Digital Accessibility – New Directive 2025

Digital accessibility isn’t just about making your website or application easy to use for everyone—it’s soon becoming a legal requirement. The EU’s new Accessibility Directive comes into effect on June 28, 2025, introducing stricter requirements to ensure both products and services are accessible to people with disabilities. This marks a significant shift for businesses across various industries.

What is the EU Accessibility Directive?

The EU Accessibility Directive is part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive society, ensuring equal access to digital services and products for all. In Sweden, it is implemented through the Act on the Accessibility of Certain Products and Services, aiming to harmonize accessibility regulations across the EU. Companies and organizations in Sweden will need to meet minimum accessibility standards to remain competitive and avoid penalties.

Starting summer 2025, a wide range of digital services and products must comply with these new regulations, including:

Electronic communication
Banking and payment services
E-commerce platforms
Passenger transport services
E-books and audiovisual media (TV)

Additionally, physical products such as computer hardware systems, payment terminals, and interactive self-service kiosks will also need to meet the new requirements.

How Will the New Directive Impact Your Business?

If your company offers any form of digital product or service in these areas, now is the time to start preparing. Failing to meet the new legal requirements won’t just result in fines—it could also mean lost business opportunities as consumer expectations for accessibility continue to rise.

Why Accessibility Matters for Everyone

Digital accessibility isn’t just about supporting people with permanent disabilities—it also benefits those with temporary or situational challenges. For example, someone with a temporary injury or a person trying to use a service in poor lighting conditions can also benefit from improved accessibility.

Globally, around 16% of the population has a disability, according to WHO, though the actual number may be higher. In Sweden, it’s estimated that 20–30% of the population has one or more disabilities. But the impact of poor accessibility extends beyond this group, affecting a much wider audience, including:

Older users
Mobile users
Non-native speakers
Users with low digital confidence

By prioritizing accessibility, businesses can reach a broader audience and deliver a better user experience for all.

Icons representing various aspects of accessibility, including hearing, visual recognition, sign language, captions, and reduced sound levels.

What Your Business Can Do Now

To ensure your company meets the new legal requirements, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough review of your digital platforms and services. Here are some key actions to take before 2025:

Accessibility Audit – Assess your website, applications, and digital products to identify and address accessibility gaps.
Training and Awareness – Equip design, development, and content teams with the knowledge they need on WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and other accessibility standards.
Long-term Strategy – Embed accessibility into your product development process from ideation to launch, making it a core part of your operations.
Practical Improvements – Implement technical solutions that enhance accessibility, such as structured code, clear headings, screen reader compatibility, and high-contrast color schemes.

Regulatory Oversight and Compliance

In Sweden, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) is responsible for ensuring that businesses comply with accessibility requirements. PTS, together with agencies like the Swedish Consumer Agency and the Swedish Transport Agency, will oversee enforcement and ensure companies meet the new standards.

Accessibility as a Business Opportunity

Beyond being a legal requirement, digital accessibility can be a competitive advantage. Companies that prioritize accessibility expand their customer base, strengthen brand trust, and demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity.

Summary

The new EU directive on digital accessibility, coming into effect in 2025, requires businesses in Sweden to adapt their services and products to be accessible to all. By making these changes, your company can not only comply with the law but also enhance the user experience and strengthen its brand.

Want to learn more about how to prepare your business for the new accessibility requirements? Contact Consid for an accessibility audit and tailored solutions that align with the EU directive.

Get in Touch – Let's Talk Digital Accessibility

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