Compliance & Accessibility (EAA 2025)
EAA 2025 for ecommerce: what small stores actually need. Why overlay plugins are risky + better options.
EAA 2025: What It Is
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025 requires ecommerce sites to be accessible to people with disabilities. Applies to:
- Ecommerce platforms selling to EU customers
- Websites with online payment systems
- Digital services and content
Deadline: June 2025 (enforcement starts). Non-compliance = fines up to 2% of annual revenue.
What Small Stores Actually Need
Must-haves (WCAG 2.1 Level AA)
- Alt text on all images
- Keyboard navigation (no mouse required)
- Screen reader compatibility
- Color contrast ratios (4.5:1 for text)
- Form labels and error messages
- Video captions (if you have videos)
Nice-to-haves (but not required)
- Dark mode
- Font size adjusters
- Multiple language options
Why Overlay Plugins Are Risky
Overlay plugins (like AccessiBe, UserWay) add a widget that claims to make your site accessible. Problems:
- They don't actually fix code: They add JavaScript overlays, but underlying HTML/CSS issues remain.
- Screen readers ignore them: Assistive tech reads source code, not overlay widgets.
- Legal risk: Courts have ruled overlays don't meet ADA/EAA requirements.
- Performance hit: Extra JavaScript slows down your site.
- False sense of security: You think you're compliant, but you're not.
Better Options
1. Fix the code (best long-term)
Work with a developer to fix HTML structure, add proper ARIA labels, ensure keyboard navigation. One-time cost, permanent fix.
2. Use accessible themes/templates
Start with Shopify themes that are WCAG 2.1 AA compliant. Easier than retrofitting.
3. Automated testing tools
Use tools like WAVE, axe DevTools, or Lighthouse to catch issues. Free, but requires manual fixes.
International VAT & Tax
EU VAT (2025 updates)
- One-stop shop (OSS) for EU VAT registration
- VAT on digital services (even if you're outside EU)
- Marketplace liability (Amazon/eBay collect VAT)
UK VAT
- Register if sales > £85,000/year
- Import VAT on goods entering UK
- Post-Brexit rules still evolving
Supplements & Cosmetics Regulations
FDA (US): Supplements need proper labeling, no medical claims. Cosmetics need ingredient lists.
EU: Cosmetics Regulation requires safety assessments, ingredient restrictions, notification portal.
Common mistake: Selling supplements with health claims = FDA violation = fines, product seizure.
Last updated: December 14, 2025
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