February 10, 2026
If you've been wondering whether the European Accessibility Act is being enforced yet, the short answer is: yes, but we're in the early stages. Here's what businesses need to know about the current state of enforcement and what's coming.
If you’ve been wondering whether the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is being enforced yet, the short answer is: yes, but we’re in the early stages. Here’s what businesses need to know about the current state of enforcement and what’s coming.
The EU does not currently have widespread systematic exclusion of organisations with noncompliant websites. However, the legal framework for enforcement is now fully in place and active.
The European Accessibility Act was approved in 2019 and came into effect on June 28, 2025. As of that date, Member States now have the power to investigate accessibility complaints, demand remediation, and impose sanctions on non-compliant businesses.
The enforcement timeline includes some important distinctions:
This means if you’re launching something new or making significant changes to your digital offerings, full compliance is required now. If you have existing products already on the market, you have more time; but not unlimited time.
Though enforcement is still in its early months, regulators are publishing checklists and notices before issuing heavy penalties. Most countries are preferring to give businesses time to fix accessibility barriers before imposing fines.
However, there are clear signs that enforcement is ramping up: Complaints are rising, with NGOs and consumer groups already submitting accessibility complaints in France, Germany, and Spain. Disability organisations are actively monitoring websites, apps, and services for barriers. Regulators are building their enforcement capabilities and processes. Large brands like Apple are adopting accessibility openly with ads normalising those who use assistive technology.
When enforcement does come, the fines vary considerably by country. A range of examples:
Beyond financial penalties, failure to comply with the EAA can lead to severe consequences including removal of products from the market and suspension of business rights.
What many businesses misunderstand: the EAA applies to any business that offers products or services in the EU market, regardless of where that business is based.
Non-compliant businesses cannot legally sell into the EU market. If you’re not compliant, you’re excluded from one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
The legal obligation exists now, and active enforcement has begun. While widespread systematic penalties haven’t materialised yet, landmark fines are inevitable as cases escalate through the system.
If you’re selling products or services in the EU, you’re in a closing window where:
You might not get fined tomorrow, but the trajectory is obvious. The enforcement infrastructure is built, complaints are flowing in, and regulators are learning how to apply the new rules. When the first major penalties are announced, organisations who have ignored EAA standards will panic.
Businesses should:
Your business should be ready when enforcement intensifies.
If you are looking for a clear path forward, let’s talk. We can help you develop a practical accessibility roadmap that transitions your business smoothly and ensures you are ready well before the grace period ends.