WCAG and EAA – we remind you about upcoming changes to regulations for online stores
What?
In 2025, new regulations under the EAA Directive will come into force, forcing online stores to adapt to WCAG accessibility standards.
Why?
It's about ensuring equal access to digital services, including for people with disabilities – which will become a legal obligation, not just a technological one.
Who is it for?
For owners and managers of online stores, agencies creating online stores, software houses, and marketing departments responsible for website compliance.
What's Changing? WCAG and EAA Are the New Mandatory Frameworks for Digital Commerce
rapidly approaching European Accessibility Act (EAA) Directive introduces the requirement for online stores to comply with accessibility requirements – in accordance with WCAG 2.1 guidelines. This means meeting specific technical and design standards to ensure that the website can also be used by people with visual, hearing, or motor impairments.
The deadline for implementing the new rules is June 28, 2025. While this may seem a long way off for some companies, adaptation work should begin now – the process requires an audit, front-end changes, testing, and compliance verification.
What will be the consequences for the digital world?
The new regulations will impact the design, coding, and management of content in online stores. Failure to comply could mean not only the exclusion of some users but also legal and financial consequences . At the same time, WCAG compliance also presents an opportunity: online stores accessible to everyone achieve better SEO results, increase conversion rates, and build a positive brand image.
How to prepare your online store for new regulations?
- Conduct accessibility audits based on WCAG 2.1.
- Use accessibility testing tools like Lighthouse, axe, or WAVE.
- Remove contrast errors, add alternative descriptions (alt text) and ensure code readability.
- Check if the online store works correctly using a keyboard and screen readers.
- You will implement changes gradually – prioritize shopping pages, forms, and shopping carts.
What's next for accessibility standards in Poland?
While many companies are still unaware of the upcoming obligations, this is the last chance to take action . Adapting your online store to WCAG requirements should be treated not as a formality, but as a step towards modernity and digital responsibility.
If you want to know more about the changes and their practical consequences, check out our article: EAA Directive – new regulations for the world of e-commerce are coming .
Want to learn more?
Contact us and learn how to implement innovations in your online store.
Read other information about the digital world (e-commerce).
Subscribe to the newsletter
Marcin Stadnik
e-commerce advisor
The author is a manager with extensive experience in e-commerce, sales strategy, and content marketing. He is a digital practitioner and consultant with over 15 years of experience in e-commerce projects, sales strategy, and online business development, as well as 25 years of experience in broadly defined distribution (offline and online). He specializes in creating and implementing effective solutions for online stores, supporting companies in developing their digital presence. He co-creates appropriate strategies for e-businesses, conducts audits, and oversees marketing activities—always combining analytical knowledge with market practice. He is the author and co-author of content published on the swiatcyfrowy.pl website—based on his many years of consulting, analytical, and operational experience. The materials created are intended to provide reliable, valuable knowledge that truly supports the development of online businesses. The content here is designed to address the real challenges and needs of companies operating in the e-commerce environment (the digital world).
