EN 301 549 Accessibility Standards for ICT Products and Services
The EN 301 549 standard is the European benchmark for making Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services and products accessible to people with disabilities. Adopted by means of the European Union under the Web Accessibility Directive, it guarantees that digital services, websites, apps, software, and hardware meet specific accessibility standards.
If your company provides ICT products or services in Europe (or serves EU users), understanding and implementing EN 301 549 accessibility requirements is not optional; it’s a legal and ethical responsibility.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What the accessibility standard EN 301 549 covers
- How it relates to WCAG 2.1 and 2.2
- Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services
- Compliance steps and best practices
- Tools like Accessibility Assistant that make compliance easier
What Is the EN 301 549 Standard?
The EN 301 549 standard is the European harmonized accessibility standard designed for ICT products and services compliance, developed collaboratively by ETSI, CEN, and CENELEC. It establishes vital accessibility requirements, especially around web accessibility directive EN 301 549—integrating globally recognized guidelines like WCAG 2.1 AA, while extending its application beyond traditional web content.
The EN 301 549 standard is the European harmonized accessibility standard designed for ICT products and services, developed collaboratively by way of ETSI, CEN, and CENELEC. It establishes important accessibility requirements, specifically around the web accessibility directive EN 301 549, integrating globally recognized recommendations like WCAG 2.1 AA, at the same time as extending its software beyond conventional web content.
Key Scope Areas:
- Web Content & Mobile Apps: Fully integrates WCAG 2.1 AA into clause 9.2, ensuring web content meets recognized accessibility benchmarks.
- Software & Digital Documents: Incorporates WCAG2ICT guidelines, offering tailored success criteria for documents, apps, and interactive software interfaces.
- ICT Hardware & Telecom Tools: Covers accessibility for devices like kiosks, ATMs, and telecom systems—features that go beyond web and software layers.
- General Accessibility Features: Includes provisions like closed functionality, biometric support (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition), and the preservation of accessibility settings in conversions.
Why EN 301 549 Accessibility Requirements Matter
Understanding the importance of EN 301 549 is vital, not simplest for legal compliance but also for handling real-world values. This segment explores the 3 maximum compelling motives to prioritize this European accessibility standard:
1. Legal Compliance with EU Mandates
EN 301 549 helps compliance with both the EU Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA), important legal frameworks under which public-sector bodies and certain non-public entities have to operate. Missing these standards can cause legal consequences, complaints, or reputational damage.
2. Inclusive Access for Millions
Over 87 million people with disabilities live inside the EU, representing around 20–27% of the adult population. Ensuring ICT products and services are accessible, whether or not for customers with visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, or other disabilities, fosters inclusion and fairness.
Almost everyone will experience disability at some point, making accessibility a universal design principle.
3. Market Access & Business Growth
Complying with EN 301 549 isn’t always pretty much avoiding fines; it’s about opening up an extensive marketplace possibility. Accessible ICT reaches a larger customer base, such as older adults and people with disabilities, who are often overlooked.
Moreover, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), powerful June 28, 2025, mandates accessibility throughout a wide range of services and products, from e-commerce platforms to telecom equipment, throughout all member states. This harmonization simplifies cross-border workflows and expands attain.
Key Highlights of the EN 301 549 Accessibility Standard
The EN 301 549 standard is the cornerstone of ICT accessibility compliance in the European Union, providing a harmonized set of requirements that align with both WCAG 2.1 AA and ICT-specific criteria. Whether you’re delivering websites, mobile apps, hardware, or digital services, understanding these quick facts will help ensure your compliance strategy is on track.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Official Name |
EN 301 549 V3.2.1 (March 2021) – next update expected in 2025 (WCAG 2.2 AA) |
Jurisdiction |
European Union (EU) & EEA countries |
Applies To |
Websites, mobile apps, software, hardware, ICT products & services |
Based On |
WCAG 2.1 AA + ICT-specific functional accessibility criteria |
Legal Basis |
EU Web Accessibility Directive & European Accessibility Act (EAA) |
Key Focus |
Accessibility for visual, hearing, cognitive, and motor impairments |
Compliance Deadline |
Varies per directive; EAA full enforcement starts June 28 2025 |
Enforcement Authority |
EU member state-designated bodies & accessibility oversight agencies |
Accessibility Requirements for ICT Products and Services
The EN 301 549 standard defines a complete set of functional accessibility requirements to ensure that ICT products and services compliance is completed throughout all users touchpoints, overlaying net content, mobile apps, software, hardware, and digital documents. Meeting these requirements not longer handiest aligns with the EU Web Accessibility Directive EN 301 549 but also helps worldwide accessibility fine practices.
Web and Mobile Content
- Must conform to WCAG 2.1 AA, with WCAG 2.2 AA strongly recommended for future readiness.
- Fully responsive design for optimal viewing on all devices and orientations.
- Keyboard navigation for all functions, including skip links and visible focus indicators.
