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What are the fines for breaking the European Accessibility Act in Germany, Italy and other EU countries?

In short: There is no single EU fine. The EAA is a directive, so each member state sets penalties in its own national law. Germany's BFSG allows fines of up to €100,000; Italy's D.Lgs. 82/2022 sets sanctions from €5,000 to €40,000, rising to 5% of turnover for repeat violations. Other countries, including Ireland, set their own.

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Germany (BFSG)

The market surveillance authorities of the German states can impose fines of up to €100,000. They can also issue formal warnings and prohibit a non-compliant service from being offered.

Italy (D.Lgs. 82/2022)

Under article 24, administrative sanctions range from €5,000 to €40,000, rising to up to 5% of annual turnover for repeat violations. AgID oversees implementation and can first require corrective action within a deadline.

Other member states

Ireland, France, Spain, the Netherlands and the other member states each have their own transposition law, enforcement authority and penalty range. The directive only requires penalties to be effective, proportionate and dissuasive, so check the national law of every country you sell into.

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FAQ
Can a company outside the EU be fined?
Yes. National authorities act on products and services offered to consumers in their country, regardless of where the provider is based.
Are there consequences other than fines?
Yes. Authorities can require corrective action and, in Germany, prohibit a non-compliant service from being offered.

General information, not legal advice. National transposition laws differ — consult a lawyer for a binding assessment of your business.

Related on NormHarbor: Germany (BFSG) guide · Italy (Legge Stanca) guide · EU (EAA) guide

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