Ensure compliance with Directive (EU) 2019/882
A major step forward for accessibility in Europe — enabling more independence, more choice, and harmonisation of accessible services.
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Digital accessibility and services: the new European obligation has come into force
Since 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act has entered into force in Europe. This European accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) requires businesses and organisations to ensure that products and services are accessible to persons with disabilities.
If you are a professional in the digital sector, retail, transport, banking or education and training, you are directly concerned by these new obligations.
Our specialist consultancy supports you in anticipating, understanding, and implementing this legislation — turning a legal requirement into a sustainable competitive advantage.
Key objectives
Improve daily life for persons with disabilities, older people or those with reduced mobility: more than 80 million potential beneficiaries across Europe.
Harmonise rules between Member States: removal of regulatory barriers, access to a broader and more competitive market for businesses, while offering more affordable prices for users.
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Need an explanation of the European Accessibility Directive?
Universal design at the heart of Directive (EU) 2019/882
Products and services concerned must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, including
Multiple sensory modalities: audio, visual, tactile, voice.
Simple actions (low accuracy/force required), adjustable response times.
Compatibility with assistive technologies (screen readers, voice controls, hearing aids).
Information on integrated accessibility features.
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Priority areas of application
The directive covers a wide range of sectors:
Digital services and related equipment: computers, operating systems, smartphones.
Transport infrastructure: ticket machines, information/interaction kiosks, ticketing, ITS/AVM systems (on-board announcements, guidance).
Other services: audiovisual, telephony, e-commerce, e-books, banking services, emergency numbers, etc.
Implementation timeline
Vote in the European Parliament (13 March 2019), followed by adoption by the Council of the EU and publication in the Official Journal.
National transposition into Member States’ law between 2022 and 2023
Entry into force on 28 June 2025 for all products and services placed on the market from that date onwards.
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Any question about the European Accessibility Act?
Why comply with the European Accessibility Act?
Avoid sanctions for non-compliance with Directive (EU) 2019/882.
Provide a better user experience for all your customers, including persons with disabilities.
Strengthen your reputation as a responsible and inclusive company.
Access new markets thanks to the accessibility of your products and services.
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Challenges and benefits
Businesses : uniform standards, larger market, economies of scale.
Users with disabilities : wider access to adapted services, benefits in education, employment, and greater professional inclusion.
Society : a true driver for the transition towards universal accessibility in everyday life.
National transposition into Member States’ law
In line with Directive (EU) 2019/882 – the European Accessibility Act, each Member State was required to transpose the directive into its national legal framework between 2022 and 2023.
This process ensures that accessibility obligations are integrated into domestic legislation (e.g. consumer protection law, transport law, digital services law).
The national transposition provides the legal basis for market surveillance authorities in each country to monitor compliance and impose proportionate sanctions where necessary.
