Accessibility FAQ: What does the EAA really change for your online store?

You have probably been hearing about it for several months: the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is fast approaching. As a merchant, you may be asking yourself a lot of questions: is it mandatory? By when? And most importantly… is it going to make my life more complicated? But rather than seeing it as a constraint, why not take this opportunity to improve your online store and win over new customers? In this FAQ, you will find all the answers to the questions raised by the EAA.

What exactly is the EAA?

The EAA is a European directive adopted in 2019 and applicable from June 28, 2025. Its objective: to make digital services accessible to everyone, especially people with disabilities, whether visual, auditory, motor or cognitive.

In short: if you sell your products online within the EU, you will have to comply with the digital accessibility requirements of this directive.

When do I need to comply?

Good news: you still have some time. Member states must fully implement the EAA by June 28, 2025.

Be careful though: bringing an online store into compliance can't be achieved with a single click. It's better to plan for this directive in advance rather than responding in a rush.

Is the EAA really mandatory for my online store?

If you sell digital products or services within the European Union, this applies to you. The question should not be "Is it mandatory?", but rather: "What are the advantages of making my site accessible now?" ». Without giving away too much, the answer is very clear in any case: there are many!

What benefits will I get from an accessible store?

If the thought of an extra obligation doesn't thrill you just yet, take a moment to think about the business and marketing advantages:

•     Increase your potential audience: 87 million Europeans have disabilities. Ignoring this population means leaving out a considerable market.
•     Improving the user experience: Accessibility criteria help you design a clearer, more intuitive and more ergonomic site. An accessible site is a site that improves everyone's experience and makes your visitors want to come back.
•     Improving your search engine optimization (SEO): an accessible site often benefits from better SEO. "Why?" Because good accessibility practices are aligned with the SEO expectations of search engines (clear structure, correct markup, alternative text for images).

What are the main technical requirements to be aware of?

Your online store will have to meet several specific technical criteria. Here are some key examples to know and prepare for:

•     Sufficient color contrast: your content must remain legible in all circumstances, especially for people with visual impairments.
•     Compatibility with screen readers: your site must be readable by voice synthesis or Braille software.
•     Keyboard navigation: everything should be accessible without a mouse, using only the tab key.
•     Subtitling of videos and text transcription of audio content: these elements allow hearing-impaired users to fully enjoy your multimedia content.
•     Description of images: fill in the "alt" field of your images to allow visually impaired people to benefit from an auditory description (another bonus point for SEO on Google, by the way).

In concrete terms, how do I make my PrestaShop store compliant with the EAA?

Here are some concrete ways to get started now:

•     Conduct an accessibility audit of your site. This will help you identify areas that need to be improved as a priority.
•     Integrate PrestaShop-specific modules designed to improve accessibility, such as the STK Accessibility module.
•     Plan to regularly monitor your site to ensure that it remains compliant with European requirements.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

The directive provides that each Member State shall put in place appropriate control and sanction mechanisms. In the event of a serious or prolonged breach of your accessibility obligations, you may incur financial penalties.

Beyond these sanctions, the main risk remains reputational. A brand that does not offer an inclusive user experience risks suffering from a lasting negative image.

A final word

In conclusion, consider the EAA not as a burdensome obligation, but as an opportunity to improve the experience of all your customers. By adopting the right mindset to approach this directive, you will optimize your online store and increase your customer base. Now it's your turn to take action and make accessibility your battle cry, turning it into a real strategic asset!