- Text alternatives for all non-text content, including icons, infographics, and decorative images.
- Support for orientation changes and reflow without loss of content or functionality.
Software and Applications
- Full compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, and voice recognition tools.
- Consistent navigation patterns and logical focus order to improve usability for all users.
- Clear error identification with suggestions for corrections, especially in forms and data entry fields.
- Avoidance of timeouts unless extendable by the user.
Hardware
- Physical controls that are operable without fine motor skills or tight gripping.
- Audio output alternatives for visual information (e.g., text-to-speech for display content).
- Visual alternatives for audio alerts (e.g., flashing indicators).
- Placement of controls for accessibility from seated and standing positions.
Documents and PDFs
- Tagged PDF structures to ensure screen reader compatibility.=
- Logical reading order is maintained across devices and assistive technology platforms.
- Accessible form fields with proper labels and descriptions.
- Tables with header associations for better comprehension in assistive tools.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving EN 301 549 Standard Compliance
Meeting the EN 301 549 preferred for ICT services and products compliance requires an established method that combines automatic scanning, manual checking, and non-stop monitoring. By following those steps, businesses can align with the accessibility requirements for ICT services and products at the same time as assembly the Web Accessibility Directive EN 301 549 obligations.
Step 1 – Conduct an Accessibility Audit
Start with a comprehensive audit to identify EN 301 549 accessibility requirement gaps. Use both automated and manual testing to ensure full coverage.
- Accessibility Assistant – Shopify → Shopify App
- Accessibility Assistant – WordPress → WordPress Plugin
- Accessibility Assistant – Wix → Wix App
💡 Tip: Use it on your preferred platform and pair it with manual checks to uncover complex accessibility issues that automation alone might miss.
Step 2 – Implement Fixes
Address high-priority issues first:
- Add descriptive alt text for all images.
- Improve color contrast for text, buttons, and interactive elements.
- Fix inaccessible forms by adding labels, instructions, and error messages.
- Ensure keyboard navigation is smooth across the interface.
Step 3 – Test with Assistive Technologies
Validate accessibility by testing with widely used assistive technologies:
- NVDA and JAWS for Windows
- VoiceOver for macOS and iOS
- Switch controls and alternative input devices for users with motor impairments Testing in real-world scenarios ensures compliance beyond just technical benchmarks.
Step 4 – Publish an Accessibility Statement
Post a clear Accessibility Statement on your site or app, detailing:
- Current compliance level (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA + EN 301 549 criteria met)
- Ongoing improvement plans
- Contact details for reporting accessibility concerns
Step 5 – Monitor Continuously
Accessibility is not a one-time effort. Set up real-time monitoring to track changes and fix issues as your site, apps, or ICT products evolve. Tools like Accessibility Assistant offer continuous WCAG and EN 301 549 compliance tracking with actionable reports.
Real-Life Example – EN 301 549 in Action
Intimax, a leading hypermarket retailer in Romania, identified the need to make sure its eCommerce platform complied with EN 301 549 accessibility standards, specially with the developing recognition on inclusive online experiences inside the EU.
Before integrating the Accessibility Assistant App, the Intimax website faced common accessibility challenges:
- Limited compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA color contrast rules
- Missing accessibility cues for interactive elements
- Insufficient compatibility with screen readers
- No centralized accessibility features for users
- Introduced automated accessibility scanning and fixes
- Improved visual contrast to meet EN 301 549 requirements
- Enabled a user-friendly accessibility icon for quick adjustments
- Optimized navigation for both desktop and mobile assistive technologies
A verified review from Intimax highlights their positive experience:
“Super support and the people are open for changes and fixing the things. Thank you! You can use this app, it’s super!” — Intimax, Romania
Impact:
- Boosted accessibility compliance from 69% to 98% within a month
- Enhanced shopping experience for users with visual and mobility impairments
- Built stronger customer trust through commitment to inclusivity
This case proves that EN 301 549 compliance can be both efficient and impactful when using the right accessibility tools.
FAQs About the EN 301 549 Standard
What is the EN 301 549 accessibility standard?
The EN 301 549 standard is the EU’s harmonized accessibility framework for ICT products and services, aligning with WCAG guidelines and extending them to hardware, software, documents, and telecom services.
Is EN 301 549 mandatory?
Yes, it’s mandatory for public sector organizations in the EU and applies to many private entities under the EU Web Accessibility Directive and European Accessibility Act.
What is EN 301 549 closed functionality?
Closed functionality refers to ICT products that cannot be modified by the user—like ATMs or ticket machines—requiring built-in accessibility features to meet the standard.
What is the standard EN 301 549 of the accessible ICT procurement toolkit?
It’s a reference used in public procurement to ensure purchased ICT products and services meet EU accessibility requirements.
What is EN 301 549 in English?
In English, EN 301 549 is simply the European accessibility standard for ICT products and services, ensuring they are usable by people with disabilities.
