The Impact of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) on Japanese Companies: Perspectives from Software, E-Commerce, and Electronics Industries
On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into effect across all EU member states. This key regulation aims to create an inclusive society where everyone, including people with disabilities and older adults, has equal access to digital products and services. For Japanese companies providing goods or services in the EU, the EAA is highly relevant.
This article focuses on three sectors most affected by the EAA—software developers, e-commerce businesses, and electronics manufacturers—and explains what Japanese companies need to know and how they can prepare strategically.
Who Should Read This and Why It Matters
This article is especially relevant for:
- Japanese software developers offering apps or platforms in the EU
- E-commerce providers running online stores or marketplaces for European consumers
- Electronics manufacturers exporting products to Europe
- Departments involved in legal affairs, marketing, product planning
- Branding, PR, or CSR teams advancing ESG initiatives
What Is the EAA? Its Background and Purpose
The EAA is a European directive that aims to unify accessibility requirements across EU countries, ensuring a consistent standard. Its scope includes:
- Defined accessibility requirements for products and services
- Design, production, and delivery guidelines for relevant businesses
- Consumer disclosure obligations, such as CE marking
- Penalties and market exclusion for non-compliance
The EAA benefits not only people with disabilities and seniors but also mobile users, non-native speakers, and those with temporary impairments.
How the EAA Affects Japanese Businesses
1. Software Developers
Products Affected:
- Online banking apps
- Ticket booking applications
- E-readers and educational software
- Business cloud tools and SaaS platforms
Required Actions:
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA-compliant UI design
- Compatibility with assistive tech (e.g., screen readers, voice input, zoom features)
- Accessible navigation across both mobile and desktop devices
Potential Risks:
- App removal from EU marketplaces
- Fines and penalties
- Reputational damage
2. E-Commerce Providers
Services Affected:
- B2C and B2B online stores
- Digital content delivery (video, music)
- Marketplace-style platforms
Required Actions:
- Accessible payment systems, search, and cart features
- Alt text for images, subtitles for videos
- Screen-reader-friendly customer support
Commonly Overlooked:
- Accessibility of digital consent forms or checkout steps
- B2B platforms with user-facing UIs must also comply
3. Electronics Manufacturers
Products Affected:
- Smartphones and tablets
- ATMs, kiosks, POS terminals
- Digital TVs and media players
- E-book devices
Required Actions:
- Assistive features like screen readers, adjustable button sizes, audio output
- Accessible manuals (braille, audio, online versions)
- Conformance with CE marking including accessibility
Non-Compliance Risks:
- Market withdrawal or sales ban
- Product recalls and legal action
- Blocked distribution in the EU
Steps Japanese Companies Should Take Now
-
Conduct a gap analysis
Assess whether your products/services fall under EAA scope and evaluate current accessibility status. -
Shift-left in development
Integrate accessibility into the early design and development phases. -
Strengthen testing
Combine automated tools with real-world testing by users of assistive technology or third-party audits. -
Ensure regulatory alignment
Coordinate EAA compliance with CE marking, RoHS, REACH, and other EU standards. -
Invest in internal training and continuous improvement
Provide regular accessibility training for designers, developers, marketers, and customer support teams.
Conclusion: EAA Is Not a Threat—It’s a Competitive Advantage
The EAA is not just a regulation to fear—it is a strategic opportunity for Japanese companies to strengthen trust in the EU market and broaden customer reach. Early compliance enhances your ESG standing, promotes inclusive design, and boosts your brand value in Europe.
Key Takeaways:
- The EAA affects all companies offering products or services in the EU
- Software, e-commerce, and electronics industries are especially impacted
- Technical and legal standards like WCAG 2.1 AA and CE marking must be met
- Holistic strategies covering development, design, education, and compliance are essential
- Accessibility enhances both compliance and competitiveness
Creating sustainable and inclusive products is not just about following laws—it’s a proactive step toward future-ready global business.