European Accessibility Act

On this page, you can read about what the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is and what it means for you.

From 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) applies. This European law obliges companies to make digital products and services accessible to everyone. As a partner selling via bol, you are responsible for the accessibility of your product range and content. We help you get started with clear information and tools.

What is the EAA?

The EAA obliges companies to make digital services and products accessible to everyone. The goal is an inclusive market where everyone can participate, including people with visual, hearing, reading, or motor impairments.

Which companies does the law apply to?

The EAA applies to almost all companies. Only micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and less than €2 million turnover are exempt.

Think of online shops, computers and software, cash and ticket machines, online banking, streaming apps, and e-books. And partners selling consumer electronics such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, televisions, and smart devices.

Please note: even if your business does not have to comply with the EAA, your content and images on bol must still be accessible.

What does this mean for you?

Digital items or items with a digital component placed on the market in the European Union from 28 June 2025 must comply with the EAA.

These items must work well with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, braille, and voice control. You can usually find which assistive technologies an item supports in the manufacturer's documentation.

You are legally required to check whether the manufacturer has complied with the accessibility requirements. Are you offering an item via bol that does not comply with these rules? Then you as a partner selling via bol are jointly liable.

Items placed on the market before 28 June 2025

Items placed on the market in the European Union before 28 June 2025 may temporarily continue to be offered if they do not comply with the EAA. A sell-off period of 5 years applies to this.

If you modify an existing item or service, for example with a software update or new version, the item must still comply with the EAA rules.

What happens if you do not comply with the EAA?

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) monitor compliance with the EAA. If you do not comply with the rules, they can issue a fine.

Our Conditions of Use Professional Sales via bol state that your offer must comply with applicable legislation. If your offer does not comply with the EAA, we can also take measures. For example, by taking items offline or deducting policy points. A supervisory authority can also ask bol to take measures.

What is your responsibility?

You are personally responsible for complying with the EAA and other applicable laws and regulations. We help you with information and tools, but this information is general. We do not provide legal advice. Here you will find Apps & Service Providers that can help you.

The most important action points at a glance

Check your product range. Find out which digital items or items with a digital component fall under the EAA and check whether the manufacturer has complied with the accessibility requirements.

Fill in the 'Accessible for assistive technologies' attribute. In your seller account, you can indicate which assistive technologies your items support, such as screen readers or AssistiveTouch. That way, the customer knows what to expect.

Check your content. Ensure clear, understandable, and complete item descriptions and specifications. This information should also give customers a good picture of the item without the images.

Make videos accessible. Use subtitles where necessary.

Check your product range regularly. Does an item not comply with the EAA? Adjust what is necessary or stop offering it.