Transposition of the European Accessibility Act into legislation in the Netherlands

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) has received relatively little attention in the Netherlands but quietly everything is being prepared for an impactful entry on 28 June 2025. The EAA has now been transposed into our national legislation through various existing laws and regulations and the Netherlands is on track. On 28 June the new digital accessibility rules will be in full force!

In our experience, most large Dutch companies lack a sense of urgency and a wait-and-see attitude is more the rule than the exception. We hear questions such as: Does this even apply to us? How many of our customers need this? Surely there is no rush? Why incur unnecessary costs prematurely? How high are the fines and is it worth investing in digital accessibility?
The ‘Accessibility’ train is not going to stop and the sooner companies take action the less costly and disruptive this will be for them. They will also avoid reputation loss and falling behind in the process of Design for all!

The European Accessibility Act is a directive that had to be translated into the national legislation of EU member states. This gave each member state the opportunity to make this European legislation as compatible as possible with their existing legislation. Each country may go further than the European Accessibility Act requires, but no less far. For example, the scope of the EAA may be extended from digital accessibility to the accessibility of the physical environment. Companies, anywhere in the world, that serve consumers in the EU will have to deal with the EAA and especially if they sell through a website (e-commerce). Which Dutch laws have been amended as a result of the EAA? For products, the rules are laid down in the Commodities Act and the Accessibility Act Decree 2023. For services, the requirements are spread across sector-specific legislation such as the Telecommunications Act, the Civil Code (for e-commerce companies), the Financial Supervision Act and the Equal Treatment on the Basis of Disability or Chronic Illness Act and the Consumer Protection Enforcement Act.

We would like to assist you in getting started with the EAA. Leveraging our expertise in international business, our understanding of Dutch and European law, and our clear approach to accessibility, we offer comprehensive audits and training courses. These services are designed to build knowledge and expertise within your organization, enabling you to prioritize accessibility internally and efficiently comply with new legal requirements.

Caroline Allertz,
Lawyer, JPC International B.V.
https://lnkd.in/g-6YAguZ