Is My Italian Webshop Covered by the Accessibility Act?

Generally, yes. The European Accessibility Act, Directive (EU) 2019/882, has applied since 28 June 2025 and covers consumer-facing e-commerce services. Italy transposes the Directive into national law, building on its existing accessibility tradition, and enforces it through national authorities. If your webshop sells to Italian consumers online, you are within scope of that framework.

The microenterprise exemption

The principal exception is for very small service providers. A microenterprise — one with fewer than 10 employees and turnover or a balance-sheet total of no more than €2 million — is exempt from the service obligations. Many small Italian webshops will qualify, but the test is cumulative: you must satisfy both the headcount and the financial limb.

Working out your status

• Do you employ fewer than 10 people?
• Is your annual turnover or balance-sheet total €2 million or less?
• If both hold, the exemption likely applies; if either is exceeded, plan to comply.

Because Italy already has a mature accessibility culture through its longstanding framework, the expectation that digital services be usable by people with disabilities is well established — and the direction of travel is towards broader coverage. Where obligations apply, the technical target is EN 301 549, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 level AA.

Even exempt shops benefit from accessible design, and the exemption can fall away as you grow. For the detail, see our complete accessibility guide and the accessibility law page.

This answer is educational and does not constitute legal advice.