E-commerce Accessibility Requirements 2025

Accessibility on Websites and Online Stores: What You Need to Know Before Summer 2025

Starting June 28, 2025, e-commerce businesses with an annual turnover exceeding two million euros will be required to ensure the accessibility of their services.

The law also applies to other consumer services, such as e-books, audiovisual content services, and banking services.

Microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees, less than 2 million euros in annual turnover) are exempt from the obligations, but considering accessibility can be a competitive advantage for them as well.

The Law Requires Businesses to Assess and Improve Accessibility

Under the law, e-commerce businesses with a turnover exceeding two million euros must ensure that their services meet accessibility requirements. This means that online stores must be compatible with various assistive devices and technologies and comply with at least the A and AA levels of the WCAG guidelines.

Accessibility Is Also an Ethical Issue

Accessibility is not only a legal obligation but also an ethical one. Everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations, should have the opportunity to use digital services. Websites and online stores must be easy to use for everyone, including those with visual or hearing impairments, learning difficulties, or other barriers.

In Finland, about one-fifth of the population faces challenges when using digital services.

E-commerce Accessibility and Self-regulation

Accessibility is not a one-time process but requires regular monitoring.

Online stores must create an accessibility statement outlining the level of accessibility of the service and any shortcomings. The accessibility statement increases transparency and helps users understand the level of usability they can expect from your online store.

Businesses must also provide a feedback channel through which users can report accessibility challenges. This helps identify areas where improvements may be needed.

Additionally, businesses must independently report any identified accessibility shortcomings to the supervisory authority, Traficom.

E-commerce Accessibility Requirements

Online stores must meet the European WCAG guidelines for accessibility. This means that websites must be visually clear and easy to navigate, designed to work well with different customer applications and assistive devices.

Content Clarity and Readability

The content of online stores must be easily understandable and accessible to all users. For example, product descriptions and terms of service should be written clearly and simply so that they are easily understood, even by those with cognitive disabilities or those who are not fluent in the site’s language.

Simplicity of Navigation

Users must be able to move around the site effortlessly, regardless of whether they are using a keyboard, mouse, or other assistive devices. For example, the shopping cart and checkout pages must be easily navigable, even for those using a keyboard or screen reader. Links and buttons should be logically placed and have clear text equivalents.

Color and Contrast Requirements

The website’s color scheme and contrasts must be suitable for users with visual impairments. There should be sufficient contrast between text and background so that users with limited vision can read the content without difficulty.

Multimedia Content Accessibility

Multimedia content, such as videos, must be accessible to all users. For example, product presentation videos should include subtitles or alternative text so that users with hearing impairments receive the necessary information.

Accessibility of Interactive Elements

All interactive elements, such as buttons, forms, and search fields, must be easy to use, including for customers using assistive technology. Search fields and forms should be clearly labeled and work seamlessly with screen readers.

Responsiveness and Mobile Device Support

The online store must work well on both desktop browsers and mobile devices. The shopping cart and checkout processes should be designed to be easily usable on small screens without excessive scrolling or zooming.

Accessibility Improves Customer Experience and Sales

Providing accessible online services is not just about meeting legal requirements; it also expands the customer base and increases sales. An accessible online store makes shopping easier.

Exception and Preparation

E-commerce businesses can deviate from accessibility requirements only if they can demonstrate that complying with the requirements would cause unreasonable burden. An exception can be applied for from the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland.

Transition Period and Preparation

The transition period for meeting accessibility requirements ends on June 28, 2025. The Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland encourages businesses to start preparing well in advance of the law’s implementation. It is advisable to assess accessibility early and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that services comply with the requirements by the summer.