeting compliance requirements may seem daunting, with the right guidance and support, it can also present a powerful opportunity to grow inclusively and ethically.

At Green Arrow Consultancy, we work with SMEs, entrepreneurs, and digital teams to help navigate and implement the EAA’s requirements without overwhelm, supporting you with strategic, tailored solutions that make your products and services accessible, compliant, and user-friendly.

What Is the European Accessibility Act?

The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) is an EU directive aimed at harmonising accessibility requirements across member states. It ensures that key products and services are usable by people with disabilities, creating both a fairer society and a more unified digital market.

The EAA covers a wide range of products and services, including:

Websites and mobile applications

E-commerce platform

Online banking and financial services

Self-service terminals (e.g., ticket machines, check-in kiosks)

E-books and e-readers

Telecommunications and media services

By aligning with international standards, particularly the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, the EAA establishes a shared benchmark that companies must meet to trade within the EU.

Who Must Comply?

The EAA applies to both public and private sector organisations that offer goods or services within the EU market. This includes:

Businesses that sell goods or services online to EU consumers (including UK-based businesses with EU customers)

Software developers, app creators, and digital content providers

Banks, transport operators, and digital publishers

Microenterprises, defined as businesses with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of less than €2 million, may be exempt in certain cases. However, accessibility best practices are increasingly expected by consumers, so adopting these standards still makes strategic sense.

At Green Arrow Consultancy, we can help determine whether your business falls under the EAA’s requirements and guide you through the most practical and cost-effective steps to achieve compliance.

What Does Compliance Involve?

The EAA requires businesses to meet recognised accessibility standards, particularly when offering digital services. These requirements focus on four key accessibility principles:

Perceivable – Information must be presented in ways users can perceive (e.g., alt text for images, captions for videos).

Operable – Interfaces must be usable via keyboard, screen readers, or other assistive technologies.

Understandable – Content and interfaces must be easy to navigate and comprehend.

Robust – Services must be compatible with current and future assistive technologies.

This extends to:

Website and mobile app compliance

Accessible customer support channels

User-friendly e-commerce experiences

Accessible digital documents, PDFs, and multimedia

Hardware interfaces that accommodate physical limitations

At Green Arrow, we carry out thorough accessibility audits and help you prioritise the most urgent updates, without overloading your team or redesigning everything from scratch.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Beyond legal compliance, the EAA offers several strategic benefits:

Market Expansion: Make your products accessible to over 100 million EU citizens with disabilities, an often underserved and loyal customer base.

Enhanced SEO & Performance: Accessibility improvements often result in better search visibility, faster load times, and improved UX.

Brand Trust & Inclusivity: Customers increasingly value ethical, inclusive brands. Accessibility signals a commitment to equity and professionalism.

Futureproofing: Meeting accessibility standards prepares your business for future regulations and avoids costly retrofits later.

Green Arrow Consultancy can help you reframe accessibility not just as a requirement, but as a catalyst for better business. We specialise in making accessibility manageable and meaningful, especially for time-poor small business owners and service providers.

How to Get Ready and How Green Arrow Can Help

Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing for the EAA, with notes on how Green Arrow Consultancy supports you at each stage:

1. Assess Your Current Accessibility

We begin with an accessibility review of your digital products, content, and customer journeys. You’ll receive a clear, jargon-free report outlining your current gaps and next steps

2. Prioritise Practical Updates

We help you prioritise changes based on impact and feasibility. Whether it’s improving colour contrast, adding image alt text, or adapting your navigation for screen readers, we show you how to start small, yet meaningfully.

3. Update Systems and Processes

If needed, we’ll support you in updating templates, website layouts, forms, and automated systems. Where appropriate, we recommend tools that integrate accessibility checks into your workflows.

4. Train Your Team

Through short, engaging workshops or 1:1 sessions, we equip your team with the knowledge to create accessible content and handle enquiries from users with different needs.

5. Craft Your Accessibility Statement

We provide a custom accessibility statement template, tailored to your business and updated with your compliance efforts. It helps build trust and shows users how they can get further assistance if needed.

6. Ongoing Support

Green Arrow doesn’t disappear after the audit. We offer monthly check-ins or ad hoc support to help you stay on track and keep up with accessibility best practices as your business evolves.

The Time to Act Is Now

With the deadline looming, it’s essential to act. Don’t wait until a customer complaint or fine forces your hand. Start with small, strategic improvements and build from there.

If you’re unsure where to begin or need a second pair of eyes to guide the way, Green Arrow Consultancy is here to help.

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a growing SME, we tailor our support to your specific business model, capacity, and digital landscape. You won’t get a one-size-fits-all solution; you’ll get hands-on, personalised advice that works for your stage of business.

Final Thoughts

The European Accessibility Act is a landmark moment for digital equality. But it’s also a chance to stand out as a business that truly cares about people, regardless of their abilities

By embracing accessibility, you’re not just ticking a legal box. You’re opening your business to a wider audience, improving user experience, and building a more ethical brand.

At Green Arrow Consultancy, we believe that accessibility should be practical, empowering, and achievable, not a burden. Let us help you make the shift with clarity and confidence.

Need help getting started?

Get in touch with Green Arrow Consultancy today to book your accessibility review or a free discovery call.

Together, we’ll make your business more inclusive, compliant, and future-ready.