While the European Accessibility Act (EAA) sets the legal mandate for accessibility in the EU, the EN 301 549 standard provides the technical "how-to." It is the harmonized European standard that specifies the functional accessibility requirements for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products and services.
Developed by the European standards organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI), EN 301 549 serves as the primary framework for demonstrating compliance with EU accessibility laws, including the EAA and the Web Accessibility Directive (WAD). Think of it as the official rulebook for building accessible technology in Europe.
What Is the Scope of EN 301 549?
One of the key differences between EN 301 549 and other standards like WCAG is its broad scope. While WCAG focuses primarily on web content, EN 301 549 applies to a much wider range of ICT products and services, such as :
- Websites and mobile applications
- Software and operating systems
- Hardware, including computers, ATMs, self-service kiosks, and smartphones
- Electronic documents
- Two-way voice communication services
This comprehensive approach ensures that accessibility is considered across the entire digital and physical technology ecosystem, not just on a webpage.
The Relationship Between EN 301 549 and WCAG
This is a critical point of clarification. EN 301 549 does not replace WCAG; it incorporates it. Specifically, the latest version of EN 301 549 includes the full text of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA for all web-related content.
This means:
- If your website is compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA, you have already met the core web requirements of EN 301 549.
- However, EN 301 549 contains additional requirements that are not found in WCAG. These apply to non-web ICT, such as hardware accessibility (e.g., tactile feedback), software interoperability, and accessible documentation.
Therefore, while WCAG conformance is the foundation, full EN 301 549 conformance requires addressing this broader set of criteria.
Why Is EN 301 549 Legally Significant?
While EN 301 549 is a technical standard and not a law itself, it is the recognized method for achieving a "presumption of conformity" with EU accessibility laws. By adhering to EN 301 549, an organization can demonstrate to national authorities that it has taken the necessary technical steps to comply with its legal obligations under the EAA.
Failure to align with this standard leaves a business vulnerable to penalties, as it would be difficult to prove that the functional requirements of the law have been met.
Achieving Conformance with Confidence
Navigating the nuances of EN 301 549 and its relationship with WCAG can be complex. The standard is detailed and technical, but its principles are clear: technology should be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for everyone.
At Wawsome, our platform is built to simplify this complexity. We provide comprehensive solutions that address the full spectrum of WCAG 2.1 AA criteria—the core of EN 301 549's web requirements—helping you build a foundation of compliance and move with confidence in the European market.