In the push for higher conversion rates, developers often implement vibrant product labels to highlight sales or new arrivals. However, these visual cues often become barriers for users with visual or cognitive impairments. For Magento developers, creating magento accessibility labels is no longer just a best practice - it is a legal necessity under the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which becomes mandatory for e-commerce in June 2025. Integrating digital accessibility principles into your merchandising strategy is essential for an inclusive and legally compliant storefront.
This guide explores the technical considerations for making product labels accessible and explains how qoliber Product Labels Pro provides the structural foundation needed to maintain compliance with WCAG 2.2 standards without sacrificing visual impact.
Table of Contents
- 1. Legal Landscape: EAA and Magento 2
- 2. Advanced Contrast and Perception (WCAG 2.2)
- 3. Semantic HTML and ARIA Roles
- 4. How qoliber Product Labels Pro Supports Accessibility
1. Legal Landscape: EAA and Magento 2
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates that e-commerce platforms operating in the EU must be accessible. This means every element on the page, including product labels, must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (POUR). In the context of online stores, this translates to labels that are not just visible, but also readable by assistive technologies like screen readers and navigable via keyboard.
Technical Requirements for EAA:
- Keyboard Navigability: Labels that trigger tooltips or links must be focusable via keyboard (Tab key).
- Predictable Layout: Product labels must not interfere with the logical reading order or create unexpected focus traps.
- Consistent Identification: Labels used for similar purposes (e.g., "Discount" vs "Sale") must be identified consistently across the store.
2. Advanced Contrast and Perception (WCAG 2.2)
The most common accessibility failure in Magento product labels is poor color contrast. WCAG 2.2 emphasizes the need for high contrast not just for text, but also for graphical elements that convey meaning. Labels like "Sale" must provide enough distinction for users with low vision or color blindness to distinguish the label from the product image behind it.
Technical Checklist for Visuals:
- Contrast Ratios: Maintain a minimum of 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for large text or graphical UI components.
- Non-Color Cues: Ensure that labels use shapes or text in addition to color to convey meaning (e.g., a "New" label should contain the word, not just a blue dot).
- Text Resizing: Labels must remain fully functional and legible when the browser is zoomed up to 400% (WCAG 2.2 Reflow).
3. Semantic HTML and ARIA Roles
For users relying on screen readers, a visually floating label is invisible unless it is properly described in the DOM. magento accessibility labels must be part of the accessibility tree. Simply placing a div over an image is insufficient; the element needs clear semantic context to be robust.
Implementation Tactics:
- ARIA Labels: Use aria-label to provide a clear description (e.g., aria-label="Discount: 20 percent off") so screen readers announce the benefit immediately.
- Live Regions: If labels update dynamically (e.g., a "Low Stock" label that appears based on selection), use aria-live="polite" to inform the user of the change.
- HTML5 Semantics: Wrap labels in appropriate tags like to indicate their nature as highlighted information.
4. How qoliber Product Labels Pro Supports Accessibility
The qoliber Product Labels Pro extension is designed with frontend flexibility in mind, making it easier for developers to implement Magento accessibility labels that meet EAA standards. Unlike rigid modules that inject unchangeable HTML, qoliber allows for full template customization to include necessary ARIA attributes and semantic markers.
Developer Benefits:
- Customizable Templates: Easily inject dynamic aria-labels based on rule conditions (e.g., stock level or discount percentage).
- Zero CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift): Labels are rendered server-side (SSR), ensuring that they do not shift the layout—a key requirement for cognitive accessibility and WCAG performance.
- Hyvä and Alpine.js Ready: The lightweight architecture ensures that adding accessibility metadata doesn't bloat the code, maintaining a fast and responsive UX for all users.
Conclusion
Accessibility is a cornerstone of modern Magento development, especially with the EAA deadline approaching. By treating product labels as critical data points that must be perceived by everyone, developers can build a more robust and inclusive shopping experience. Using high-quality tools like qoliber Product Labels Pro allows you to combine high-conversion merchandising with strict digital accessibility standards. When labels are both visually striking and technically accessible, they fulfill their ultimate goal: helping every customer navigate your store with ease.
Explore qoliber’s Hyvä-compatible ecosystem - performance-first, compliance-ready.
Article updated April, 2026
Aleksandra "Ola" Czapiewska, née Kijewska
Sorceress of Projects & Wonders
Introducing Ola, a marketing mastermind with nearly two decades of expertise in transforming data into dynamic marketing strategies. Her remarkable track record includes transformative roles at Burda Media Polska, Polska Press Grupa, TIM S.A., and Media Saturn Holding. These positions have seen her launch and lead marketing initiatives that dramatically increased engagement and sales.
A certified Google Partner proficient in top marketing automation platforms like SalesManago and iPresso, Ola has consistently delivered solutions that enhance online visibility and propel business growth.
Currently at qoliber as the 'Sorceress of Projects & Wonders,' she expertly drives projects that surpass expectations, delivering top-notch product quality and securing a formidable market stance.