Ireland: CCPC launches Consultation on Microenterprise Guidelines on the European Accessibility Act

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) of Ireland recently launched a consultation seeking feedback on draft guidelines for microenterprises under the European Accessibility Act or ‘EAA’ (European Directive (EU) 2019/882) (Draft Guidelines). The Draft Guidelines are being developed in collaboration with the Irish National Disability Authority.

These Draft Guidelines aim to help microenterprises understand and prepare for the upcoming obligations where they manufacture, import or distribute products within scope of the EAA. 

Background to this consultation

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will become binding law in Ireland and across the EU from 28 June 2025. This legislation aims to enhance the accessibility of a range of digital products and services across the EU for individuals with disabilities, and to facilitate cross-border trading by establishing common accessibility rules for businesses operating in the EU.

Microenterprises are defined as businesses employing fewer than 10 people and with an annual turnover or balance sheet total below €2 million. Under the EAA, their compliance obligations are lighter than for other types of organisations due to the impact adaptation may have on their business. Microenterprises involved in the manufacture, importation or distribution of products benefit from simplified conformity assessment procedures but must ensure compliance with the common accessibility requirements for their products.

The EAA requires national authorities, such as the CCPC, to offer guidelines and tools to microenterprises to help microenterprises understand and implement the Directive's accessibility requirements, and to consult with stakeholders when doing so.

Overview of the Draft Guidelines

The Draft Guidelines provide guidance to microenterprises on:

• The products covered by the EAA
• Their obligations as a manufacturer, importer or distributor
• The accessibility requirements
• How to comply with the accessibility requirements   
• The principles of accessibility 
• Examples of common issues
• Permitted exceptions to compliance
• Suggested next steps to achieve compliance

How to participate

The consultation will be open for feedback until 25 April 2025. Businesses, consumers, and other stakeholders (particularly microenterprises) and representative organisations for people with disabilities.

Feedback can be submitted via the consultation’s online form or by phone, in person or through Irish Sign Language.

For more information, articles and other resources on the EAA, please visit our dedicated site.

If you would like further information on the European Accessibility Act, your compliance plans for it, or this consultation, please contact Deirdre Kilroy or Kelly Mackey.