The European Accessibility Act: What U.S. Companies Need to Know Before June 28

Time to read: 5 mins

Summary:

• EAA Overview and Legal Requirements: The European Accessibility Act (EAA), effective June 28, 2025, mandates digital accessibility for U.S. companies operating in Europe or serving European customers. Non-compliance can result in fines, legal action, and reputational damage.

• WCAG Standards as the Global Benchmark: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the W3C, provide universal standards for improving web accessibility. U.S. companies that serve international markets must adopt WCAG to avoid potential legal issues and meet growing accessibility expectations.

• Considerations for U.S. Companies: U.S. businesses must navigate the complexities of aligning U.S. and European accessibility standards, address the shortage of accessibility design talent, and take proactive steps like audits, compliance planning, and hiring accessibility professionals to ensure EAA compliance.

As digital accessibility becomes a critical concern for companies across the globe, the new European Accessibility Act is set to take effect on June 28, 2025. For U.S.-based digital platforms that serve international audiences, these accessibility laws will have significant implications. Compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is no longer a suggestion, but a requirement. Failing to meet these standards could expose your company to legal risks, reputational damage, and missed market opportunities.

At Profiles, we understand that navigating these new requirements can be overwhelming. That is why we partner with businesses to provide access to top-tier accessibility-focused design and development talent, helping them stay ahead of compliance challenges.

What U.S. Companies Must Know About the European Accessibility Act

Understanding EAA: Legal Requirements for Accessibility

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which comes into effect on June 28, 2025, introduces new standards for digital accessibility across industries in the European Union. These regulations apply to a wide range of digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and public sector websites within key industries such as banking, telecommunications, Ecommerce, and consumer electronics. The end goal is to make digital content more accessible to people with disabilities.

Under the EAA, U.S.-based companies that operate in Europe or serve European customers could be subject to these new laws. This means that U.S. digital platforms must be prepared to meet WCAG or face penalties that could include fines, legal action, or damage to their brand reputation.

Understanding WCAG: The Global Standard for Accessibility Compliance

The WCAG were developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to create a universal set of technical standards for web content accessibility, whereas the EAA is a framework and legal act for accessibility improvement. WCAG guidelines provide actionable recommendations for improving the usability of websites and mobile apps, among an array of other digital experiences. These usability improvements will benefit individuals with disabilities, including those who rely on screen readers or have difficulty with fine motor skills.

While WCAG compliance has been a focus for U.S. companies for some time, the EAA brings heightened urgency. For U.S. companies serving international markets, understanding WCAG and adhering to its principles is no longer optional.

How EAA Affects Marketing, Creative, and Technology

Accessibility issues often involve more than just the tech team. Marketing and creative departments must also ensure that their digital assets are suitable for all potential customers. Ensuring compliance across both creative design and technology requires seamless collaboration between teams to balance aesthetics with usability.

However, many U.S. companies are still not fully compliant with WCAG. This leaves gaps in digital accessibility that can impact user experience and overall market reach. For example, it was reported that 81% of people with disabilities say they face frustrating issues while shopping online. Addressing these gaps requires skilled professionals who are adept in both accessibility standards and user-centered design principles.

European Accessibility Act Considerations for U.S. Companies

As U.S. businesses prepare for the European Accessibility Act (EAA), there are important considerations to keep in mind:

Aligning with Both U.S. and European Standards

Aligning U.S. standards with European accessibility laws can be complex. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has made strides in accessibility, its requirements are not as specific or far-reaching as those of the EAA or WCAG. U.S. companies may find it difficult to navigate these differences, particularly when it comes to ensuring compliance across a wide range of digital platforms.

The Resource Gap in Accessibility Design Talent

Another challenge that many companies face is the shortage of accessibility-focused talent. Many businesses simply do not have the internal resources needed to perform accessibility audits, implement the necessary updates, and ensure ongoing compliance. This is where expert accessibility designers and developers become crucial. These professionals have the specialized knowledge needed to help U.S. companies comply with both U.S. and European accessibility standards.

EAA Compliance Next Steps for U.S. Businesses

As the June 28, 2025 deadline for European accessibility compliance approaches, U.S. businesses must take several critical actions to ensure EAA compliance and WCAG standards:

• Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Start by assessing your current digital platforms (websites, mobile apps, etc.) against WCAG and EAA standards to identify any gaps in accessibility.

• Develop a Compliance Plan: Create a roadmap that clearly outlines objectives and responsibilities as your teams work towards compliance. Align both your creative and technical teams to ensure consistency and accountability throughout the process.

• Hire Skilled Accessibility Professionals: Enlist accessibility experts who can guide your business through the necessary updates, audits, and ongoing compliance to ensure your digital products meet the standards for both U.S. and European markets.

By proactively addressing these steps, your company can navigate the upcoming regulations smoothly and avoid the legal, financial, and reputational risks that may come with non-compliance.

Sourcing Accessibility Experts with Profiles

Profiles specializes in connecting businesses with highly skilled accessibility-focused talent. From UX/UI designers to front-end developers, our extensive network of experienced professionals can perform accessibility audits, recommend updates, and ensure that your digital platforms comply with both U.S. and European accessibility regulations.

By working with Profiles, you can rest assured that your company is prepared for the upcoming changes in the European Accessibility Act and ensure that your digital platforms are accessible to all users, regardless of ability.

With Profiles as your partner, you can confidently navigate the upcoming changes in European Accessibility Act and ensure your digital platforms are accessible to users of all abilities.