The European Accessibility Act represents a major step towards a more inclusive and equitable society across the European Union. This legislation sets out clear requirements to ensure that people with disabilities and diverse abilities can access products and services on an equal basis with others.
From 28 June 2025, companies and organisations operating in the EU must ensure that a wide range of products and services placed on the market comply with accessibility requirements. The objective is simple but ambitious: to remove barriers, support independent living and enable full participation in social and economic life throughout Europe.
Scope of the European Accessibility Act
The European Accessibility Act applies to a broad spectrum of products and services that are essential in everyday life. These requirements are harmonised at EU level to ensure consistency across Member States and to facilitate cross-border trade.
Technology and digital products
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Computers and operating systems
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Smartphones and tablets
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Smart TVs and digital television services
Essential services
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Passenger transport services, including road, rail, air and maritime transport
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Banking services, ATMs and payment terminals
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Ticketing machines and automated check-in systems
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Self-service terminals and vending machines
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E-books and digital reading solutions
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Information related to transport services
Digital and online services
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E-commerce platforms
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Audiovisual and multimedia services
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Electronic communications services
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Mobile applications, including banking and service apps
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Digital services integrated into connected devices
Accessibility requirements apply both to functionality and to the way information is presented, ensuring usability for people with visual, hearing, cognitive or motor impairments.
Consequences of non-compliance
Across Europe, national authorities are responsible for monitoring compliance with the Accessibility Act within their jurisdictions. Organisations that fail to meet the legal requirements may face financial penalties, corrective measures and reputational damage.
Sanctions vary by Member State but typically include:
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Administrative fines proportionate to the severity of the infringement
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Mandatory corrective actions within defined timeframes
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Increased scrutiny by regulatory authorities
Beyond financial risks, non-compliance can limit market access and undermine trust with customers, partners and public bodies.
Why investing in accessibility brings clear advantages
While adapting products and services may require effort, the benefits of accessibility go well beyond legal compliance:
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Access to a wider and more diverse customer base
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Improved user experience for all users, not only people with disabilities
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Stronger brand reputation and customer loyalty
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Alignment with EU digital accessibility standards and best practices
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Contribution to social inclusion and equal opportunities
Accessibility is increasingly recognised as a driver of innovation, quality and long-term sustainability.
How to implement inclusive communication and accessibility solutions
Achieving compliance with the European Accessibility Act requires a structured and informed approach. This includes accessibility audits, technical adaptations, content optimisation and inclusive communication strategies.
At AP | PORTUGAL, we support organisations across Europe in aligning with accessibility requirements through practical, tailored solutions in digital accessibility and inclusive communication. Our work is grounded in specialist expertise, up-to-date regulatory knowledge and ongoing research into accessibility and inclusive design at national and European level.
By adopting the right strategies today, organisations can ensure compliance, enhance user experience and position themselves as responsible and forward-looking actors in the European market.
ABOUT US
AP | PORTUGAL is the expression of service and vision in the fields of communication technologies, event management, translation, interpretation, and audiovisual communication.
With offices in Lisbon and Porto, it is the only Portuguese company certified by both International Quality Standards ISO 17100, ISO 18587 and ISO 23155, and also by DGERT as a training entity. Internationally renowned for its skills in the areas of translation, interpretation, transcription, localization, subtitling, video production, artificial intellingence solutions and proofreading, the company is also specialized in event and conference management, audiovisual equipment rental, and VRI - Video Remote Interpreting.
The company’s intervention extends to the area of creative content production in any language, allowing AP | PORTUGAL to support companies and organizations through its Copywriting platform, also focusing on text, audio or video solutions based on Artificial Intelligence.
AP PORTUGAL includes the Artiga Center - European Centre for Amplified Events -, a facility which offers all equipment necessary for any type of event, be it hybrid, face-to-face or digital, besides being equipped for face-to-face or digital Team Building activities.
You can also follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
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