It is essential to ensure your online content is accessible to users with disabilities. Not only is it a legal requirement, it is also an ethical imperative. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), offer technical standards to make web content perceivable, operable, and robust. On the other hand, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), establishes common accessibility rules for products and services across EU member states.
Ultimately, WCAG focuses on outlining the standards required for accessibility compliance, while EAA ensures enforcement throughout Europe. Read on to learn more about how these two accessibility standards work in harmony.
WCAG and EAA: A quick comparison
Let’s jump straight to the reason why you’ve came to this page. The table below outlines some of the key differences and similarities between WCAG and the EAA. Following this table we’ll dive into more of the details.
| Aspect | WCAG | EAA |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Technical Standard (Published by W3C) | Legislation (Directive – 2019/882/EU) |
| Jurisdiction | Global (Voluntary standard, adopted worldwide) | European Union Member States |
| Focus Areas | Web and digital content (websites, applications, multimedia) | Broad range of products and services: e-commerce, banking services, ATMs, transport, ebooks, websites, etc. |
| Legal Status | Not legally binding, but often referenced in laws (EAA, ADA, AODA, etc.) | Mandatory for covered services/products within the EU by June 28, 2025 |
| Purpose | Provide a stable, universal standard for accessible digital content | Ensure accessibility of key products/services in the EU single market |
| Enforcement | No direct enforcement, but used when adopted into laws or regulations | Enforced by national authorities, which includes penalties for non-compliance |
| Requirements | Specific success criteria grouped by principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) | EU member states must become compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA |
| Version/Level of WCAG referenced | WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 and 3.0. Three levels of compliance: Level A, AA, and AAA | Requires compliance to WCAG 2.1 Level AA |
| Applies to | Web developers, designers, content creators, and any entity seeking to make digital content accessible | Any business selling goods or services in EU member states with 10 or more employees employees and an annual turnover of more than €2,000,000 |
What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of internationally recognised technical standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. The standard is organised around four core principles; Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust. Here’s how each one works:
- Perceivable: Information and interface components must be presented in ways users can perceive (e.g., text alternatives for images, captions for videos, sufficient color contrast).
- Operable: Interface elements and navigation must be usable (e.g., full keyboard access, adjustable time limits, avoidance of seizure-inducing content).
- Understandable: Content and operation must be clear (e.g., consistent navigation, readable text, helpful error messages).
- Robust: Content must remain compatible with current and future user agents and assistive technologies (e.g., valid HTML semantics, proper ARIA roles).
Furthermore, WCAG defines specific success criteria at three conformance levels (A, AA and AAA). Each level ensures higher standards for accessibility, with level AAA representing the highest level of accessibility compliance. However, level AA is generally regarded as the recommended benchmark,
What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU directive (2019/882) adopted to standardise accessibility requirements for products and services across EU Member States. For web and mobile platforms, such as websites, e-commerce portals, and various other digital applications, the EAA requires compliance with European standard EN 301 549, which mandates WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance.
Already you can see how the EAA and WCAG work in harmony to create a more inclusive online environment. As the EAA enforces the changes advocated in the WCAG guidelines. Both of these standards have similar objectives, but go about them in different ways.
WCAG Vs EAA: What sets them apart
By now you should have a basic understanding of the key differences between the EAA and WCAG. Now it’s time to take a closer look at some of the most significant factors and what really sets them apart:
Legal status
WCAG is a technical standard developed by the W3C. It is not legally binding itself, but it is often referenced in legislation and accessibility regulations around the world. The most obvious example of this is the European Accessibility Act, which mandates compliance to WCAG 2.1 at level AA. However, other legislations include the Americans with Disabilities Act, Accessible Canada Act, and Section 508.
On the other hand, EAA is a legally binding EU directive that Member States must implement into national law. Failure to do so could lead to fines and sanctions if your organisation is selling goods or services into the European Union.
Scope of application
The European Accessibility Act has a broad scope, covering both digital and physical products and services. It applies to websites, mobile apps, and e-commerce, as well as physical products like ATMs, ticketing machines, and e-readers with digital interfaces. In contrast, the WCAG focuses exclusively on digital content, offering technical standards for making websites and applications accessible.
Geographical reach
WCAG guidelines are internationally recognised technical standards and are not limited to any specific region, making them widely adopted across the globe. In contrast, the European Accessibility Act applies specifically to organisations offering products or services within EU Member States. A common misconception is that businesses headquartered outside the EU are exempt from the EAA. This is not the case. For example, a company based in the United States that sells digital products or services to EU customers is still subject to the EAA’s accessibility requirements and could face compliance scrutiny under the directive.
