EAA deadlines: since when it applies and who the 2030 date really covers

Several dates circulate around the European Accessibility Act — and they are often confused. This article sorts out since when the EAA applies, why there is no grace period for websites, and for whom the 2030 date really applies. The overall legal framework is on the European Accessibility Act page.

The key date: since when the EAA applies

The EAA applies EU-wide from 28 June 2025 (member states had to transpose it into national law by 28 June 2022). That is the date the obligations became effective — not some future cut-off.

Websites and online shops: no transition period

For websites, apps and online shops there is no transition period. They have had to be accessible since 28 June 2025. Anyone who has not yet implemented is therefore already under the obligation — there is no deferral for these offerings.

Whether your offering is covered at all is clarified in Who must comply with the EAA?

The deadline of 28 June 2030 — and who it really applies to

The frequently cited date of 28 June 2030 is regularly misunderstood. It does not concern websites in general, but two narrowly defined cases of existing offerings under Article 32 of the directive:

• Services provided using products that were already lawfully in use before 28 June 2025 — these may continue to be used on a transitional basis until 28 June 2030.
• Service contracts concluded before 28 June 2025 — they may continue unchanged, but for no longer than five years from that date.

Both are tied to something that existed before the cut-off. For a website created or operated newly today, this date is not a deferral.

Self-service terminals: the longest window

For self-service terminals — such as payment, ticketing or check-in machines — that were lawfully put into use before 28 June 2025, the directive allows a much longer transition: they may continue to be used until the end of their economic life, but no longer than 20 years after they were first put into use. (National implementing laws may set shorter windows.) For most website operators, this case is not relevant.

What this means in practice

The core message is short: “we’ll start with this in 2030” is not a valid strategy, but rests on a confusion. For digital consumer offerings the EAA has long applied, and the 2030 date is a narrow exception for pre-existing cases.

If you are affected, the next steps are implementation and the accessibility statement. The concrete requirements are summarised in the EAA compliance checklist.

This guide is not legal advice. For a binding assessment of your specific case, consult a qualified professional.