In 2022, 27% of the EU population over the age of 16 had some form of disability. According to Eurostat estimates, that equals 101 million people or one in four adults in the EU. As the number of people with disabilities in the EU continues to grow due to an aging society, the EU directive that forms the basis of the Hungarian Accessibility Act was established to address their needs. The Hungarian Gazette published Act XVII of 2022, which outlines the general rules for compliance with accessibility requirements for products and services. This Accessibility Act presents significant challenges for service providers, including banks, insurers, investment companies, and e-commerce businesses, in their interactions with people with disabilities. Throughout the EU, including Hungary, ensuring accessibility will become mandatory for most websites and applications. E-commerce merchants and online service providers have less than a year to meet these mandatory standards.
With few exceptions, accessibility of all websites and applications will be mandatory by the end of June 2025.
The Act states that the economic entities providing the following services must comply with the accessibility requirements:
- Electronic communication services
- Audiovisual media services
- Passenger transportation services (air, bus, rail, and waterborne)
- Electronic books and dedicated software
- Retail banking services
- E-commerce services
But what are the exceptions? Do I have to ensure accessibility on my website as well?
Micro-enterprises, that employ fewer than ten people AND have an annual net revenue or balance sheet total below the equivalent of two million euros in Hungarian forints, are exempt from the Act's requirements.
According to the adopted EU standard (ISO/IEC 40500), websites can be classified into four levels of accessibility, and after the given timeframe is over they will be categorized as…
- Non-accessible: Sites not designed with accessibility principles
- Level A: Fundamental accessibility measures addressing basic barriers for all users
- Level AA: High-level accessibility, ensuring usability, comprehensibility, and accessibility
- Level AAA: The highest level of accessibility, providing full accessibility, usability, and comprehensibility
Not sure where to start or what to do?
Our team consists of highly skilled IT professionals, who can help you make the transition quick and easy. Take advantage of our free consultation!
