Accessibility in digital communications is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. Starting June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will require EU businesses to ensure their products and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This landmark legislation will reshape how companies handle digital communications, introducing new compliance standards and opportunities for inclusivity. For IT and compliance officers, the EAA represents both a challenge and a chance to innovate.

Understanding the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The EAA aims to create a unified framework for accessibility across all EU member states. It builds on existing regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to enforce accessibility standards for hardware, software, web content, mobile apps, and non-web documents. Businesses offering products and services within the EU must align with these requirements to avoid penalties and maintain their market position.


Infografica - Accessibilità con PDF/UA: come unire inclusività e conformità

 

Key goals of the EAA include:

  • promoting inclusivity by ensuring equal access for individuals with disabilities.
  • standardizing accessibility requirements across the EU.
  • encouraging innovation in accessibility solutions.

Compliance Requirements and Risks

To comply with the EAA, companies must address legacy documents and implement solutions that meet PDF/UA standards. Non-compliance risks include:

  • legal and financial penalties.
  • reputational damage.
  • loss of competitive edge in the EU market.

Compliance, however, offers more than just risk mitigation. It enhances customer experiences, improves ESG performance, and strengthens corporate reputations.

 

Doxee’s Role in Supporting Accessibility

Doxee’s all-in-one platform empowers businesses to meet the EAA’s requirements through innovative, efficient solutions. Here’s how:

  1. Universal accessibility and content authoring. Doxee Business Designer incorporates intelligent template management to ensure accessibility is embedded from the start. This by-design approach reduces errors and ensures consistent compliance.
  2. PDF remediation. Doxee’s UA Converter provides a reactive solution for legacy documents, transforming them into PDF/UA-compliant formats. This ensures businesses can address past content quickly and effectively.
  3. Interactive document production. Tools like Doxee Composer and Doxee APP enable the creation of fully accessible interactive documents, enhancing customer experiences while maintaining compliance.
  4. Inclusive customer experience. Accessibility is integral to providing an inclusive customer experience. Doxee’s solutions ensure that all users, regardless of ability, can interact with digital communications seamlessly.

Implications for IT and Compliance Officers

For IT and compliance officers, the EAA’s enforcement date is a call to action. Preparing for compliance involves:

  • conducting audits to identify non-compliant assets.
  • investing in tools and platforms that support accessibility by design.
  • training teams on accessibility standards and best practices.

Doxee’s platform simplifies these processes, offering scalable solutions that integrate smoothly into existing workflows.

Benefits Beyond Compliance

Embracing accessibility offers several advantages beyond meeting regulatory requirements:

· enhanced efficiency: intelligent template management reduces manual intervention, saving time and resources.

· improved customer loyalty: inclusive communications foster trust and satisfaction among diverse audiences.

· stronger ESG performance: accessibility initiatives demonstrate corporate responsibility and align with sustainability goals.

 

Preparing for the Future of Accessibility

With the EAA’s deadline approaching, businesses must act now to ensure compliance. The journey begins with understanding the requirements, auditing current assets, and implementing the right tools.


Infografica - Accessibilità con PDF/UA: come unire inclusività e conformità

 

Conclusion

The European Accessibility Act is a transformative step toward a more inclusive digital world. For businesses, it’s an opportunity to lead in accessibility, enhance customer experiences, and solidify their reputation in the market. With Doxee’s innovative solutions, navigating the complexities of compliance has never been easier. Embrace accessibility not just as a requirement, but as a value that drives growth and inclusivity.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)? The EAA is an EU directive aimed at standardizing accessibility requirements for products and services across member states, ensuring equal access for individuals with disabilities.

2. Who needs to comply with the EAA? All businesses operating in the EU and providing digital products or services must comply with the EAA by June 28, 2025.

3. What are the risks of non-compliance? Non-compliance can result in legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of competitive advantage in the EU market.

4. How does Doxee support EAA compliance? Doxee provides tools like the Business Designer for accessible content creation, the UA Converter for PDF remediation, and platforms for creating interactive, compliant communications.

5. Why is accessibility important for businesses? Accessibility not only ensures compliance but also improves customer experience, strengthens ESG performance, and enhances brand reputation.