Accessibility is no longer just a legal checkbox—it’s a digital responsibility. With the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the European Union is setting a new precedent for inclusive design across digital products and services. This landmark regulation is especially relevant for localization and translation providers, who play a critical role in delivering accessible content to global audiences.
This blog will walk you through what the EAA is, why it matters, and how language service providers can prepare for the upcoming compliance deadline in 2025.
What Is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882), adopted in April 2019, is aimed at improving accessibility for people with disabilities across the EU. While public sector accessibility was already mandated under Directive 2016/2102, the EAA extends these principles to private-sector services and products.
The act promotes a unified accessibility standard across EU nations and focuses on removing barriers that hinder the free movement of accessible goods and services. This includes adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), to ensure digital inclusivity.
What Products and Services Are Covered?
Starting June 28, 2025, businesses operating in the EU must ensure accessibility for specific products and services. According to Article 2 of Directive 2019/882, the following are within scope:
Products
- General-purpose consumer computers and operating systems
- ATMs, ticketing machines, and other self-service terminals
- Electronic communication equipment (e.g., mobile phones, tablets)
Services
- Telecommunications and broadcasting services
- Audiovisual media platforms (e.g., streaming and video platforms)
- Transport services including websites, apps, and ticketing systems
- E-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces
Exemptions
- Time-based media published before the June 2025 deadline
- Third-party content not under the control of the economic operator
Who Needs to Comply?
The law applies to a wide range of “economic operators”—from product manufacturers to service providers. However, there are notable exceptions:
- Micro-enterprises (under 10 employees and less than €2M in turnover) are exempt but encouraged to implement accessibility.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be excused from compliance if it imposes a disproportionate burden.
Key Deadlines You Should Know
- June 28, 2022: EU member states transposed the directive into national legislation.
- June 28, 2025: Compliance becomes mandatory for covered products and services.
- June 28, 2027: Possible local extensions depending on individual member states.
What It Means for the Localization Industry
For localization and translation providers, the EAA introduces new challenges—and opportunities. It’s no longer enough to deliver content in multiple languages; that content must also be accessible to users with disabilities. This includes ensuring:
- Transcripts and captions for video content
- Screen reader-compatible translations
- Clear navigation and alt-text for visual content
- Compliance with WCAG across translated interfaces
Whether you’re localizing a website, app, document, or software UI, accessibility must be embedded into the process.
How VerboLabs Helps You Stay Compliant
At VerboLabs, we understand that compliance with the EAA isn’t optional—it’s essential. That’s why we offer:
- WCAG-aligned translation services
- Accessibility-focused subtitling and dubbing
- Screen-reader and UX-optimized website localization
- Multilingual support for 120+ languages
Our teams work hand-in-hand with developers, product owners, and compliance specialists to ensure your content isn’t just multilingual—it’s universally accessible.
Strategies for EAA Compliance
Here are some actionable steps localization businesses should take:
- Educate your team: Train linguists and project managers on digital accessibility standards.
- Audit your workflows: Identify areas where accessibility can be integrated or improved.
- Collaborate cross-functionally: Work with web developers, UX teams, and legal advisors.
- Use testing tools: Run WCAG-compliant checks using tools like Axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse.
- Future-proof content: Make accessibility part of your long-term localization strategy.
Conclusion
The European Accessibility Act is more than a regulation—it’s a step toward a more inclusive digital future. For language service providers, this means adapting to new requirements, rethinking old workflows, and placing accessibility at the heart of localization.
By aligning with the EAA today, you not only avoid legal risks but also deliver a better, more inclusive experience for millions of users.
Reach out to us at in**@*******bs.com to localize your products and services—accessibly and effectively.
Need Help Making Your Content Accessible? VerboLabs can help you get EAA-ready.