The EN 301 549 standard

The EN 301 549 standard is a European technical standard that sets out accessibility requirements for ICT (information and communication technology) products and services. It is a key tool for companies and organisations seeking to comply with accessibility legislation, particularly in the context of the Web Accessibility Directive. The current version of the standard, 3.2.1, was published in 2021 and focuses on supporting public sector requirements. However, the forthcoming version 4.1.1 is set to significantly broaden the scope of the standard.

Update of the EN 301 549 standard

Version 4.1.1 of EN 301 549 is under development and aims to align the standard with the requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which comes into force on 28 June 2025. The Act introduces a wide range of accessibility requirements for products and services, covering both the public and private sectors. Although version 4.1.1 is not expected to be published until after that date, the standard already provides significant support in meeting the requirements of the Act.

The new version will also bring a number of improvements, including harmonisation with the provisions of the Act. Once the approval process is complete, conformity with EN 301 549 V4.1.1 will confer a presumption of conformity with the requirements of the European Accessibility Act, which will make the certification process considerably easier.

Progress on version 4.1.1

The process of updating the standard is progressing faster than expected. A stable draft of version 4.1.1 was completed on 12 December 2024, a significant milestone in the work schedule. Although the full version is not yet publicly available, organisations can follow the progress of the work and apply for early access to the documents.

Accessibility support

The EN 301 549 standard also incorporates the WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines, which are the widely recognised standard for the accessibility of digital content. As a result, companies and organisations have access to detailed guidelines and sufficient techniques that help them meet the success criteria.

In addition, Annex II to the European Accessibility Act contains practical examples of requirements that can be applied when implementing accessibility. Together with EN 301 549, this tool makes it easier to understand and meet the technical requirements of the Act.

Summary

The forthcoming version 4.1.1 of EN 301 549 will play a key role in supporting the European Accessibility Act. Although publishing the standard after the Act's entry into force may pose a challenge, numerous tools and guidelines are already available to help organisations prepare for the new requirements. With this standard, companies can not only ensure compliance but also contribute to building a more inclusive society.