As the digital economy continues to expand, businesses must ensure that their products and services are accessible to everyone — including persons with disabilities. Two key EU laws are shaping accessibility obligations in Malta: the European Accessibility Act and the Web Accessibility Directive.
These legal frameworks place important compliance responsibilities on entities with an online presence, particularly those operating in retail, e-commerce, consumer electronics, financial services, and other industries that rely heavily on websites and mobile applications to serve customers.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) will come into force in Malta on the 28th June 2025. Its aim is to improve access to key products and services across the EU for persons with disabilities.
The Act was transposed into Maltese law through Legal Notice 214 of 2022, creating Subsidiary Legislation 627.03. It sets out harmonised EU rules for a wide range of products and services, such as:
- Consumer electronics (TVs, smartphones, e-readers, laptops, gaming consoles)
- Self-service terminals (ticketing and check-in machines, ATMs, vending machines)
- Banking and e-commerce platforms
- Online retail services, including websites and mobile apps
- Transport and ticketing services
Under this law, affected products and services must be designed to be perceivable, operable, and understandable for persons with disabilities.
Some typical measures to increase accessibility include:
- Resizable text
- Colour contrast
- Captions or transcripts for video/audio content
- Screen reader compatibility with assistive tech
Businesses must also carry out conformity assessments, display the CE marking, and maintain documentation to prove compliance.
Enforcement in Malta will fall under the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD). The CRPD will have the power to monitor compliance, order the withdrawal of non-compliant products, and eventually impose penalties — although specific fines have yet to be formalised.
The Web Accessibility Directive – Focus on Public Sector Digital Services
The Web Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2102) focuses specifically on public sector websites and mobile applications. It requires government departments, public authorities, and similar bodies to ensure that their digital platforms are accessible.
In Malta, this Directive has already taken effect, with compliance deadlines having passed for both websites and apps:
- Public websites launched after 23 September 2018 had to comply by 23 September 2019;
- Older websites were required to meet standards by 23 September 2020;
- Mobile apps had to comply as of 23 June 2021.
The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) is the designated oversight body, tasked with auditing public sector digital platforms and enforcing accessibility obligations under the Directive.
Who Is Most Affected?
While public sector bodies are directly covered by the Web Accessibility Directive, the European Accessibility Act casts a much wider net. Businesses in retail, e-commerce, and consumer-facing services are particularly impacted — especially those with an online presence.
If your business relies on online sales, mobile apps, digital customer service portals, or smart devices, you may be legally required to comply with the new accessibility requirements. Failure to do so could result in enforcement action once the rules come into effect.
How Can You Prepare?
We recommend that both private businesses and public entities take proactive steps to prepare in the following ways:
- Assess your digital platforms — including websites, apps, and online services — against recognised accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Engage legal and technical experts to determine whether your products or services fall within the scope of the Act.
- Document your compliance efforts, including any audits, design improvements, or third-party assessments.
- Update product development and procurement processes to ensure that accessibility is built in from the outset.
- Train staff involved in product design, web development, and compliance on accessibility best practices and legal requirements.
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This document does not purport to give legal, financial or tax advice. Should you require further information or legal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact info@mamotcv.com