As of June 28, 2025, digital accessibility will become a legal requirement for many businesses in the Netherlands. This is due to the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which mandates that companies make their digital products and services accessible to people with disabilities. But what does this mean for your organization? And how can you ensure your website meets WCAG standards?
What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The EAA is a European directive adopted in 2019, designed to remove barriers for people with disabilities. This means that websites, mobile applications, and digital services must be accessible according to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at levels A and AA. The Dutch government has translated this regulation into national law, which will take effect in June 2025.
Who is Affected by This Requirement?
The law applies to companies that offer digital services and sell products, including:
- E-commerce stores
- Banks and financial institutions
- Streaming services
- E-books and digital publications
- Public transportation services
- Government agencies (already required to comply)
Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and annual revenue below €2 million are exempt, but larger companies must comply. This means that many organizations need to take timely action to avoid non-compliance penalties.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Businesses that fail to make their websites and digital services accessible risk fines and legal claims. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to reputational damage and lost revenue as a significant portion of the population may struggle to use the website or app effectively.
How to Make Your Website WCAG-Compliant
Want to ensure your website and digital services comply with the new legislation? Here are some key steps to take:
- Conduct an accessibility audit – Assess whether your website meets WCAG 2.1 guidelines.
- Optimize structure and navigation – Use logical headings, descriptive links, and keyboard-friendly navigation.
- Check color contrast – Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background for readability.
- Make images and videos accessible – Add alt text for images and provide captions or transcripts for videos.
- Test with users – Engage people with disabilities to test your website and gather feedback.
- Commit to ongoing optimization – Accessibility is not a one-time fix but a continuous process.
How can PixelDeluxe help?
At PixelDeluxe, we understand the importance of an accessible and user-friendly website. We can help bring your website and digital services in line with WCAG 2.1 A and AA standards, ensuring compliance with the upcoming legislation.
Want to conduct an accessibility audit or make your website WCAG-compliant? Get in touch with us and discover how we can assist you!
