EN 301 549 is the European harmonized standard for ICT accessibility, published by ETSI. It provides technical requirements for websites, mobile apps, software, PDFs, and hardware (ATMs, kiosks). For web content, Chapter 9 maps directly to WCAG 2.1 AA. It is the technical reference standard for the EU Web Accessibility Directive and the European Accessibility Act.

Is EN 301 549 the same as WCAG?

Not exactly. EN 301 549 incorporates WCAG 2.1 AA by reference in Chapter 9 (web), but extends coverage to non-web content (documents, software, telecoms, hardware) in chapters 10–13. Chapter 9 criteria are identical to WCAG 2.1 success criteria. Organizations auditing web content can treat EN 301 549 Chapter 9 as equivalent to WCAG 2.1 AA.

When will EN 301 549 v4.1.1 be published?

EN 301 549 v4.1.1 is anticipated for October 2026, following publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The main changes include: (1) updating the WCAG reference from 2.1 to 2.2 (adding 6 new Level AA criteria); (2) enhanced real-time text requirements; (3) harmonization with EAA product requirements. Until v4.1.1 is cited in the OJ, v3.2.1 remains the normative harmonized standard.

Does EN 301 549 cover mobile apps?

Yes. Chapter 11 of EN 301 549 ('Non-web software') covers native mobile applications (iOS, Android). It maps WCAG principles to platform-specific accessibility APIs. Mobile app compliance requires testing with platform tools (Accessibility Inspector on iOS, TalkBack on Android) in addition to automated web scanning.

Who must comply with EN 301 549?

EU public sector bodies must comply under the Web Accessibility Directive (WAD, 2016/2102). Private sector companies in scope of the EAA (e-commerce, banking, transport, telecoms, audiovisual, e-books targeting EU consumers) must comply from 28 June 2025. Hardware manufacturers who self-declare CE marking for ICT products should also reference EN 301 549.

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EN 301 549

EN 301 549 (European Standard for 'Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services') is published by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) and provides the technical specifications that underpin EU accessibility legislation. Version 3.2.1 (2021) is the current harmonized standard. It references WCAG 2.1 AA in Chapter 9 (web content), and adds requirements in Chapter 10 (non-web documents), Chapter 11 (non-web software), Chapter 12 (documentation and support services), and Chapter 13 (ICT services involving real-time communication). The standard covers the widest scope of any major accessibility standard — websites, mobile apps, PDFs, desktop software, ATMs, ticketing machines, and telecoms services.

Status

ETSI / European Commission

In force

2021 (v3.2.1)

Auto coverage

~35 %

Detailed coverage

What ScanAccess detects on EN 301 549

9.1.1.1Non-text Content (Chapter 9 — Web)Auto
9.1.4.3Contrast (Minimum) — WebAuto
10.1.1.1Non-text Content (Chapter 10 — Documents)Auto
11.1.1.1Non-text Content (Chapter 11 — Software)Auto
9.2.1.1Keyboard Accessible — WebAuto
9.4.1.2Name, Role, Value — WebAuto
12.1.1Accessibility documentationManual
13.1Real-time text (RTT)Manual
9.2.4.3Focus Order — WebAuto
9.3.3.1Error Identification — WebAuto

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