No, B2B Websites Are Not Exempt From the European Accessibility Act
There is a common misconception floating around, one I hear far too often.
“We are a B2B company, so the European Accessibility Act does not apply to us.”
Let us clear this up once and for all.
If your website is commercial and can be accessed by users in the EU, then yes, the EAA applies to you, regardless of whether you sell to businesses or consumers.
What the Law Actually Says
The EAA (Directive (EU) 2019/882) covers digital products and services that are “made available to consumers.” The word “consumer” is not limited to individuals buying a new pair of trainers. It broadly includes any end-user of a service, including professionals and business users.
If your site:
- Offers services or information online
- Promotes or sells to customers within the EU
- Is public-facing and not strictly internal
then you are in scope.
This includes e-commerce, transport, banking, tech platforms, and B2B logistics, SaaS, and data providers.
Why B2B Is Not a Loophole
The assumption that B2B sites are exempt is based on a narrow and outdated view of accessibility. In reality, the EAA is about ensuring that all users, including disabled people, can access the digital services they need to work, live, and participate fully in society.
Disabled professionals use business websites.
They attend conferences.
They buy services.
They make procurement decisions.
Your B2B site must be accessible to them.
What This Means for Your Business
From 28 June 2025, if your commercial website is not accessible and does not have a compliant Accessibility Statement, you are exposed.
That includes:
- Financial penalties from enforcement bodies
- Reputational damage
- Missed opportunities to engage disabled professionals: a growing, skilled, and loyal market
If you are a digital agency or platform provider, you are jointly responsible for making sure your clients' websites comply.
What To Do Next
Compliance starts with clarity.
My team and I have been working in website accessibility testing and development for over 18 years.
We work with many large public and private sector companies in the UK, Europe, the US and beyond to get this right.
The first step is a professional digital accessibility audit and a legally valid Accessibility Statement.
That alone can offer immediate protection while you work toward full compliance.
The Bottom Line
Being B2B does not exempt you from accessibility law.
It simply delays a problem that will not go away.
33 days and counting.