European Accessibility Act (EAA) in Poland – Simplified Explanation
What is the EAA?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU law designed to make everyday products and services more accessible to people with disabilities. This law has been adopted in Poland as part of national legislation to ensure that businesses and public services remove barriers for disabled users, particularly in digital and physical spaces.
Key Requirements of the EAA in Poland
The law applies to a wide range of products and services, including:
- Digital platforms (websites, mobile apps, e-commerce)
- Consumer electronics (computers, smartphones, e-readers)
- Banking & financial services (online banking, ATMs)
- Transport services (e-ticketing, travel information)
Businesses must ensure their products and services meet accessibility standards, such as:
- Screen-reader compatibility (for blind or visually impaired users).
- Keyboard navigation (for those who can’t use a mouse).
- Clear text alternatives (like alt text for images).
- Adjustable settings (e.g., font size, colour contrast).
Important Dates
- The EAA was adopted in the EU in 2019.
- Poland implemented it into national law (Polish Accessibility Act) in April 2024.
- The deadline for compliance is June 28, 2025—after this date, businesses must ensure their products and services meet accessibility standards.
What Happens If a Business Doesn’t Comply?
Non-compliance can lead to:
- Fines (up to €200,000 or 10% of annual turnover in severe cases).
- Legal action from customers or advocacy groups.
- Loss of customers due to inaccessible services.
Who Needs to Follow the EAA?
Most businesses operating in Poland are in the e-commerce, banking, telecom, and transport sectors. Micro-enterprises (very small businesses) may have some exemptions if compliance is too costly.
Final Notes
This explanation is based on the official European Accessibility Act (EAA) guidelines and Poland’s law implementation. For more details, refer to the official EU document here: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1202.