The requirements of the EU Directive on Accessibility Requirements for Products and Services (European Accessibility Act, EAA) will soon take effect. This directive mandates that certain products and services become more accessible to people with disabilities, including improved readability and comprehensibility of product labeling. Companies have until June 28, 2025, to fully implement the EAA requirements.
Self-adhesive labels and markings, as integral parts of products or devices, may be affected by this new accessibility law in various ways and must be optimized accordingly. The law applies to manufacturers, service providers, and retailers, requiring them to systematically incorporate accessibility into their design and development processes.
The EAA Covers Various Areas of Public Relevance:
Products:
- Computers and operating systems
- Self-service terminals (e.g., ATMs, ticket machines)
- Payment terminals
- E-books
- E-commerce websites
Services:
- Telecommunications services
- Access to audio and video content
- Banking services
- Online shopping
Applications of the EAA in Labeling:
- Technical Products: Instruction manuals or safety information on labels must be accessible. Frequently requested labels include nameplates, barcode and QR code labels, safety labels, hazard labels, and cable marking labels.
- Medical Devices: Medications and medical equipment require clear and accessible labeling, such as barcode labels, sterilization labels, warning and safety labels.
- Food Products: Allergens and ingredients must be declared in a way that is easy to access and understand.
Key Aspects of Accessible Labeling:
Readability and Contrast
- High contrast: Text on labels must be highly readable, with a clear contrast between text and background (e.g., black on white or yellow on black).
- Font size: Minimum font sizes may be specified to ensure readability for visually impaired individuals.
- Font types: Clear, sans-serif fonts are preferred to enhance readability.
Tactile Elements
- Braille: Labels intended for visually impaired individuals (e.g., on medications) may need to include Braille text.
- Raised symbols: For certain applications, such as hazardous materials labeling, raised symbols or textures may be required.
Clear and Understandable Language
- Simple wording: The language used on labels should be clear and easy to understand, aiding people with cognitive disabilities.
- Pictograms: In addition to text, graphical symbols or pictograms can be used to quickly and accessibly convey information.
Materials and Processing
- Tactile design: Materials must be easy to grip, especially for individuals with motor impairments. Easy-to-peel features (e.g., lift tabs on liner paper) can be important.
- Slip-resistant coatings: When labels are applied to products frequently handled, the material should be slip-resistant for people with limited fine motor skills.
Digital Accessibility – Connecting Labels to Digital Information
- QR codes and NFC technology: Accessible labels can include QR codes or NFC chips that provide additional information in an accessible digital format (e.g., large print, audio, or sign language).
- Compatibility with screen readers: Information should be accessible to screen readers when labels are linked to digital services.
How Can We Support You in Implementing the EAA?
Robos-labels is actively committed to accessible labeling solutions, ensuring that information is accessible to everyone. Through targeted design adjustments, we optimize the readability and tactile properties of our labels. High-contrast colors, easy-to-read fonts, and tactile structures ensure that labels can be easily recognized and used by visually impaired or blind individuals.
A key aspect of our solutions is technology integration. Using advanced digital printing techniques, we print QR codes on labels that link to additional information or accessible content. We also utilize resin technology to integrate Braille, making essential information tactilely accessible.
To ensure our accessible labels comply with all relevant legal requirements, we work closely with our customers. Our quality management department monitors compliance with the EAA (European Accessibility Act) and advises on solutions that meet the necessary guidelines. This allows us to provide accessible labeling that is both functional and regulation-compliant.
Get in Touch with Us!
We turn your requirements into high-quality labeling solutions. Carefully selected materials and the right production techniques guarantee optimal and long-lasting readability and secure adhesion throughout the entire lifecycle of the labeling.
Robos-labels has decades of experience in manufacturing premium labels for the technical and chemical industries, as well as for automotive and medical technology. We will find the perfect labeling solution for you as well!
Our experts from the Technical Sales Team can be reached via our contact form or at request@robos-staging.webaktuell10.com, as well as by phone at +49 7154/8225-15. Contact us today!
You can find the full text of EU Directive 2019/882 on EUR-Lex, the database for EU legislation: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019L0882
