EN 301 549

What is EN 301 549?

EN 301 549 is the harmonized European standard for accessible information and communication technology (ICT). It is published by ETSI, CEN, and CENELEC and defines accessibility requirements for a broad range of digital products and services.

The current version is EN 301 549 V3.2.1 (2021). EN 301 549 is the link between EU directives and the technical WCAG criteria. It is referenced by all relevant European laws.

What does EN 301 549 cover?

Unlike the WCAG, which focuses on web content, EN 301 549 covers the full range of ICT:

• Web content: Adopts WCAG 2.1 Level AA in full (chapters 9, 10, 11)

• Documents: PDFs, Office documents, and other non-web documents

• Software: Desktop applications, mobile apps, and other non-web software

• Hardware: Physical accessibility of devices, terminals, and kiosks

• Voice communication: Real-time text, caller ID, and video telephony

• Authoring tools: Content creation tools must be able to produce accessible output

• Support services: Help desks and documentation

Its role as a linking standard

EN 301 549 connects European legislation with the technical WCAG criteria. Laws such as the BFSG, the BaFG, or the BITV do not define their own technical criteria but reference EN 301 549. That standard in turn integrates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for web content and adds requirements for other ICT areas.

The hierarchy looks like this:

1. EU directives (European Accessibility Act, Web Accessibility Directive)

2. National laws (BFSG, BaFG, BITV, and others)

3. EN 301 549 (harmonized European standard)

4. WCAG 2.1 Level AA (for web content)

Why does EN 301 549 matter?

As a harmonized standard, EN 301 549 provides uniform requirements across the entire EU. Companies that test against EN 301 549 meet the technical requirements of every national implementation of the European Accessibility Act. It is also the relevant standard for public procurement of ICT in Europe.