EN 301 549 Compliance Checker & Accessibility Audit
Test your website against European accessibility standard EN 301 549. Required for public sector and expanding to private sector.
What is European Standard EN 301 549?
EN 301 549 is the European standard for digital accessibility, used to assess compliance with the EU Web Accessibility Directive and the upcoming European Accessibility Act. It incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content and extends accessibility requirements to software, hardware, and documents. The standard is mandatory for public sector bodies in EU member states and will expand to private sector products and services under the European Accessibility Act by 2025.
Timeline
EN 301 549 v3.2.1 current (2021). Web Accessibility Directive compliance required. European Accessibility Act applies from June 28, 2025.
Key EN 301 549 Requirements
Web content must conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA
Non-web documents must be accessible
Software must be accessible (extends beyond web)
Hardware with screens must be accessible
Two-way voice communication must be accessible
Video capabilities must include accessibility features
ICT providing relay or emergency services requirements
Functional performance statements for various disabilities
Who Must Comply with EN 301 549?
EU public sector bodies (Web Accessibility Directive)
Public sector websites and mobile apps
Private sector under European Accessibility Act (2025)
E-commerce services targeting EU consumers (EAA)
Banking and financial services (EAA)
Transport services (EAA)
E-books and e-readers (EAA)
Telecommunications and media services
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Member state enforcement varies
Fines for non-compliance (vary by country)
Required accessibility statements
Public reporting of compliance status
User complaints to enforcement bodies
Potential exclusion from public procurement
EAA will introduce private sector penalties
How A11yScan Helps with EN 301 549 Compliance
Automated Testing
Comprehensive automated testing against all EN 301 549 requirements
Guided Testing
Manual testing workflows for criteria requiring human judgment
VPAT Generation
Generate EN 301 549 compliance documentation and VPATs
Monitoring
Continuous monitoring to maintain EN 301 549 compliance
Frequently Asked Questions: EN 301 549
What is the difference between EN 301 549 and WCAG?
EN 301 549 incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content but extends beyond websites to cover software, hardware, documents, and telecommunications. It's the comprehensive European ICT accessibility standard.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) extends accessibility requirements to private sector products and services from June 2025. It covers e-commerce, banking, transport, e-books, computers, smartphones, and more. EN 301 549 is the presumed compliance standard.
Do non-EU companies need to comply with EN 301 549?
If you sell to EU public sector bodies or, after 2025, provide covered services to EU consumers, you'll need EN 301 549 compliance. The EAA applies to products/services available in the EU market regardless of company location.
What is an accessibility statement?
The Web Accessibility Directive requires public sector bodies to publish accessibility statements detailing conformance status, inaccessible content, feedback mechanisms, and enforcement procedures. Templates are provided by the EU.
How does EN 301 549 handle mobile apps?
EN 301 549 includes specific requirements for software including mobile apps. It incorporates WCAG for web views and adds platform-specific accessibility requirements. The Web Accessibility Directive explicitly covers mobile apps.
Related Compliance Standards
WCAG 2.1 AA
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WCAG 2.2
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ADA Compliance
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EN 301 549 Compliance by Industry
Explore industry-specific EN 301 549 compliance requirements, common issues, and remediation guidance.
Healthcare EN 301 549 Compliance
Ensure your healthcare website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
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Ensure your finance website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
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Ensure your e-commerce website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
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Ensure your education website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreGovernment EN 301 549 Compliance
Ensure your government website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreLegal EN 301 549 Compliance
Ensure your legal website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
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Ensure your real estate website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreInsurance EN 301 549 Compliance
Ensure your insurance website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
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Ensure your travel website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
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