European Accessibility Act (EAA) in Denmark – Simplified Explanation
What is the EAA?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU law designed to make everyday products and services more accessible for people with disabilities. In Denmark, this law ensures that digital and physical services—like websites, mobile apps, ATMs, e-books, and transportation—are usable by everyone, including those with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments.
Key Requirements in Simple Terms
The EAA in Denmark requires businesses and organizations to:
- Make Digital Content Accessible – Websites and apps must follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, meaning they should be easy to navigate with screen readers, have good color contrast, and include text descriptions for images.
- Improve Physical Services – Self-service machines (like ticket kiosks and ATMs) must have features like tactile buttons and audio guidance for visually impaired users.
- Provide Accessible Customer Support – Companies should offer alternatives to phone support, such as live chat or email, for people with hearing or speech difficulties.
- Ensure Accessible Documents – PDFs and other digital files must be structured so screen readers can read them properly (following PDF/UA standards).
Important Deadlines
- June 28, 2025 – New products and services must comply with the EAA.
- June 28, 2030 – Existing products and services must also meet accessibility standards.
Who Needs to Follow the EAA?
The law applies to most businesses operating in Denmark, especially those in e-commerce, banking, transportation, and telecommunications. Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and under €2 million in revenue are exempt but encouraged to comply voluntarily.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to meet EAA standards can result in fines (starting at €10,000 in Denmark) and legal action. Repeated violations may lead to higher penalties or restrictions on business operations.
Based on Official Documentation
This explanation is based on the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and its implementation in Denmark. For more details, refer to the official EU document here: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1202.