In an increasingly digital environment, ensuring that our communications are accessible is not just good practice: it is a legal requirement. The Accessibility Act, both at national and European level, sets out a number of clear requirements and guidelines to ensure that all people, regardless of their abilities, can access information equally.
Why is it crucial to apply these guidelines in customer-facing emails?
An accessible email is a message in HTML format designed so that anyone, regardless of their visual, hearing, cognitive, or motor abilities, can read, understand, and interact with its content using any device or assistive technology.
According to the WHO, more than 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. In Spain, the INE estimates that there are 4.4 million people with a recognized disability. Taking this context into account helps quantify the real impact for B2B decision-makers.
Enhance the impact and design of your invoices or statements by transforming your mandatory mailings into a strategic channel for direct communication through our transactional communications solutions for businesses.
Best practices for accessible Emails
We highlight, by way of summary, some of the obligations and requirements included in Directive (EU) 2019/882, in relation to Accessibility, for communications through the E-mail channel and that affect content, design and programming of resources:
| Accessibility Requirement | Practical description | Area |
|---|---|---|
| HTML Semantic Tags | Proper Use of Structural Tags for Screen Readers | Development |
| Alternative text (alt text) | Descriptions of images, buttons, and links for users with visual impairments | Design / Dev |
| Color Contrast | Minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 between text and background (WCAG AA) | Design |
| Avoid using color as the sole indicator | Do not convey information using color alone (add a label or pattern) | Design |
| Responsive Design | Adaptation to major devices and email clients | Development |
| Clear and direct language | Avoid jargon, long sentences, and ambiguity | Content |
| Accessible Web Version | Alternative link to the web version of the email in case of incompatibility | Development |
| Typographic Hierarchy | Appropriate font sizes in headings and paragraphs to make reading easier | Design |
| No excessive use of capital letters or italics | They make reading difficult for people with low vision or dyslexia | Content |
Complying with the law, but also betting on values that strengthen your brand.
Implementing the Accessibility Act is not just about complying with regulations—it’s about demonstrating that organizations value inclusion, diversity, and respect for all their customers. And it’s about building a brand that listens, adapts, and is committed to providing a fair and inclusive digital experience.
Directive (EU) 2019/882 on accessibility requirements for products and services (the European Accessibility Act) stipulates that digital communications directed at consumers must be accessible. In Spain, the transposition via Royal Decree-Law establishes this obligation for companies with more than 10 employees or more than 2 million euros in revenue. The deadline for mandatory compliance for existing services was June 28, 2025.
Accessibility should not only be seen as a legal obligation, but as a strategic opportunity that expands the market by reducing barriers.
Do you need your emails to be accessible?
At MailComms Group’s Tech-Agency, we can help you verify that your HTML emails comply with this standard and correct them if necessary. These types of adjustments and improvements demonstrate a clear commitment to your customers by providing fairer and more universal access to information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Directive (EU) 2019/882 say about emails?
The Directive stipulates that digital communications from businesses to consumers must comply with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. This includes emails in HTML format: semantic structure, alternative text, adequate color contrast, and compatibility with screen readers.
Which companies are required to ensure accessibility in their emails?
Companies with more than 10 employees or more than 2 million euros in revenue that provide digital services to consumers are required to comply. The deadline for existing services was June 28, 2025. Microenterprises are exempt if they can demonstrate a disproportionate burden.
What happens if a company fails to ensure accessibility in its communications?
Noncompliance can lead to consumer complaints, action by the relevant authority, and administrative penalties. Furthermore, it results in the exclusion of a significant percentage of the target audience, with a consequent impact on the customer experience and brand reputation.
How does an accessible email differ from a standard HTML email?
An accessible email includes proper semantic structure, alternative text for all visual elements, a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1, a validated responsive design, and an alternative web version. A standard HTML email may omit these elements without incurring a technical penalty, but it violates accessibility standards and excludes users with disabilities.
