Website and E-commerce Accessibility: What Changes Will the EAA 2025 Directive Bring?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA 2025), set to take effect on July 28, 2025, establishes uniform guidelines to ensure that websites and e-commerce services are accessible to people with disabilities and others with limited abilities. Czech legislation will incorporate this directive into its legal framework, outlining specific requirements for e-shop operators and other digital service providers. What changes can we expect, and what will businesses need to do to comply with these regulations?

Main Objectives of the Directive

The EAA 2025 aims to eliminate barriers that hinder individuals with disabilities from fully utilizing digital services. By creating consistent requirements across the European Union, the directive will facilitate easier access to information and services, fostering a fairer competitive landscape for businesses operating in various markets.

Currently, many websites and e-shops do not adequately address the needs of users with specific requirements, leading to challenges for some people when shopping online, accessing information, or engaging in other digital transactions. This directive not only aims to resolve these issues but also to promote innovation in making digital content more accessible.

What Changes Are Required?

Website and e-shop operators must ensure that their online services adhere to four key principles: perceivability, operability, understandability, and stability. This means that all information should be available in multiple formats to accommodate users with different types of disabilities.

Text content must be clearly readable, with sufficient contrast and options for enlargement. Images and other non-text elements should include alternative descriptions to ensure accessibility for users who rely on screen readers.

Navigation must be straightforward and easy to use, especially for individuals who depend on keyboards or voice commands. This includes allowing users to skip repetitive elements, such as menus or advertisements. Buttons and links should have clear labels that indicate their function.

E-commerce and payment systems must also be adapted to ensure that identification, registration, and payment processes are fully accessible. Forms need to be structured appropriately for use with assistive technologies, and payment interfaces must work seamlessly with tools like software magnifiers or specialized keyboards.

These accessibility requirements also extend to mobile applications, which should support easy navigation through features like voice commands or text resizing. App developers must ensure that their software is compatible with common assistive technologies and allows users to customize the interface to suit their needs.

Exceptions and Transition Periods

Not all businesses will need to comply with the new requirements immediately. Czech legislation outlines specific exceptions for micro-enterprises, defined as companies with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover below 2 million euros. For other businesses, a transitional period will be in place until 2025.

This timeline allows businesses to adjust their websites and digital services to align with the new rules. However, it’s advisable to start implementing changes as soon as possible to allow ample time for testing and optimization.

What Are the Consequences of Non-compliance?

Businesses that fail to meet accessibility requirements may face substantial penalties. Czech law permits fines of up to 10 million crowns. Penalties could arise from situations where operators do not disclose how their website complies with accessibility standards, miss implementation deadlines, or disregard regulations when altering website design or functionality.

Conclusion

The new regulations mark a significant step toward greater inclusivity in the digital landscape. While adapting websites and e-shops may involve financial and time commitments, the benefits extend beyond just users with disabilities; all customers will benefit as well. More accessible websites lead to enhanced user experiences, higher completion rates for orders, and improved company reputations. Entrepreneurs who proactively adjust to these new requirements will gain a competitive edge and be able to reach a wider audience. Therefore, it’s wise to begin preparations as early as possible, consult with experts on necessary modifications, and ensure that digital services are fully accessible to all users.

The websites we develop for our clients undergo multiple rounds of UX/UI workshops during the design phase to guarantee seamless accessibility. If you have concerns about the quality of your website, don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be delighted to schedule a meeting to recommend the most effective improvements for your site.