European Accessibility Act (EAA) in France – Simplified Guide
What is the EAA in France?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU law designed to make everyday products and services more accessible for people with disabilities. In France, this law ensures that businesses and public services remove barriers so everyone—including those with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments—can access digital and physical services equally.
Key Requirements of the EAA in France
The law applies to many sectors, including:
- E-commerce (websites, mobile apps, online shopping)
- Banking (ATMs, online banking, payment systems)
- Transportation (ticketing machines, digital travel info)
- Telecommunications (smartphones, TV services)
- Public services (government websites, digital forms)
Businesses must follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, meaning their digital services must be:
✅ Perceivable – Text alternatives for images, captions for videos.
✅ Operable – Keyboard-friendly navigation, no flashing content.
✅ Understandable – Clear language, predictable layouts.
✅ Robust – Works with screen readers and other assistive tech.
Important Deadlines
- June 28, 2025 – Full enforcement begins in France.
- June 28, 2030 – Deadline for older content (e.g., pre-2025 videos) to become accessible.
Who Must Comply?
- Private companies with 10+ employees and € 2 M+ turnover.
- Public sector organizations (government sites, transport services).
- International businesses selling to French customers.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Fines can reach €250,000, and businesses risk lawsuits or reputational damage.
This explanation is based on the official European Commission document. For more details, visit the official EAA reference page.