On June 28, 2025, new EU rules for website accessibility will come into effect, meaning e-commerce businesses will need to adjust their websites to meet these requirements. The new rules are based on WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), which are guidelines to make the internet accessible to everyone, including people with various disabilities.

The goal is to create a more inclusive digital environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can access products and services online. This is especially important for e-commerce. Disabilities can range from motor and cognitive limitations to visual or hearing impairments. By making your e-commerce website more accessible, not only for people with disabilities but for all users, you improve the overall user experience.

How to make your website more accessible

Accessibility is about adapting your content to work for everyone. A simple example is offering content in different formats, like video, text, and images. Also, use alt-texts to describe images for those using screen readers. For example, if you have a video with important information, you can ensure more people access it by providing a text transcription and subtitles.

Four important WCAG principles:

1. Perceivable

   Your content should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. This means considering how you present media on your website. Use text to complement images, audio, and video. The interface should also have clear contrasts and work well in grayscale to accommodate visually impaired users.
   
   

2. Operable

   Navigation on your website should be possible without issues, whether the customer is using a keyboard, mouse, or assistive tools like screen readers. A good way to test this is to try completing a purchase on your website using only the keyboard.
   
   

3. Understandable

   All information on your website should be easy to understand, both for people and the assistive tools they use. Avoid complicated words and abbreviations and write all text in a clear and simple language.
   
   

4.  Robust
   

   Your website must work smoothly on all types of devices and browsers. This means the code needs to be robust and tested to work well, regardless of the platform the user has.

Tips to increase accessibility on your website today

• Use proper heading levels and bullet points to make your text easier to scan for both screen readers and users.
• Write clear and descriptive alt-texts for all images. This allows those who cannot see the images to still understand the content.
• Write in simple and clear language. Avoid difficult words, abbreviations, and technical terms that may confuse users.

Making your e-commerce website more accessible is not only a way to comply with legislation, but it also helps create a better user experience for all your customers. By taking steps to improve accessibility, you ensure more people can access and use your products and services smoothly, which can, in turn, increase customer satisfaction and conversions.

Contact us directly if you want to know more at curious@litium.com or watch our webinar together with our partner Motillo here.