Web accessibility WCAG 2.2 for SMEs: what you really need

Since 28 June 2025 the European Accessibility Act (EAA) imposes web accessibility on many EU companies. SMEs are often exempt, but some sectors (e-commerce, financial services, travel) are covered. Here's what you really need, without overengineering.

Who's subject to EAA

• E-commerce (any size, b2c)
• Banking, insurance, fintech services
• Public transport and online ticketing
• Online emergency services
• Exempt: micro-businesses (<10 employees AND <€2M revenue)

The 5 most important WCAG 2.2 requirements

1. Colour contrast: min 4.5:1 ratio for normal text, 3:1 for large text
2. Keyboard navigation: whole site usable without mouse (Tab, Enter, Esc)
3. Image alt text: meaningful descriptions for screen readers
4. Accessible forms: labels connected to fields, clear errors, accessible validation
5. Visible focus: clear outline on focused elements (>3px contrast ratio)

Test in 30 minutes

• WAVE Browser Extension (free): automatic scan, detects 70% of issues
• axe DevTools (free): more technical, great for developers
• Lighthouse Accessibility: integrated Chrome DevTools score
• Manual keyboard test: try navigating site with only Tab and Enter

Realistic compliance costs

• Professional accessibility audit: €500-2,500
• Base fix implementation: €1,000-5,000 one-off
• WordPress plugins (One Click Accessibility, AccessiBe): €0-50/month (useful but not sufficient for full compliance)

Sanctions

EAA: up to €30,000 or 5% of revenue. In Italy, AGCOM monitors (grey list for first months). Risk-based: first warning, then sanctions if uncorrected.

For exempt SMEs, accessibility remains good practice: 15% of users have some functional disability. WCAG compliance = +15% addressable market. Included in our web packages.

Want to apply this to your SME?

If you'd like a concrete analysis of your situation, request the free audit from Gamerbit. In 48 hours we tell you exactly where you're losing leads, time or budget — no sales pitch.

For a complete system, the 2026 no-brainer offers are the most direct starting point.