As accessibility regulations tighten on both sides of the Atlantic, international businesses are seeking digital solutions which ensure compliance across all of their markets.
One important tool to ensure this global conformance is a voluntary product accessibility template, or VPAT. This document allows businesses to quickly illustrate their level of accessibility to partners across the world.
What is a VPAT?
VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template.
In simple terms, it is a document that explains how well a digital product meets recognised accessibility standards. It helps businesses give customers, buyers, and partners a clearer picture of how accessible their website, platform, app, or software is. Technically the VPAT is a template, and the completed template is referred to as an ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report).
A VPAT is often used when accessibility is part of a buying decision. Instead of simply saying a product is accessible, the business can provide a document that sets this out in a more formal and consistent way.
It is worth noting that a VPAT is not a certificate. It does not mean a product has officially been approved. It is simply a standard format for self-reporting on accessibility.
Types of VPAT
There are different types of VPAT depending on which standards or markets a business needs to address.
Some of the most common versions include:
WCAG VPAT
This is used to report against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which are the standards most people refer to when talking about digital accessibility. These guidelines are central to accessibility conformance in both the EU and USA.
Section 508 VPAT
This is most relevant in the United States, especially when selling to government bodies or organisations connected to public sector procurement. Many government bodies will need some form of VPAT to consider vendors for public contracts.
VPAT 2.5 Rev INT
For those who want a “one size fits all” option to use across every regulatory environment, the VPAT 2.5 Rev INT combines each requirement into one document that can be used in the EU, the USA, and elsewhere.
This document will take slightly longer to complete, but will be easier to maintain over time, and will allow for seamless international integration.
Increased accessibility requirements in Europe and the USA
Underpinning the importance of the VPAT is the increased regulatory pressure for businesses in both Europe and America. Following the implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in June 2025, EU businesses are already facing legal challenges for inaccessible digital platforms. Four leading French supermarkets are currently embroiled in legal action over their inaccessible online shops.
Meanwhile legislation in the USA is also advancing, with Title II of the ADA being enforced against large public bodies from April 2026 onwards. To see what you need to be conformant with the ADA, you can read our recent article on the subject here.
Which businesses need a VPAT?
Not every business will need a VPAT straight away. But it can be very useful for organisations that sell digital products or services and need to show that accessibility has been properly considered.
A VPAT is most likely to be relevant for businesses that:
- sell software, apps, platforms, or other digital services
- work with enterprise clients or public sector organisations
- operate across Europe and the United States
- respond to tenders, procurement requests, or due diligence questionnaires
- are increasingly being asked about accessibility by clients or partners
For many businesses, the need for a VPAT becomes clear when accessibility starts coming up in sales conversations. If buyers are asking for evidence, having a VPAT ready can make those conversations much easier.
Where to begin
The accessibility journey of each business is unique, and depends on your specific product, customers, and market reach.
To learn more about your options, and begin building an inclusive and effective digital platform, reach out to our team today. We’d love to hear from you!