EN 301 549
The harmonised European standard for ICT accessibility — V3.2.1. Mandated by the European Accessibility Act and the Web Accessibility Directive.
What is EN 301 549?
EN 301 549 is the European standard that defines technical accessibility requirements for ICT products and services — websites, mobile apps, software, hardware, and documents. It incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA by reference (Chapter 9 for web, Chapter 10 for documents, Chapter 11 for software) and adds requirements beyond WCAG for hardware and communication services.
Chapters & Annexes
Chapter 4 — Functional Performance Statements
9 statements covering vision, hearing, speech, cognition, and physical operation. Establishes the accessibility floor for all ICT.
Read chapter →Chapter 5 — Generic Requirements
Closed functionality, biometric requirements, privacy, and cognitive requirements that apply across all ICT product types.
Read chapter →Chapter 8 — Hardware
Physical ICT requirements including operable parts, display size, keypad layouts, and tactile indicators.
Read chapter →Chapter 10 — Non-web Documents
Accessibility requirements for documents (PDF, Office) that are not web pages but are distributed electronically.
Read chapter →Chapter 11 — Software
Requirements for software with a user interface — includes user preferences, assistive technology interoperability, and authoring tools.
Read chapter →Chapter 12 — ICT with Communication
Real-time text, voice telephony relay services, video communication, and captioning requirements.
Read chapter →Annex C — Determination of Conformity
Normative test methodology. Maps each requirement to a specific test procedure. Required for formal conformity assessment.
Read chapter →V3.2.1 → V4.1.1 Evolution Tracker
Key changes between the current standard and the upcoming V4.1.1 revision. Understand what's changing and when.
Read chapter →EN 17161 — Design for All
The companion standard for accessible procurement and design-for-all methodology. Relevant for public sector buyers.
Read chapter →Relationship to WCAG
Meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA satisfies Chapter 9 of EN 301 549. However, the full standard also covers hardware, communication services, and documents — areas WCAG does not address.
View full WCAG 2.2 reference →