Does my online shop have to be accessible?

Since 28 June 2025, e-commerce, banking, e-books, transport and electronic communications services in the EU must meet accessibility requirements (readable by screen readers, operable by keyboard, enough contrast, clear error messages). Microenterprises providing services (fewer than 10 employees and up to €2 million turnover) are exempt.

Who must?

Providers of e-commerce services to consumers in the EU with 10 or more employees (or over €2 million turnover); manufacturers of the devices covered by the directive regardless of size.

What to do?

1. Check the shop against WCAG 2.1 AA (contrast, keyboard, alt texts, forms).
2. Publish an accessibility statement and a contact for complaints.
3. Fix the purchase flow first: basket, sign-in, payment.

Where to file?

Nothing is filed; the accessibility statement goes on the website.

Who checks?

The competent authority in each member state (in Croatia: the State Inspectorate)

Fine

A directive: each member state sets the penalty in its own law (for Croatia we follow the Official Gazette).

What if I am already late?

Start with the purchase flow and the accessibility statement; microenterprises providing services are exempt.