French Retailers Face Accessibility Enforcement: A Preview of What’s Coming Across Europe
A Landmark in Accessibility Regulation
The European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) became enforceable in June 2025, requiring a wide range of consumer-facing digital products and services, from retail websites and mobile apps to ticketing systems, banking, and telecom platforms, to meet accessibility standards equivalent to WCAG 2.1 AA.
While the law applies across the EU, France has been among the first to enforce it publicly. Retailers were given until 1 September 2025 to address accessibility failures that prevented people with disabilities from using essential online shopping and delivery services independently.
The infractions included:
- Incompatibility with screen readers
- Interfaces that could only be used with a mouse
- Checkout processes that were not accessible to blind or low-vision users
The Broader Implication for Businesses
The enforcement in France is more than a local event. It is a sign of what is next for the entire European market. Any company offering digital services within the EU must ensure accessibility or face potential investigations, fines, and reputational damage.
Digital accessibility is no longer a soft skill or a “nice-to-have.” It is a core requirement for serving Europe’s 80 million citizens with disabilities, and it is now backed by law.
Five Steps Toward EAA Compliance
- Run a full accessibility audit — Test websites and apps with both automated tools and real assistive technologies like screen readers, magnifiers, and keyboard navigation.
- Create a remediation plan — Document issues, prioritise fixes based on impact and complexity, and establish timelines for resolution.
- Publish an accessibility statement — Demonstrate transparency and compliance intent by publicly stating your progress and plans.
- Educate your teams — Ensure designers, developers, and content creators understand accessibility standards and how to meet them.
- Engage accessibility partners — Work with experienced professionals who can provide expert audits, testing, and training to help you meet and sustain compliance.
The Takeaway
The message from France is unmistakable. Digital accessibility is now a legal and ethical imperative. Businesses that act early will not only avoid legal risk but also build stronger, more inclusive customer relationships.
Accessibility is not a temporary compliance project. It is a commitment to designing experiences that work for everyone.