European Accessibility Act (EAA): What Japanese Companies Need to Know & Key Compliance Steps
Introduction: EAA’s Goal for an Inclusive Society
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a new EU regulation that takes full effect on June 28, 2025. Its aim is to ensure products and services are equally accessible to all consumers—including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities. Unlike other legislation that targets only digital goods, EAA covers a wide range of everyday products and services.
1. Scope & Covered Products/Services
EAA applies to products and services sold or provided in the EU, including:
- ICT (information and communication technologies): websites, mobile apps, e-readers
- Physical products: ATMs, ticket machines, smart appliances
- Financial & transport services: online banking, station information kiosks, IVR call systems
- Electronic communication devices: smartphones, TVs, routers
If a Japanese company sells or deploys these within the EU—or uses them at EU facilities—they must comply with EAA.
2. Main Accessibility Requirements
EAA mandates specific accessibility criteria:
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Perceivability
- Screen-reader compatibility, alternative text
- High contrast ratios, adjustable font sizes
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Operability
- Full functionality via keyboard only
- Support for voice or gesture control
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Understandability
- Clear and simple language/UI
- Friendly error messages and guidance
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Robustness
- Conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- Standards-compliant APIs and markup for interoperability
Each category must follow official checklists, issue a Declaration of Conformity, and publish test results.
3. Implementation Timeline
- June 2022: EAA adopted by the EU
- June 28, 2025: Mandatory compliance for ICT goods and services begins
- June 28, 2029: Full compliance deadline for all covered products
Japanese companies aiming at EU markets should complete internal assessments and compliance planning by early 2025 at the latest.
4. Steps for Japanese Companies
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Gap Analysis
- Compare current WCAG compliance with EAA requirements
- Identify missing features and documentation
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Establish Internal Governance
- Appoint an Accessibility Officer
- Strengthen collaboration between developers and testers
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Product & Service Updates
- Improve GUI, APIs, markup for accessibility
- Include accessibility notes in test plans and user manuals
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Declare Conformity & Reporting
- Publish EU‑format compliance statements
- Prepare third-party test reports
Audience & Expected Benefits
- Product developers: To design accessible hardware and software
- IT/system operators: For website and app compliance
- Legal/compliance teams: To certify EU regulatory conformance
Meeting EAA requirements not only builds trust in the EU market but also enhances a Japanese company’s reputation in inclusive global design, improving competitiveness worldwide.
Summary
- EAA becomes mandatory for key sectors from June 2025
- It covers ICT, appliances, finance, transport, and more
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance across perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust requirements
- Japanese firms must conduct gap analysis, build internal governance, and ready conformity declarations
If you’re entering or maintaining presence in Europe, prioritize EAA compliance, ensure meticulous execution, and document your accessibililty efforts diligently.