Covered
Online selling to consumers, beyond micro-enterprises.
Website design · 2026 edition
Website accessibility: do you have to comply?
Since 28 June 2025, many websites that sell in the EU must be usable by people with disabilities. Not all of them. Here is who is affected and what to do.
- Who is affected
- Exemptions
- Standards
Updated October 2026Rules checkedNo jargon
The requirement in 30 seconds
In short
Since 28 June 2025, under the European Accessibility Act, businesses that sell online to consumers in the EU, as well as certain banking, transport, telephone and video services, must offer an accessible website. Micro-enterprises providing these services are exempt: fewer than 10 people and annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than €2 million. A simple business website for a small company is not, in principle, covered. The technical reference is aligned with WCAG 2.1 level AA.
Exempt
Fewer than 10 people and no more than €2 million in turnover or balance sheet total.
The standard
EN 301 549, aligned with WCAG 2.1 level AA.
Enforcement
The authority appointed by each EU country.
Are you affected?
Both micro-enterprise conditions apply together: headcount, plus one financial test of your choice.
| Your situation | Requirement | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Business website, 3 employees | In principle, no | No online selling |
| Online shop, 4 employees, €600,000 turnover | No | Exempt micro-enterprise |
| Online shop, 15 employees | Yes | 10 people or more |
| Paid online booking, 12 employees | Probably yes | Contract concluded online |
| Very large company | Yes | Extra national rules possible |
Borderline cases, such as online booking or payment, are worth a lawyer's opinion. The same goes for any transition period that may apply to an existing website.
The basics of an accessible website
Even if you are exempt, an accessible website is more pleasant for everyone.
Enough contrast
Light grey text on a white background is hard for many readers.
Described images
Alternative text for every meaningful image.
Keyboard navigation
Menus, forms and buttons usable without a mouse.
Clear forms
Every field has a label and errors are explained.
Getting compliant in 4 steps
For a business that is covered.
From a one-page site to a website that works for you
Choose the package that fits your business. The price is fixed in advance.
Simple Website · 1 page
A one-page website, simple and professional, to be present online.
- 1 mobile-friendly page
- Your copy and your logo
- WhatsApp button
- 1 round of changes included
- File delivered, ready to publish
Essential Website
For a small business that wants a serious website, fast.
- Up to 5 pages
- Copy written for you
- Basic SEO
- Contact form
- Publishing included
Multilingual Pro Website
To reach customers in several languages.
- 5 to 10 pages
- 2 or 3 languages
- Full SEO
- Form linked to a tracking spreadsheet
- WhatsApp button and direct contact
Website + Automations
For a website that works for you, day and night.
- Everything in the Multilingual Pro Website
- Quotes calculated and sent
- Orders recorded automatically
- Automatic invoices and reminders
Online Presence Pack
Everything you need to exist on Google, set up for you.
- Domain name in your name
- Professional email address
- Business Google account
- Your website registered with Google
Options, for every offer
- €29Domain name purchase and setup
- €49Going live on hosting
- €39Extra page with copywriting
- €59Translation, per language
- €19/monthWebsite monitoring and alerts
The website and the domain name are in your name. Simple Website: text and logo supplied by you, going live as an option. Indicative prices.
A website designed to be read by everyone
Our business websites are built with good contrast, described images, keyboard navigation and clear forms. A full audit is still needed if the requirement applies to you.
Readable forms
Clear labels, errors explained.
Centralised enquiries
Every form submission lands in a spreadsheet.
WhatsApp in one tap
Another way to reach you.
Online booking
A simple journey, by keyboard too.
Your questions, our answers
Is website accessibility a legal requirement?
In the EU, yes for online selling to consumers and certain services since 28 June 2025, except for micro-enterprises.
Does a micro-enterprise have to make its website accessible?
No, if it employs fewer than 10 people and its annual turnover or balance sheet total does not exceed €2 million.
What are the penalties for an inaccessible website?
Each EU country sets its own penalties and its own enforcement authority. Check the rules in your country.
Which accessibility standard should you follow?
The European standard EN 301 549, aligned with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Some countries also publish their own checking method.
Does a business website have to be accessible?
In principle, no, for a small private business that does not sell online. It is still good practice.
Sources: Directive (EU) 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act), Articles 2, 3, 4, 30, 31 and 32 (eur-lex.europa.eu) · European standard EN 301 549 · your country's national rules and enforcement authority.
General information, up to date as of October 2026. It does not replace advice from a professional.
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