Products and services accessibility act

An accessible online environment is like a well-designed door that opens for everyone. It means that anyone – whether elderly, a first-time user, or a person with special needs – can use the platform without difficulties. Web accessibility ensures that content is understandable, the site can be navigated using various tools (keyboard, screen reader, voice commands), and that the design is clear and easy to follow.

In reality, accessibility benefits everyone. When a web environment is designed for all users, it becomes easier to use. This results in faster and more efficient information retrieval and less frustration.

Although accessibility requirements have long been in place for public sector websites, the private sector has had more freedom. Now, the situation is changing, and from 2025, private sector companies must also ensure that their online environments comply with accessibility standards. This is a great opportunity to make the web more open for everyone.

Two women talking while looking at laptop computer.

What will change on June 28, 2025?

In 2019, the European Union adopted a law requiring all products and services, including websites and mobile applications, to be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Estonia adopted this law in 2022.

💡 From 2025, Estonian private sector companies, such as online stores, ticket sales platforms, self-service environments, etc., must ensure that their websites comply with the unified European standard EN 301 549. This means that websites and apps must be designed so that they can be used by people who, for example, use screen readers or have visual impairments.

Who will the accessibility requirements apply to?

Accessibility requirements will affect a wide range of digital products and services that we use every day. For example:

  • Devices: Smartphones, tablets, e-readers, payment terminals, ticket machines, ATMs, and self-service kiosks.
  • Web services: Online stores, e-banking, e-government, social media platforms, web-based learning environments, and all other web services.
  • Mobile applications: Mobile apps used for banking, transportation planning, shopping, or other services.
  • Audiovisual media: Videos, podcasts, and other audiovisual content.

Exemptions from applicability:

  • Small companies with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total not exceeding two million euros.
  • Legacy systems that are no longer updated.
  • Special cases. If meeting the requirements would be too complex or expensive for a company, an exemption may be requested.
💡 Read more about the Products and services accessibility act.

What happens if my company’s online environment does not meet accessibility requirements?

The Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) conducts regular accessibility checks on websites and mobile applications. If a company violates the law and provides a service that does not meet accessibility requirements, the TTJA has the right to intervene, issue directives, or impose fines. The size of the fine depends on whether the entity is an individual or a legal entity.

  • Individual: A fine of up to 100 penalty units.
  • Legal entity: A fine of up to 20,000 euros.

How to prepare for the upcoming changes?

First, conduct an accessibility audit and assess your online environment’s compliance with the EN 301 549 standard. To get an initial overview, you can use automated checking tools, such as WAVE Evaluation Tool, AXE DevTools, or IBM Accessibility Checker. Keep in mind that automated tests do not replace manual checks, as they only detect some of the accessibility issues. Manual testing includes evaluating the environment with assistive technologies (e.g., keyboard and screen reader) and different settings (e.g., magnification and altered colors).

💡 For the best results, we recommend involving an expert in the field who can conduct a thorough audit. The expert will provide an overview of potential issues and suggest solutions. It’s also advisable to involve people with special needs in the testing process to gain a fuller understanding of how they experience your product or service.

A well-prepared audit serves as input for developers, allowing them to fix the identified issues.

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