EU Accessibility Act Compliance Checker for Austrian Businesses

What is the EU Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The European Accessibility Act (Directive EU 2019/882), implemented in Austria as the Barrierefreiheitsgesetz, requires certain businesses to make their websites and digital services accessible to people with disabilities. The compliance deadline was June 28, 2025 - enforcement is now active.

Which Austrian Businesses Must Comply?

The EU Accessibility Act applies to businesses operating in these sectors within Austria:

• E-commerce and online services - Online shops, marketplaces, digital products, SaaS platforms
• Banking and financial services - Online banking, payment services, insurance websites
• Transportation services - Airlines, trains, buses, taxi services, travel booking platforms
• Telecommunications - Telecom provider websites, VoIP platforms, customer portals
• Tourism and hospitality - Hotels, accommodation booking, restaurant ordering, event ticketing
• Public services - Government sites, educational institutions, healthcare providers

Microenterprise Exemption - Do Small Businesses Need to Comply?

Businesses with fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover under €2 million may qualify for the microenterprise exemption. However:

• Basic accessibility is still recommended
• Exemption doesn't apply if you provide essential services to persons with disabilities
• National laws (Barrierefreiheitsgesetz) may be stricter than the EU directive
• Accessibility improves SEO and reaches 15% more customers

WCAG 2.1 Level AA Requirements

The EU Accessibility Act requires websites to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, including:

• Perceivable content - Alt text for images, captions for videos, sufficient color contrast (4.5:1 minimum)
• Operable interface - Full keyboard navigation, no keyboard traps, adequate time limits
• Understandable information - Clear labels, predictable navigation, error prevention
• Robust compatibility - Valid HTML, ARIA landmarks, screen reader support

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Austria

Austrian authorities are actively enforcing the Barrierefreiheitsgesetz. Non-compliance can result in:

• Fines: €5,000 - €25,000 for small businesses, €25,000 - €100,000+ for larger companies
• Lawsuits: Users unable to access services can file discrimination lawsuits
• Daily penalties: Ongoing fines until compliance is achieved
• Reputational damage: Public enforcement cases harm brand trust
• Business restrictions: Exclusion from public contracts, license limitations

How to Ensure Compliance

Use our compliance checker above to determine your obligations. If you must comply:

1. Professional WCAG 2.1 audit - €500 for small sites, €800 for larger sites
2. Review detailed report - Identify all accessibility violations and prioritize fixes
3. Implement remediation - Choose Bronze (€1,200), Silver (€2,400), or Gold (€3,600) package
4. Ongoing monitoring - Quarterly reviews to maintain compliance as site evolves

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the EU Accessibility Act apply to websites hosted outside Austria?

Yes. If you serve customers in Austria, you must comply with Austrian implementation of the EU Act, regardless of where your website is hosted or where your business is registered.

What if I only have a small informational website?

If you operate in a covered sector (e-commerce, banking, tourism, etc.) and don't qualify for microenterprise exemption, you must comply even with a simple website. However, basic accessibility is recommended for all websites for SEO and user experience benefits.

How long does it take to become compliant?

Audit: 3-5 business days. Report delivery: 2 business days. Remediation implementation: 2-6 weeks depending on site complexity and package selected.

Can I use an accessibility widget instead of code fixes?

No. Widget-only solutions do NOT ensure legal compliance with the EU Accessibility Act. You need proper code-level WCAG fixes. However, a widget can enhance user experience alongside code compliance. Learn more about our dual approach.

What happens if I'm already non-compliant after the June 2025 deadline?

It's not too late. While the deadline has passed, authorities are prioritizing education before heavy enforcement. Taking action now shows good faith compliance efforts and significantly reduces risk of penalties.