Audit Services for European Accessibility Directive Compliance: Complete 2026 Guide

• The EAA Directive requires compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA from June 28, 2025
• Services include manual audits, reports, remediation roadmaps, and training
• Prices range from €350 to €690 per year, others on request
• Microenterprises providing services may be exempt
• Penalties vary up to €100,000 or 5% of turnover
• Choice depends on sector, size, and jurisdiction

Updated 1 November 2026 · 10 sources checked

Providers compared

Prices as published on each provider's website on 1 November 2026, excluding VAT unless stated. Each row links to its source.

What the European Accessibility Directive (EAA) Requires

Directive (EU) 2019/882, known as the European Accessibility Act (EAA), is the regulatory framework for digital accessibility in Europe. From June 28, 2025, all digital products and services marketed in the 27 EU Member States, including websites, mobile apps, and self-service payment terminals, must comply with the accessibility requirements set out in Annex V of the Directive (source). The main technical reference is compliance with WCAG 2.1 level AA, covering 50 criteria related to perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness of digital content (source).

Annex V requires the accessibility statement to include:

• Description of the digital service/product
• Level of compliance achieved
• Known barriers and alternative solutions offered
• Working feedback mechanism
• Date of review and update
• Person responsible for the declaration

The Directive exempts microenterprises providing services, but beware: other national or sectoral obligations may apply (source). Penalties for non-compliance are set nationally and can be very high: up to €100,000 in Germany, up to 5% of turnover in Hungary (source).

The accessibility statement is not just automatically generated text: it must be backed by real testing and updated periodically, as shown in the practical example from AccessibilityStatement.org.

How to Choose an Audit Service: Criteria and Decision Matrix

Choosing an audit service for EAA compliance requires careful analysis of business needs and provider features. The main criteria to consider are:

• Company size: Microenterprises providing services are generally exempt. SMEs and large companies must ensure compliance.
• Type of service/product: B2B, B2C, marketplace, SaaS, e-commerce: each category may have different obligations.
• Target market: If operating in multiple EU countries, choose providers with international experience and knowledge of national specifics.
• Audit depth: Some services offer only automated audits or homepage-only scans; others include in-depth manual tests on critical flows (checkout, login, forms).
• Post-audit support: Remediation roadmap, training, technical support, and periodic updates are key for ongoing compliance.

Decision matrix:

Also consider transparency on prices and inclusions, presence of real declaration examples, and availability of free initial tests.

What the Price Really Includes: Detailed Comparison Table

Not all audit services are the same: some include only an automatic scan, others offer manual tests, roadmaps, training, and post-audit support. Here is a detailed table based on publicly available data:

Many providers do not publicly disclose additional costs for large sites, re-tests, or advanced technical support. It is essential to request a detailed quote and clarify what is included in the published price.

Hidden Costs and What Providers Don't Say

When choosing an audit service, it is important to consider possible hidden costs and limitations often not highlighted in promotional materials:

• "From" or "on request" prices: indicate that the final cost may increase based on page count, site complexity, or additional support requests.
• Limited audits: some providers offer only free homepage scans (EAAPass), while the full audit is paid.
• Training and roadmaps: are not always included in the base price; PCM offers these but cost is on request.
• Legal responsibility: no provider, according to available data, assumes responsibility for the declaration: signing remains with the organization (source).
• Re-test frequency: only AccessibilityStatement.org declares monthly re-tests included; others do not specify update frequency.

Before choosing, always ask:

• If the price includes all pages and restricted areas
• If there are costs for re-tests or updates
• Delivery times and post-audit support methods

How the Appointment Works: Step by Step and Practical Comparison

The audit process for EAA compliance usually follows these steps:

1. Request a quote or free scan: Some providers (EAAPass, AccessibilityStatement.org) offer a free initial evaluation of the homepage or site.
2. Confirm the assignment: After receiving the quote, formalize the engagement and provide necessary info (URLs, credentials for restricted areas, critical flows to test).
3. Automatic and manual tests: The provider performs a combination of automated scans and manual tests, including checkout, login, forms, and restricted pages, as required by the Directive.
4. Report and declaration: You receive a detailed report with identified barriers, a remediation roadmap, and, if applicable, a signed declaration ready for publication.
5. Implement corrections: The client makes suggested changes and, if necessary, requests a re-test or declaration update.

AccessibilityStatement.org, for example, offers a free example, delivers the signed declaration within 5 working days, and includes monthly re-tests in the annual fee. Other providers do not specify delivery times or update frequency.

Practical tip: always request a detailed timeline and ensure the provider is available for clarifications after report delivery.

Risks, Penalties, and Checklist for EAA Compliance

Non-compliance with the EAA Directive can entail significant risks, including:

• Administrative penalties: up to €100,000 in Germany, 5% of turnover in Hungary (source).
• Complaints and litigation: users and associations may file complaints with national authorities, with reputational and legal consequences.
• Exclusion from public tenders: non-compliance can bar access to public bids and supplies.

EAA compliance checklist:

1. Check if your company is exempt (microenterprise service provider)
2. Identify all digital products/services subject to the Directive
3. Request a manual and automated audit according to WCAG 2.1 AA
4. Draft and publish a complete and updated accessibility statement
5. Implement corrections suggested by the report
6. Establish a feedback and user response procedure
7. Update the statement after any relevant site/app changes

Compliance is not a one-time event but an ongoing process: choose providers offering support and periodic updates.

Practical Scenarios: Which Obligation and Path to Choose

• USA SaaS with EU customers: A SaaS provider with users in the European Union must ensure its site and platform comply with WCAG 2.1 AA and publish a declaration conforming to Annex V. An external audit covering both public and restricted areas is recommended. The declaration must be signed by a company responsible person.
• Chinese seller on Amazon: If the seller operates only via Amazon, primary responsibility lies with the platform. If managing their own site or app accessible in the EU, they must comply with the EAA Directive and publish an accessibility statement.
• UK online shop: A British e-commerce selling to EU users must comply with the EAA Directive from 2025. A manual and automated audit, publication of the Annex V declaration, and periodic updates are required.

These scenarios show how jurisdiction, sales channel, and digital presence influence compliance obligations and provider choice.