There’s a growing wave of misinformation spreading across blogs, social media, and even some accessibility forums — the claim that the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will automatically become law in the UK on 28 June 2025.
Let’s set the record straight: The EAA is EU law. It does not apply to the United Kingdom.
❓ What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU directive (Directive (EU) 2019/882) that aims to harmonise accessibility standards across member states. It covers a wide range of products and services, including:
- E-books and e-readers
- ATMs and payment terminals
- Banking and e-commerce services
- Transport booking systems
- Websites and mobile apps
- Consumer hardware like computers and smartphones
EU member states were required to implement this directive into national law by 28 June 2022, with enforcement starting 28 June 2025.
🇬🇧 So Why Doesn’t This Apply to the UK?
Because the UK is no longer part of the European Union.
- The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, and the transition period ended on 31 December 2020.
- The EAA was adopted by the EU in 2019, but the UK did not transpose it into domestic law before Brexit.
- Post-Brexit, EU law no longer applies in the UK unless the UK government chooses to adopt similar laws — and it hasn’t.
🔍 What Law Does the UK Follow Instead?
The UK’s main accessibility legislation is still the Equality Act 2010, which requires service providers to make “reasonable adjustments” to avoid disadvantaging disabled people.
However, the Equality Act is less prescriptive than the EAA and does not mandate specific technical standards for digital accessibility, hardware design, or service delivery.
🌍 When Does the EAA Matter for UK Businesses?
Even though it doesn’t apply domestically, the EAA can affect UK businesses in two ways:
- Selling to the EU
If your company sells products or services within the EU, you may need to meet EAA compliance standards. For example, a UK company selling e-books, apps, or card payment machines in the EU must ensure those products are accessible under EAA rules. - Operating in the EU
UK-based branches of multinational companies operating in the EU will need to comply with the EAA in those jurisdictions.
⚠️ Don’t Fall for the Misinformation
It’s easy to see why people are confused. The EAA has a clear implementation date — 28 June 2025 — and it’s being widely discussed. But unless you’re trading with the EU or operating inside it, this date does not signify a legal change for UK-based businesses or public sector organisations.
To reiterate:
The European Accessibility Act is not becoming UK law in 2025 — or at any time — unless the UK government decides to introduce its own version.
✅ What Should UK Organisations Do?
While the EAA doesn’t apply, accessibility is still a legal and ethical responsibility in the UK. Here’s what UK businesses and public bodies can do:
- Follow WCAG 2.1 (or higher) web accessibility standards.
- Make sure your services are inclusive and comply with the Equality Act 2010.
- If trading with the EU, check EAA requirements for your industry.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility is essential — but accuracy matters too. Misinformation helps no one, especially disabled users relying on clarity and compliance. UK organisations should not panic about a 2025 EAA deadline, but should continue working toward inclusive, user-friendly design for all.
If you’re unsure whether the EAA affects your business, or need help navigating accessibility regulations in the UK or EU, get in touch with a compliance advisor or accessibility specialist.
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