The Accessibility Act for e-commerce – what applies in 2026?

Short answer: Since June 28, 2025, many e-commerce services have been covered by the Act (2023:254) on the accessibility of certain products and services. Companies that are covered need to work systematically with accessibility in their website or app, information, identification, payment, and customer flows. The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) supervises e-commerce within the scope of the Act.

What is the Accessibility Act?

The Swedish Act implements the EU’s European Accessibility Act. The rules aim to ensure that certain products and consumer services are accessible to people with disabilities. E-commerce is one of the service areas explicitly covered.

What does accessibility in e-commerce mean?

Accessibility is about ensuring that information and functions can be perceived, operated, understood, and used by more people. In practice, this affects aspects such as navigation, forms, product information, customer accounts, checkout, payment, and support information.

Areas that should be reviewed

• keyboard navigation and focus order
• contrast and readable text
• alternative text for relevant images
• heading structure and semantic HTML
• labels and error messages in forms
• checkout and payment flow
• information about the service's accessibility
• compatibility with assistive technology

WCAG and EN 301 549

Technical standards are used as important references for how digital accessibility can be achieved. However, a company should not treat an automatic WCAG scan as the entire legal assessment. Real usability, the service's functionality, and the information required by law also need to be reviewed.

Micro-enterprises and exemptions

The regulations contain exemptions, including for certain micro-enterprises providing services. There are also provisions regarding disproportionate burden and fundamental alteration. Exemptions should be carefully assessed and documented rather than assumed automatically.

Documenting the work

A practical compliance process can consist of inventory, review, action plan, responsibilities, prioritization, and regular checks. If an exemption is invoked, the documentation should show how the assessment was made.

Common mistakes

• only checking the homepage and not the purchase flow
• relying entirely on automated testing tools
• lacking routines for new components and campaign pages
• not involving developers, content managers, and customer service
• treating accessibility as a one-time project

See the Mallbutiken compliance package for the Accessibility Act and e-commerce.

FAQ

Does the law apply to all websites?

No. The law is linked to certain products and services. E-commerce services are one of the areas covered, but exemptions and limitations may affect a specific business.

Is a WCAG report sufficient?

It is an important technical basis but does not replace the entire assessment of the service and the legal requirements.

Who supervises e-commerce?

The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) supervises e-commerce under the Accessibility Act.

Official information: PTS describes the supervision and the possibility of reporting lack of accessibility according to Act (2023:254).

The article provides general information and does not replace legal advice.