Automate Your Online Store’s Compliance with the Accessibility Directive
Accessibility
In June 2025, the EU Accessibility Directive came into effect, expanding its scope to cover e-commerce accessibility and online stores across the EU. The directive aims to ensure equality and accessibility for all users, requiring that digital services are usable regardless of a person’s abilities, limitations, or the devices they use.
Many online stores have yet to respond to the change — now is the time to act.
What the Directive Requires
Online stores must comply with the WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standard. This means that all content and functionality must be usable without a mouse and compatible with assistive technologies.
An accessible online store is clear and easy to understand. Texts, images, and videos must be perceivable, with alternative texts provided for images. Videos must have captions, and all controls must be operable equally well with a keyboard as with a mouse.
Navigation must be logical and consistent. Critical actions should not depend on hover effects or hidden menus. Processes like payment, registration, and checkout must be designed so that all users can complete them without time limits or confusing error messages getting in the way.
Visual design also affects accessibility. Color contrasts must be sufficient, buttons must be clear and recognizable, and every icon and function must have a name that screen readers can interpret correctly.
What the Directive Requires for E-Commerce Accessibility
Accessibility isn’t just a technical requirement — it’s part of customer experience and responsible business practice. While the law mandates accessibility, it also enhances usability and trustworthiness.
Accessible online stores reach a wider audience and offer everyone an equal opportunity to shop online. When a service is clear and consistent, users can find information, products, and payment options without unnecessary frustration. Accessibility also supports search engine visibility and builds a responsible brand image.
Webwarden Makes Accessibility Maintenance Easy
Implementing and maintaining accessibility can be time-consuming if done manually. Webwarden automates accessibility monitoring and accessibility statement updates. This saves you time and resources.
The service regularly scans your online store, identifies accessibility issues, and automatically updates the accessibility statement. Each scan provides a real-time snapshot of your store’s accessibility status and helps you fix problems before they affect users or attract regulatory attention. As accessibility issues are resolved, Webwarden keeps the statement up to date as your code improves.
Webwarden runs continuously in the background, keeping accessibility a seamless part of your store’s daily operations.
The Right Time to Start Is Now
The directive’s deadline has already passed — but it’s never too late to act. Every online store can update its operations to meet the legal requirements. By starting now, you’ll save time, avoid potential penalties, and build a service that works for everyone.
Webwarden helps you take control of accessibility and keep it in check — without extra effort.
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