Introduction
On June 28, 2025, a new Swedish law takes effect that will change the requirements for digital services in Sweden. The Act on Accessibility of Products and Services (2023:254) implements the EU Accessibility Directive (European Accessibility Act) and places new requirements on companies to make their digital services accessible to all users.
This is not just a legal obligation – it's about creating a more inclusive digital environment where everyone can participate on equal terms. With only months left until the law takes effect, it's important to understand what it means and how your company is affected.
What does the new law entail?
The new law is based on the EU Accessibility Directive and aims to ensure that digital products and services are accessible to people with disabilities. This is not just a legal obligation – it's about creating a more inclusive digital environment where everyone can participate on equal terms.
The law covers among other things:
- Websites and e-commerce solutions
- Mobile apps and digital services
- Digital documents and publications
- Self-service terminals and digital interfaces
- Electronic communication services
- Online banking and payment services
Which companies are affected?
The law applies to most companies that provide digital services to consumers in Sweden. However, there are certain exceptions:
- Micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 employees and turnover under 2 million euros) are exempt from certain requirements
- Content published before June 28, 2025 that is not updated
- Third-party content that the company neither pays for nor controls
Technical requirements and standards
To comply with the law's requirements, digital services must follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. This means that websites and apps must be:
Perceivable: Information should be presented in ways that users can perceive, regardless of disability.
Operable: The interface should be navigable and usable for everyone, including keyboard navigation.
Understandable: Information and functions should be easy to understand and use.
Robust: Content should work with various assistive technologies and tools.
Consequences of non-compliance
Companies that do not follow the law risk:
- Reports to supervisory authorities
- Fines and other penalties
- Loss of customer trust
- Reduced market access
- Negative publicity and brand damage
Beyond the legal consequences, poor accessibility can also lead to companies missing out on a significant portion of the market – around 16% of the population aged 16-64 lives with some form of disability.
Benefits of accessible websites
Investing in accessibility provides several benefits:
Broader audience: Accessible websites reach more users, including people with disabilities and older users.
Better SEO: Many accessibility improvements, such as semantic HTML and alt-texts, also improve search engine optimization.
Improved user experience: Accessible design benefits all users, not just those with disabilities.
Future-proofing: Investment in accessibility prepares the company for future regulations and technological development.
How to prepare your company
1. Conduct an accessibility audit
Start by evaluating your current website or app. Identify areas that need improvement according to WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
2. Develop an action plan
Create a prioritized list of improvements and set up a timeline for implementation before the June 28, 2025 deadline.
3. Train the team
Ensure that developers, designers, and content producers understand accessibility principles and can work according to them.
4. Implement improvements
Start with the most critical issues and work your way systematically through the list. Focus on:
- Correct HTML structure and semantics
- Alternative texts for images
- Sufficient color contrast
- Keyboard navigation
- Clear forms and error messages
5. Test and validate
Use both automated tools and manual testing to ensure that improvements work correctly.
How we can help
As a web development agency, we have extensive experience creating accessible digital solutions. We offer:
Accessibility audits: Thorough review of your existing website or app to identify areas for improvement.
Development and redesign: Creating new websites and apps that follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards from the ground up.
Training and consulting: Help your team understand and implement accessibility best practices.
Ongoing support: Continuous monitoring and updates to ensure your website remains accessible over time.
The time to act is now
With only months left until the new law takes effect, it's important to start accessibility work right now. Don't wait until the last minute – accessibility improvements take time to plan, implement, and test properly.
Contact us today for a free consultation on how we can help your company get ready for the new accessibility law. Together, we can ensure that your digital presence is inclusive, legal, and competitive.
Deadline: June 28, 2025 – Act now to ensure compliance.
I'm one of the founders of Developly and work as a software engineer with a focus on JavaScript. With 8 years of experience in both front-end and back-end development, I'm passionate about building smart, modern web solutions. I stay closely involved in our projects and combine technical craftsmanship with an eye for what truly creates value for the customer.
Kevin A. Sommerstein
