Are Irish Microenterprises Exempt From the EAA?
Accessibility (EAA)Yes, in defined circumstances. The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) exempts microenterprises providing services from its service obligations, and an online shop is a service for this purpose. Since the EAA is transposed into Irish national law, that exemption carries through in Ireland.
The two thresholds
To count as an exempt microenterprise you must meet both of these:
- Fewer than 10 staff, and
- Annual turnover or balance-sheet total of no more than €2 million.
Both conditions have to be satisfied. If you have 10 or more staff, or your turnover exceeds €2 million, the exemption does not apply and your webshop must meet EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 level AA.
Worth doing anyway
Even where the exemption applies, an accessible shop is good practice: it reaches more customers, reduces the risk if you grow past the thresholds, and reflects the direction of the law. Ireland’s framework operates in English and its monitoring draws on established national arrangements, so guidance is readily accessible. For more, see our European Accessibility Act law page and the complete accessibility guide.
This answer is educational and does not constitute legal advice.