Who is required to follow EN 301 549?

EN 301 549 applies to public sector organizations across the European Union, but it also affects private companies—especially vendors or service providers working with government entities or offering digital products in EU markets.

Do U.S.-based companies need to worry about EN 301 549?

Yes. If your business provides digital services, software, or websites accessed by users in the EU—or contracts with European government agencies—you may be expected to meet EN 301 549 accessibility standards.

What kinds of products or services are evaluated under EN 301 549?

Any digital content or technology—such as websites, mobile apps, PDFs, software platforms, and video content—may be evaluated for compliance. EN 301 549 covers the full spectrum of digital communication tools.

How does EN 301 549 relate to U.S. laws like the ADA or Section 508?

While EN 301 549 is a European standard, it aligns with many of the same principles found in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508. Businesses aiming for global compliance can often build toward both simultaneously.

What does an accessibility statement need to include under EN 301 549?

An accessibility statement should outline the level of conformance, describe known limitations, offer contact methods for reporting accessibility issues, and commit to ongoing updates—typically refreshed every three years.

Can accessibility improvements for EN 301 549 benefit all users?

Yes. Enhancements like better navigation, clear content structure, and alternative text often make websites easier to use for everyone—not just people with disabilities. Accessibility improvements frequently lead to a better overall user experience.

What are the consequences of non-compliance in EU procurement?

Organizations that fail to meet EN 301 549 standards may be excluded from public contracts, face legal action, or lose credibility with European partners and clients. Compliance is often a baseline requirement in vendor assessments.

Can A11Y Pros support multi-region compliance strategies?

Absolutely. A11Y Pros helps businesses navigate both U.S. and international accessibility standards. Whether you’re aiming to comply with EN 301 549, WCAG, ADA, or Section 508, we’ll guide your team with practical solutions for global accessibility success. <a href="/contact-us">Contact us</a> today to begin the conversation!

EN 301 549: The European Standard for Digital Accessibility

At A11Y Pros, we are committed to staying at the forefront of international accessibility compliance standards, including EN 301 549—the European Union’s benchmark for digital accessibility in public sector procurement. Our team closely monitors evolving regulations to ensure our clients are prepared to meet global accessibility requirements. For American businesses that operate in or serve users within the European Union, EN 301 549 can have a direct impact. Websites, applications, and digital services must align with this standard to be considered accessible and legally compliant in EU markets. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to legal challenges, contract disqualifications, or reputational damage. A11Y Pros helps U.S.-based organizations navigate these regulations with confidence, ensuring their digital experiences meet both American and European standards for accessibility.

What is EN 301 549?

EN 301 549 is the European Union’s official standard for digital accessibility in information and communication technologies (ICT). Developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), this standard is titled “Accessibility requirements suitable for public procurement of ICT products and services in Europe.” It plays a key role in ensuring that digital tools and platforms are accessible to individuals with disabilities across the EU.

The scope of EN 301 549 spans a wide range of digital products and services, including websites, software applications, mobile apps, multimedia content, and electronic documents. Its primary goal is to guarantee that people with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive impairments can independently and effectively interact with digital services.

How EN 301 549 Supports Accessibility in Europe

EN 301 549 outlines specific technical and functional requirements to make ICT accessible. These include provisions related to:

Alternative text for images
Captions and transcripts for video and audio content
Keyboard navigation and focus indicators
Sufficient color contrast
Logical structure and readable content

The framework is largely based on the WCAG 2.1 guidelines published by the W3C, promoting international consistency in accessibility standards. Public and semi-public organizations across the EU are expected to comply, and are required to publish and maintain an accessibility statement that is updated at least every three years.

The standard is also central to public procurement. Any ICT solutions purchased by public sector entities must demonstrate compliance with EN 301 549 to be eligible. This ensures accessibility is prioritized across all digital solutions acquired by European governments.

EN 301 549 & the EU Web Accessibility Directive (WAD)

EN 301 549 works in tandem with the Web Accessibility Directive (WAD). While EN 301 549 lays out the technical accessibility requirements, WAD mandates that public sector websites and mobile applications across EU member states follow those rules. This partnership promotes a unified and inclusive digital environment for European citizens.

Compliance Deadlines:

New public websites: Compliance required since September 23, 2019

All existing public websites: Required by September 23, 2020

Public sector mobile apps: Compliance required by June 23, 2021

Key Benefits of EN 301 549 Compliance

Promotes Inclusive Access

Making digital content accessible ensures that individuals with disabilities can independently access vital information and services. It supports equal participation in the digital world, enhancing social inclusion and opportunity.

Expands Digital Reach

Accessible digital platforms are usable by a wider audience—including individuals with temporary impairments, aging populations, and those using assistive technologies like screen readers or voice input devices. This can increase engagement, conversions, and customer loyalty.

Reduces Legal Exposure

Non-compliance with accessibility standards can lead to complaints or legal actions. Meeting EN 301 549 requirements helps organizations minimize legal risks by proactively addressing potential barriers.

Enhances User Experience

Many accessibility best practices—such as improved contrast, clear headings, and keyboard support—also create a more intuitive experience for all users. These enhancements make digital interactions smoother, faster, and more satisfying.

Improves SEO Performance

Structured, accessible content often aligns with search engine optimization best practices. Clear HTML structure, alt text, and semantic markup not only aid screen reader users but also improve how content is indexed and ranked by search engines.

Builds Brand Trust and Responsibility

Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility reinforces your organization’s dedication to equity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility. This not only boosts your reputation but also builds trust with users, clients, and partners.