Web accessibility is more than a nice-to-have — especially for e-commerce
Belgium’s FPS Economy clarified the European Accessibility Act framework in 2026. For certain e-commerce services, accessibility is more than an optional extra.
What does Belgium’s FPS Economy say?
In March 2026, Belgium’s FPS Economy clarified the Belgian framework around the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which took effect on 28 June 2025.
The rules cover certain e-commerce services and require digital platforms to be perceivable, understandable, operable and robust. This includes readable information, support for assistive technologies and accessible digital processes.
The FPS also notes a transitional arrangement for micro-enterprises. The exact obligations depend on the business and the service being provided.
Why does this directly affect web design?
Accessibility is not one checkbox at the bottom of a quote. It lives in many small design decisions:
- sufficient colour contrast;
- usable keyboard navigation;
- understandable forms and error messages;
- alternative text where images carry information;
- clear buttons and links;
- content that still makes sense without visual tricks.
The good news
Many accessibility improvements make a website better for everyone. A clear button helps a person with a disability, but it also helps someone using a phone with one hand while the other hand is trying to rescue a coffee.
Our critical take
An automated accessibility score of 100 does not automatically mean an entire site is legally compliant or genuinely usable by everyone. Tools help, but real accessibility also needs human judgement and context.
What does this mean for Jolly Worx clients?
We incorporate accessibility principles into structure, contrast, forms, focus states and mobile interaction. Where a project is subject to specific legal accessibility requirements, the exact scope should be established upfront and, where appropriate, reviewed by a specialist.
Accessibility is not a brake on design. Done well, it is simply better design.