European Accessibility Act (EAA) – Ebook Compliance Guide

 

1. What Is the EAA?

The European Accessibility Act is an EU directive designed to ensure that digital products and services — including ebooks — are accessible to people with disabilities.

For publishers, this means:

• Ebooks must be technically accessible

• Accessibility features must be properly implemented

• Accessibility metadata must be provided

• An accessibility statement must be available

• Documentation must be maintained

 

2. Accessibility Features Required in Ebooks

Your ebook files (typically EPUB format) should include the following accessibility features:

✔ Reflowable Text

• Text must resize without loss of content or functionality.

• Users must be able to adjust font size and layout.

✔ Logical Reading Order

• Content must follow a clear, structured reading sequence.

• Screen readers must interpret the book correctly.

✔ Alternative Text (Alt Text)

• All meaningful images, charts, and diagrams must include descriptive alt text.

• Decorative images should be properly marked as decorative.

✔ Proper Heading Structure & Semantic Markup

• Use structured headings (H1, H2, H3).

• Use semantic HTML tags within EPUB.

• Avoid manual formatting that breaks structure.

✔ Assistive Technology Compatibility

• Must work with:

  • Screen readers

  • Text-to-speech systems

  • Voice navigation tools

   

✔ Sufficient Color Contrast

• Text must be readable against background.

• Avoid low-contrast color combinations.

✔ Navigational Aids

• Functional table of contents (TOC)

• Page navigation markers

• Internal links working correctly

✔ Accessible Tables & Forms (If Applicable)

• Proper table headers

• Clear cell associations

• Logical tab order in forms

 

 

3. Accessibility Metadata Requirements

Accessibility is not only about file structure — metadata must clearly communicate accessibility features.

You must provide:

📌 ONIX Accessibility Metadata

Using ONIX Code List 196, include:

• Accessibility features

• Compliance standards

• Hazards (if any)

📌 EPUB Accessibility Metadata

Embed accessibility information directly within the EPUB package.

📌 Certification of Compliance

Where applicable, reference standards such as:

• WCAG 2.1

• EN 301 549

 

📌 Accessibility Summary

Provide a clear description of:

• Which accessibility features are included

• Any known limitations

📌 Accessibility Hazards

Declare if the publication includes:

• Flashing images

• Motion effects

• Audio without controls

 

4. Accessibility Statement (Mandatory)

Every publisher must create and maintain an Accessibility Statement.

The statement must include:

• Description of accessibility features implemented

• Known limitations or barriers

• Contact information for accessibility support

• Date of last accessibility review

 

This statement should be:

• Available on your website, and/or

• Included within the ebook itself

 

5. Documentation Requirements

You must maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with accessibility standards.

This may include:

• Internal accessibility checklists

• EPUB validation reports

• WCAG audit documentation

• Production workflow documentation

Authorities may request this documentation if compliance is reviewed.

 

6. Compliance Timeline

📅 June 28, 2025

• All new publications made available after this date must comply.

• Existing publications should be updated toward compliance where feasible.

 

Non-compliance may result in:

• Market restrictions within the EU

• Regulatory penalties

• Distribution limitations

 

 

7. Technical Standard: Accessible EPUB (EPUB 3)

Most accessible ebooks are created using:

• EPUB 3.x format

• WCAG-aligned semantic structure

• Proper ARIA roles and landmarks
  
  

EPUB 3.3 is the current technical specification and supports accessibility best practices.

 

8. Practical Steps for Publishers

To prepare for EAA compliance:

1. Audit your production workflow

2. Update EPUB export settings

3. Train designers and formatters on semantic structure

4. Implement accessibility metadata processes

5. Create a standardized accessibility statement template

6. Document compliance procedures

 

 

9. Summary

To comply with the European Accessibility Act, publishers must ensure:

 

✔ Technically accessible EPUB files

✔ Proper accessibility metadata

✔ Public accessibility statement

✔ Maintained compliance documentation

✔ Timely implementation by June 28, 2025

 

Accessibility is no longer optional for EU distribution — it is a legal requirement.