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EN 301 549: The EU Accessibility Standard Explained

A plain-English guide to EN 301 549 and what it means for European organizations, including key requirements and compliance tips.

EN 301 549 is the European standard for digital accessibility. This guide breaks down what it means for your organization and how to comply.

1. What is EN 301 549?

EN 301 549 is a European standard that defines accessibility requirements for ICT products and services:

  • Applies to websites, software, and hardware
  • Based on WCAG 2.1 Level AA
  • Mandatory for public sector organizations
  • Voluntary for private sector

2. Key Requirements

Essential compliance areas:

  • Perceivable content (text, images, audio)
  • Operable interfaces (keyboard, touch)
  • Understandable information and UI
  • Robust and compatible technology

3. Compliance Steps

How to meet EN 301 549:

  • Audit your digital products
  • Implement WCAG 2.1 Level AA
  • Test with assistive technologies
  • Document compliance efforts

4. Benefits of Compliance

Why comply with EN 301 549:

  • Legal compliance in the EU
  • Improved user experience
  • Broader market reach
  • Enhanced brand reputation

Implementation Steps

  1. Assess Your Products

    Audit your digital products against EN 301 549 requirements.

  2. Plan Remediation

    Identify and prioritize accessibility improvements.

  3. Implement Changes

    Make your products compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

  4. Test and Validate

    Verify compliance with assistive technologies and user testing.

Conclusion

EN 301 549 is a crucial standard for digital accessibility in Europe. By following WCAG 2.1 Level AA, you can ensure your products are accessible to all users.