Enforcement of accessibility standards
WCAG does not have an enforcement mechanism on its own. Instead, its enforcement depends on whether it is referenced in applicable laws. The European Accessibility Act is one of the laws in which WCAG is referenced, with requirements mandating compliance to WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Failure to meet the requirements set by the EAA can lead to significant penalties and legal costs. However, these penalties vary across the various jurisdictions. For example:
- Irish EAA fines can reach up to €60,000 and there is even risk of imprisonment for up to 18 months for severe cases of non-compliance.
- Italian EAA fines can reach up to 5% of the organisation’s turnover.
- French EAA fines can reach up to €250,000.
- Swedish EAA fines can reach up to €200,000.
- German EAA fines can reach up to €100,000.
These are just a few examples, but you’ll find similar penalties in all other EU member states. Additionally, almost all of these member states will require corrective action, so it makes sense to design your website with EAA and WCAG in mind from the get-go.
How the intent of WCAG and EAA align perfectly
Although the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the European Accessibility Act serve different roles, one as a technical standard, the other as a legislative directive, their core intent aligns perfectly. The ultimate objective of both is to make products and services accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
WCAG provides the “how” by offering detailed success criteria for accessible digital design, while the EAA provides the “why”, ensuring that accessibility is legally enforced across the EU. Both aim to remove barriers, promote equal access, and encourage inclusive innovation. By referencing WCAG 2.1 Level AA within its required standard, the EAA directly integrates WCAG’s principles into law. This alignment ensures consistency between technical implementation and regulatory compliance, creating a unified approach to accessibility. Together, they support a more inclusive digital ecosystem where accessible design is not just best practice, it’s a legal and ethical obligation.
How to ensure your organisation is WCAG and EAA compliant
WCAG and EAA compliance may seem intimidating accessibility standards at first glance. But achieving compliance doesn’t have to be difficult and it can actually be a realistic aim for all organisations, regardless of their size. Here are some of the most important steps you can take:
1. Conduct and accessibility audit of your website
When auditing your website the best place to start is with an accessibility checker tool. This will immediately identify all of the most obvious accessibility errors on your website, in line with the latest WCAG standards. You can also combine these automated tests with manual testing and an accessibility checklist can help to streamline this process.
2. Implement the fixes from your accessibility audit
If you’ve conducted a successful audit, using the proper tools, you should have a list of accessibility fixes to address. If you’ve used an automated tool like an accessibility checker, this should also create a priority list, so you can start working through the most important issues. This could include adding image alt text, providing captions for videos, addressing the formatting of headings, or ensuring keyboard navigation.
3. Set a schedule to monitor WCAG and EAA compliance
You’ll need to schedule regular accessibility reviews to maintain long-term WCAG and EAA compliance. This is essential for two key reasons: your website will likely undergo ongoing updates, and accessibility standards and legislation will continue to evolve. Regular audits help ensure your site remains compliant, user-friendly, and legally protected as both your content and the regulatory landscape change. I’d recommend a review every 3 to 6 months as a general rule.
4. Provide accessibility training to key contributors
The most effective way to prevent WCAG and EAA violations is to ensure that everyone involved in managing your website and digital content is properly trained in accessibility best practices. This includes web developers, UX designers, content marketers, social media managers, and other relevant roles.
By investing in accessibility training, you equip your team with the knowledge needed to create inclusive content that supports users with disabilities. This includes key considerations such as writing effective alt text, maintaining sufficient colour contrast, ensuring keyboard navigation, and more. All of which contribute to a more accessible and compliant digital experience.
The final verdict on EAA and WCAG compliance
Ensuring your website meets both EAA and WCAG requirements is not just a legal necessity—it’s a commitment to inclusivity and usability for all. With the EAA compliance deadline approaching and WCAG serving as the global standard, now is the time to act. A great first step is to run a compliance audit of your website using our free accessibility checker tool.
WCAG and EAA Compliance FAQs
No. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a legally binding EU directive, while the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are technical standards developed by the W3C. However, the EAA references WCAG 2.1 Level AA as part of its requirements.
No. WCAG is not a law but a set of guidelines. It only becomes legally enforceable when adopted into national or regional legislation, such as the EAA, ACA (Canada), or the ADA (United States).
Any business offering covered products or services in the EU market, regardless of where it is based. However, exemptions are made if the organisation has less than 10 employees and less than €2,000,000 annual turnover.
The EAA requires conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, as referenced in the European standard EN 301 549.
No. Both the EAA and WCAG emphasize the need for ongoing compliance. Websites and digital services must be regularly reviewed and updated to maintain accessibility as content, features, and legal standards evolve.
No. WCAG is applicable to any website or digital content around the world. Additionally, the European Accessibility Act applies to B2B and B2C organisations that offer any kind of public-facing products or services.