The European Accessibility Act: New Requirements for Online Stores Starting June 28, 2025
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On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will officially come into effect — a regulation that changes the rules of the game for Polish e-commerce. The new legislation requires online businesses to ensure digital accessibility of their websites and applications. Failure to comply may lead to serious consequences, including fines of up to 10% of annual turnover.
Who is affected by the new rules?
The obligation to comply with the EAA applies to all e-retailers who employ more than 10 people and generate annual revenues of over 2 million euros.
In practice, this means that most professional online stores in Poland will need to adapt to the WCAG 2.1 AA standard — a set of guidelines that define how to build websites accessible to every user, including people with disabilities.
What does an “accessible website” mean?
An accessible website is one that can be used by everyone — including people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, elderly, or have limited mobility. WCAG 2.1 emphasizes the importance of proper text and background contrast, keyboard navigation support, consistent and simplified navigation, and alternative text descriptions for images and links.
These changes not only enhance UX for users with disabilities, but also for all users — including mobile users, older adults, or those browsing under suboptimal conditions.
It’s not just a legal obligation — it’s a business opportunity
Implementing accessibility can bring real business value. A great example is Tesco UK, which created an alternative, simplified version of its online store. By removing unnecessary graphics, adding clear descriptions, and streamlining the layout, they achieved a 35% year-over-year increase in online revenue and a notable boost in conversion rates.
Everyone benefits from such improvements. Users enjoy a more intuitive and transparent interface, while the brand gains reach, better SEO, and stronger customer trust and loyalty.
Huge potential in Poland
According to GUS and government reports, over 4.7 million people in Poland live with disabilities — about 12% of the population. This is a large group that often encounters obstacles in online shopping. When you add seniors and temporarily limited users (e.g. post-injury), it’s clear that digital accessibility directly impacts sales performance.
Can’t I just install a plugin?
Although it may sound tempting, ready-made accessibility plugins are a risky solution. They do not guarantee full WCAG compliance, don’t support mobile apps, often conflict with site content, and can be hard to maintain. Most importantly — as the store owner, you’re still legally responsible for compliance, even if the plugin fails.
How to prepare?
Instead of quick fixes, it’s better to take a comprehensive approach. Start with an accessibility audit of your website. Evaluate how your store aligns with WCAG 2.1 and identify the gaps. Then plan your actions — whether it’s UX adjustments, code updates, or usability testing. The key is to treat accessibility as an ongoing process, not a one-time project.
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Summary
These new regulations are not just a formality — they represent real change. The European Accessibility Act requires online stores to be open and inclusive for all users — and that’s a good thing, because digital accessibility simply pays off.
The European Accessibility Act is changing the rules of e-commerce.
See how we can help ensure your website complies with WCAG 2.1 »
