ČOI inspections and e-shop accessibility: what Q2 2026 showed
· 5 min read
The Czech Trade Inspection Authority (Česká obchodní inspekce, ČOI) checks the accessibility of e-shops under Act No. 424/2023 Coll. In the second quarter of 2026 it carried out 47 inspections focused on the accessibility of online shop websites and found a breach of the act in 10 of them. In this article we explain what the numbers mean, how ČOI selects e-shops and how to prepare for an inspection.
What ČOI published
ČOI regularly publishes the results of its inspections of online sales. In its report for the second quarter of 2026, released in August 2026, it states that the inspection campaign also covered compliance with the accessibility requirements for e-commerce services under Act No. 424/2023 Coll.
Key numbers:
- 47 inspections focused on the accessibility of online shop websites,
- 10 inspections in which a breach of Act No. 424/2023 Coll. was found.
In that report ČOI reminds readers that the act requires online shop operators to make sure their websites and mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities or other limitations as well.
How to read the numbers
At first glance it looks as if roughly one e-shop in five has a problem. That reading is not accurate, for two reasons.
The selection is not random. ČOI states in its report that, based on initial screening, it focuses on online shops that are likely not to be meeting their obligations. Inspections are based on complaints, its own research and earlier inspection activity. So the results mainly describe shops with risk indicators, not the market as a whole.
The report does not describe specific errors. The public report does not tell us which accessibility shortcomings the inspectors found. So we will not speculate about them.
What the numbers do show for certain: accessibility is a regular part of e-shop inspections, and ČOI looks at it alongside pre-contractual information, complaints about defective goods and withdrawal from the contract.
What about fines?
Act No. 424/2023 Coll. allows fines of up to CZK 10,000,000 for some offences. The ČOI report for Q2 also gives the total number of final fines from the inspection campaign, but these cover all the inspected regulations together, not accessibility specifically. As of October 2026 we have not found confirmed fines imposed on e-shops specifically for accessibility in verified sources.
That is why we talk about the topic soberly: inspections are taking place, customers can file complaints, and with that the risk of proceedings grows. Scaring people with large fines does not help. Knowing the state of your website does.
Why ČOI might take an interest in your e-shop
ČOI states that it opens inspections based on, among other things, complaints. A customer who cannot complete an order because the form does not work with a screen reader can file a complaint. Another source is the authority's own research. In practice, the e-shops most in view are those:
- with visible problems in the checkout process,
- with customer complaints,
- without accessibility information in their terms and conditions.
What ČOI looks at in e-shop inspections in general
Accessibility checks do not happen in isolation. They take place within a wider inspection campaign focused on online sales. In the same report ČOI also describes the most common breaches of other regulations, for example shortcomings in pre-contractual information, in handling claims for defective goods or in information about withdrawal from the contract. As an example it also mentions the obligation to label the order button with the words “objednávka zavazující k platbě” (order with obligation to pay) or another unambiguous wording.
For an e-shop operator the practical takeaway is this: if inspectors come to you about your terms and conditions or complaints handling, they may look at accessibility too, and vice versa. It pays to have both in order at the same time. Incidentally, the “order with obligation to pay” button is also an important element from an accessibility point of view: it must have readable text, sufficient contrast and must be operable with a keyboard.
ČOI also states that inspections of online shops are among the most demanding in terms of time and expertise, and that inspecting the online environment will remain a priority in the coming period.
How to prepare for an inspection
1. Check whether the act applies to you
If you are a microenterprise (fewer than 10 employees and at the same time turnover or balance sheet total of no more than EUR 2 million), the act does not apply to your services. You will find the steps in the article who the law applies to.
2. Map the state of your website
Run an automated check of your key pages and a short manual keyboard test. Focus on the path from the product to payment. You will find the list of checks in the WCAG 2.2 checklist.
3. Fix priorities and document it
Fix first what blocks a purchase. Keep the check reports and the fix plan. If ČOI gets in touch, you will have evidence that you handle accessibility systematically.
4. Publish accessibility information
Section 14(1) of the act requires you to state in your terms and conditions or a similar document how the service meets the accessibility requirements. See the guide to accessibility information.
5. Have a contact for customers who hit a barrier
A customer who runs into a problem should have an easy way to contact you and complete the order another way. A satisfied customer has no reason to file a complaint.
6. Monitor the state continuously
An inspection can come at any time, not only after a redesign. A regular automated check catches new errors after a theme or plugin update before a customer finds them.
Summary
- ČOI inspects the accessibility of e-shops. In Q2 2026 it carried out 47 inspections and found breaches in 10.
- It selects e-shops by risk, so the ratio does not describe the whole market.
- We have not yet found confirmed fines for accessibility, but inspections and complaints are happening.
- The best preparation is to know the state of your website, fix priorities, publish accessibility information and keep monitoring.
You will find the full legal framework in the guide to Act No. 424/2023 Coll. Our service helps you map the state of your site, set priorities and keep monitoring. It is an automated check, not a full audit, and it is not legal advice. Start with a free check of one page.
Sources
- Czech Trade Inspection Authority, online sales inspections for Q2 2026: coi.gov.cz
- Act No. 424/2023 Coll.: e-Sbírka