What You Need to Know About EAA Fines Before June 28, 2025
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force on June 28, 2025, bringing mandatory accessibility standards to a broad range of digital products and services across the EU. But while the law applies EU-wide, the fines and enforcement mechanisms vary significantly by country.
Failing to comply can cost you more than just reputation—it can result in serious financial penalties, legal risks, and exclusion from public procurement.
Let’s break down what EAA fines look like across key EU member states—and why being proactive matters.
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA is designed to harmonize accessibility standards across the EU, ensuring people with disabilities have equal access to digital products and services like:
- E-commerce platforms
- Banking apps & ATMs
- Smartphones and devices
- E-books & reading software
- Transport ticketing
- Telecom services
From June 2025, new digital offerings in scope must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Are Fines Already Being Issued?
Not yet. As of early 2025, most EU countries are still preparing enforcement mechanisms. That said, some, like Italy, are already enforcing local accessibility laws for public websites and services.
Once the EAA kicks in, enforcement becomes real—and consumers can file formal complaints. Regulators are expected to act swiftly, especially if businesses show no progress toward compliance.
How Much Could Non-Compliance Cost You?
Here’s how EAA fines differ by country:
| Country | Maximum Fine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | €500,000 | Applies per product/service |
| France | €250,000 | Includes failure to publish accessibility statements |
| Spain | €1,000,000 | Depends on severity |
| Italy | €40,000 or 5% of annual turnover | Already active via the Stanca Law |
| Netherlands | €103,000 | Enforced by the Human Rights Institute |
| Ireland | €60,000 and/or prison | For criminal-level breaches |
⚠️ Microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees and under €2M turnover) are exempt, but still encouraged to make accessibility improvements.
Is There a Grace Period After June 28?
There’s no official grace period written into the EAA. Enforcement technically begins on the deadline day. However, some regulators may consider good-faith efforts—especially if your business:
- Has an accessibility roadmap
- Can demonstrate ongoing improvements
- Responds quickly to complaints
But don’t bet on leniency—complaints can trigger investigations immediately.
How to Prepare (Now)
- Audit your services for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance
- Fix critical issues, especially on e-commerce and digital platforms
- Document your efforts—you’ll need a paper trail
- Train your team on accessibility best practices
- Monitor updates from your national regulator
Final Thoughts
The European Accessibility Act isn’t just a compliance checkbox—it’s a signal of change. Making your products accessible isn’t just good practice; it’s now a legal and financial necessity. And with enforcement varying widely across countries, understanding local fines and deadlines is crucial.
Being early isn’t just safer—it’s smarter.