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 upcoming version 4.1.1 is set to significantly broaden the standard's scope of application.

Updating the EN 301 549 standard

Version 4.1.1 of EN 301 549 is currently being drafted 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 Act's requirements.

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

Progress on version 4.1.1

Work on 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

EN 301 549 also incorporates the WCAG 2.1 guidelines at level AA, 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 2 of 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 upcoming 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 comes into force may be a challenge, numerous tools and guidelines are already available to help organisations prepare for the new requirements. Thanks to this standard, companies can not only ensure compliance but also contribute to building a more inclusive society.