Do UK Websites Need to Comply with the European Accessibility Act?

The digital landscape is shifting and around the world, laws are catching up.  

From June 28th, 2025, many businesses that serve EU customers will need to comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA). If your business is based outside the EU but serves customers within it, this law could still apply to you.  

What Is the EAA and Who Must Comply?  

The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) is a landmark piece of legislation designed to harmonise accessibility requirements for various products and services across the EU. Its primary goal is to ensure that digital products and services are accessible to everyone. This directive builds upon previous legislation, extending the scope beyond public sector bodies to a broader range of private businesses.  

If your business has more than 10 employees or revenue over €2 million, and serves customers in the EU, it may apply to you.  

Covered services include:  

• Websites & e-commerce platforms  

• Online banking and payment systems  

• Transport and travel booking sites  

• Digital TV & telecommunications  

• E-books, apps, and software  

The EAA doesn’t impose detailed technical solutions but sets general accessibility requirements. It emphasises that no website or digital service should be limited to a single mode of interaction, meaning content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users, including those relying on assistive technologies like screen readers or captions.   

Compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA is widely recognised as the standard for meeting EAA obligations for digital content and services.  

What Happens if You Don’t Comply?  

Fines vary by country but can be severe, with an EU-set maximum amount of €1,000,000  

Beyond monetary penalties, businesses risk product withdrawal from the market, service blackouts, and damage to brand reputation.  

Accessibility Isn’t Just About Avoiding Fines – It’s a Business Advantage  

Done right, accessibility doesn’t just keep you compliant – it makes you more competitive.  

• 66% of businesses see up to 50% increase in organic traffic after accessibility improvements.  

• 82% of customers with disabilities are more loyal to accessible businesses.  

• Inaccessible websites lose €6.3 billion annually to competitors.  

Your Partner for Compliance and Beyond  

At names.co.uk we’ve partnered with AccessiWay to make EAA compliance simple and scalable.  

AccessiWay solutions offer:  

• Automated accessibility adjustments  

• AI-powered compatibility with assistive tech  

• Compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA  

• Ongoing monitoring and legal support  

Coming soon to names.co.uk – WayWidget

If you’re ready to take the next step toward better accessibility, we’re excited to introduce WayWidget. Developed in partnership with AccessiWay, WayWidget is an AI-powered tool designed to help make your website more accessible for all users.

Launching soon, WayWidget will offer flexible options for websites of all sizes, supporting your efforts to meet the EU Accessibility Act requirements while improving the experience for every visitor.

Want to be among the first to know when WayWidget is available?

Register here to stay updated and receive early launch notifications.

Whether you’re preparing for the EAA or want to unlock a broader audience, we can help future-proof your digital presence.  

 Next Steps for Compliance and Growth  

🛡️ Ensure your site aligns with the EU Accessibility Act requirements 
📈 Gain a competitive edge and increase traffic  
🌍 Make your website usable for all  

👉 Start your compliance journey today:  

UK businesses: Visit Accessiway.com to check if your website is compliant.