EN 301 549 Compliance: European Accessibility Standards Explained
EN 301 549 is the European standard for ICT (Information and Communications Technology) accessibility. As the technical standard underlying the European Accessibility Act (EAA), EN 301 549 compliance becomes mandatory for products and services sold in the EU market beginning June 2025.
This guide explains EN 301 549 requirements, its relationship to WCAG and the EAA, and implementation guidance for compliance.
Understanding EN 301 549
What Is EN 301 549?
EN 301 549 is a harmonized European standard defining accessibility requirements for ICT products and services:
Scope:
- Websites and web applications
- Mobile applications
- Software
- Hardware
- Documentation and support services
- Electronic documents
Basis: EN 301 549 incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content while adding requirements for non-web ICT.
Relationship to Other Standards
EN 301 549 and WCAG:
- EN 301 549 adopts WCAG 2.1 for web content
- Adds additional requirements for non-web ICT
- Includes hardware and software requirements
EN 301 549 and EAA:
- EAA is the EU directive requiring accessibility
- EN 301 549 is the technical standard demonstrating compliance
- Following EN 301 549 creates presumption of EAA conformity
EN 301 549 and Section 508:
- Similar scope to U.S. Section 508
- Both reference WCAG for web content
- EN 301 549 has additional European-specific requirements
EAA Compliance Timeline
Key Dates
June 28, 2025: EAA enforcement begins. Products and services must be accessible.
June 28, 2027: Service provider transition period ends.
Who Must Comply
Products:
- Computers and operating systems
- Smartphones and tablets
- E-readers
- Payment terminals
- Self-service terminals (ATMs, ticketing)
Services:
- E-commerce
- Banking services
- Electronic communications
- Transport services
- E-books and e-book software
Web Accessibility Requirements
WCAG 2.1 Level AA
EN 301 549 requires WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content, including:
Perceivable:
- Text alternatives
- Captions and audio description
- Adaptable content
- Distinguishable presentation
Operable:
- Keyboard accessible
- Enough time
- Seizure prevention
- Navigable
- Input modalities
Understandable:
- Readable
- Predictable
- Input assistance
Robust:
- Compatible with assistive technologies
Additional Web Requirements
Beyond WCAG, EN 301 549 adds:
Biometric identification: Alternatives to biometric authentication must be provided.
Preservation of accessibility: User-generated content tools must support accessibility.
Non-Web Requirements
Mobile Applications
Similar requirements to web, adapted for mobile:
- Platform accessibility API usage
- Gesture alternatives
- Screen reader compatibility
- Touch target sizing
Software Requirements
Desktop and installed software must:
- Support platform accessibility features
- Provide keyboard access
- Work with screen readers
- Have accessible documentation
Hardware Requirements
Physical products must consider:
- Operable controls
- Tactile identification
- Audio output options
- Physical dimensions
Documentation Requirements
Accessibility Statement
EN 301 549 requires accessibility documentation:
Required elements:
- Conformance status
- Non-accessible content (with reasons)
- Feedback mechanism
- Enforcement procedure link
Product Documentation
User documentation must be accessible:
- Available in accessible formats
- Describes accessibility features
- Explains how to use accessibility
Implementation for Web Properties
Step 1: Gap Assessment
Evaluate against WCAG 2.1 AA plus EN 301 549 additions:
- Conduct accessibility audit
- Document current conformance
- Identify gaps
Step 2: Remediation
Address identified issues:
- Prioritize by impact
- Implement fixes
- Verify improvements
Step 3: Documentation
Create required documentation:
- Accessibility statement
- Conformance documentation
- Feedback mechanism
Step 4: Monitoring
Maintain compliance:
- Continuous monitoring
- Regular reassessment
- Update documentation
VPAT/ACR for EN 301 549
Template
Use VPAT 2.x EU edition covering EN 301 549 requirements.
Documentation
Report conformance to EN 301 549 functional performance criteria and technical requirements.
Taking Action
EN 301 549 compliance is essential for EU market access. With EAA enforcement beginning June 2025, organizations must assess conformance, remediate gaps, and establish ongoing compliance processes.
TestParty provides monitoring and tooling to achieve and maintain EN 301 549 web accessibility requirements.
Schedule a TestParty demo and get a 14-day compliance implementation plan.
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