Sweden launches accessibility audits of online shops

Accessibility audits begin for major online retailers

According to the Swedish supervisory authority Post- och telestyrelsen (PTS), 28 supervisory investigations have already been launched. Among the companies affected are major online retailers such as:

• H&M

• IKEA

• Coop

• Biltema

• NetOnNet

This selection clearly illustrates how broad the audits are: the digital retail sector is being examined across a wide range of industries, from fashion and furniture to electronics, online supermarkets and online pharmacies.

The audits are part of a long-term supervisory programme

The audits are part of a supervisory programme run by the PTS that began in 2025 and will continue through 2026. Additional investigations are expected to follow gradually.

The authority is assessing whether websites comply with the accessibility requirements set out in the WCAG guidelines. This includes, among other things:

• clear and intuitive navigation

• alternative text for images

• keyboard accessibility

• sufficient colour contrast

• accessible forms and checkout processes

The review is based on the four core WCAG principles: websites must be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. In addition, the authority also checks whether information explaining how the service works is provided in a clear and accessible way.

Accessibility is particularly important in online retail. If key features such as product search or payment are not accessible, people with disabilities may not be able to use these digital services.

What happens if violations are identified?

If accessibility barriers are identified during an audit, the authority can require companies to address them.

Depending on the situation, measures may include:

• deadlines for resolving the issues

• formal orders to implement improvements

• further legal action or sanctions

Companies may be required to fix identified accessibility barriers. If they fail to do so, further regulatory measures may follow — including fines or restrictions on offering the service.

A look across Europe

The developments in Sweden are not an isolated case. In several European countries, enforcement of digital accessibility requirements is beginning to take shape.

In France, for example, the first lawsuits have already been filed against major retailers over insufficient digital accessibility. Among those affected are retailers such as E.Leclerc, Carrefour and Auchan.

Preparations are also underway in Germany to enforce the legal requirements. Auditors are currently being recruited to assess digital services for accessibility on behalf of the market surveillance authorities of the German federal states.

These examples make one thing clear: digital accessibility is no longer a distant future issue in Europe. Authorities, organisations and affected users are increasingly beginning to actively enforce the legal requirements.

What companies should do now

For businesses, this means one thing above all: when barriers are identified, they often need to be addressed quickly. Companies that already understand where accessibility barriers exist can respond much faster if audits or complaints arise.

A structured analysis helps to:

• identify accessibility barriers systematically

• prioritise the necessary improvements

• plan implementation across teams

• document progress and corrective measures clearly

This documentation can be crucial during an audit. It demonstrates that a company takes accessibility seriously and is actively working to make its digital services more inclusive.

Digital accessibility is therefore increasingly becoming a matter of organisation and preparation. Companies that analyse and document accessibility barriers early are far better prepared if audits or complaints occur.

The developments in Sweden send a clear signal: waiting is not a strategy. Organisations that understand their barriers and can document a clear remediation roadmap are in a much stronger position when audits take place.

Eye-Able helps you systematically identify digital accessibility barriers and document progress in a legally compliant way.

Let’s take a look together at how accessible your digital services currently are.