European Accessibility Act: What Irish Webshops Must Do Now

If your shop sells online, the European Accessibility Act already applies to you. It became Irish law on 28 June 2025, and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the body that checks webshops. The goal is simple: a customer who is blind, has low vision, can't use a mouse or has a cognitive disability should be able to find a product, read about it and pay, just like everyone else.

This guide explains, in plain English, who is covered, who is exempt, what "accessible" means in practice and what to fix first.

What is the European Accessibility Act?

The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) sets common accessibility rules for certain products and services across the EU. Ireland brought it into law with the European Union (Accessibility Requirements of Products and Services) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 636 of 2023).

For retailers, the part that matters most is e-commerce services: websites and apps where consumers buy goods or services. The CCPC treats websites and apps as services, not products. Other services in the Act, like banking, transport ticketing and phone services, have their own regulators.

Does it apply to my shop?

What "accessible" means in practice

The Act describes outcomes, and the detail comes from the European standard EN 301 549. The version currently linked to the Act is based on WCAG 2.1, the web accessibility guidelines most web developers already know. A new version (V4.1.1) was published on 2 September 2026 and moves to WCAG 2.2 Level AA. It takes legal effect once it is cited in the EU Official Journal, which is expected in December 2026, so it makes sense to aim for WCAG 2.2 now.

For a webshop, the Irish rules add a few specific points. You must provide the accessibility information about the products you sell, where the manufacturer or supplier gives it to you. Identification, security and payment steps must also be accessible.

The 12-point webshop checklist

1. Alt text on every product image. Describe what matters: "Oak A-frame sign, double-sided, with chalkboard panels", not "IMG_2041".
2. Keyboard-only shopping. Can you browse, add to cart and check out using only the Tab and Enter keys?
3. Visible focus. When you tab through the page, can you always see where you are?
4. Colour contrast. Grey text on a white background is the most common failure. Check buttons, prices and sale badges too.
5. Don't rely on colour alone. "Out of stock" shown only as a red dot is not enough. Add the words.
6. Labelled forms. Every checkout field needs a proper label, not just placeholder text that disappears.
7. Clear error messages. Say which field is wrong and how to fix it.
8. Let people check before they pay. A review step before payment helps everyone avoid mistakes.
9. Meaningful links. "Shop countertop displays" beats "click here".
10. Headings in order. One H1 per page, then H2s and H3s. Screen readers use them to jump around.
11. Captions and transcripts for product videos.
12. Time limits. If a basket or payment step times out, users must be able to extend it.

Shopify themes give you a head start, but apps, pop-ups, cookie banners and custom code can break accessibility. Test the whole path from homepage to order confirmation, and ideally ask a disabled user to try it.

The accessibility information you must publish

Service providers must prepare information explaining how their service meets the accessibility requirements: a general description of the service, how it works and how it complies. This information must be available to the public in written and spoken formats, and kept available for as long as the service runs. Many shops do this with an accessibility page linked from the footer. The Irish rules don't use the name "accessibility statement", but that is what most people will look for.

You also need a process to keep your site compliant as it changes, to fix problems and to tell the CCPC immediately if you find your service doesn't comply.

Penalties in Ireland

Company officers can be held personally liable, and consumers can also take cases. In practice, regulators usually start with engagement and compliance notices, but you shouldn't wait for a letter.

Don't forget the shop floor

The Act is mainly about digital services, terminals and certain products, not your shelving. But a shop that is easy to use online should be easy to use in person too. Keep key products between waist and eye height, use large, high-contrast signs and leave clear routes around floor stands.

Planning a refit? Talk to us about heights, layouts and clear signage. See also our EU retail rules calendar and our GPSR guide.

FAQ

Is my small Shopify store exempt?

If you have fewer than 10 staff and an annual turnover or balance sheet of €2m or less, your e-commerce service is exempt. If you sell products covered by the Act, the product rules still apply.

Do I need an accessibility overlay or widget?

No law requires one, and widgets don't fix underlying problems like missing labels or poor contrast. Fix the site itself.

Who do customers complain to?

The CCPC handles e-commerce. The National Disability Authority gives guidance but doesn't enforce the rules.

Does this apply to my card machine?

Payment terminals are in scope. Ones already in use before 28 June 2025 can keep being used until the end of their useful life, up to 20 years. Ask your provider about accessible models when you replace them.