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EAA A11y Hub

EN 301 549 — Non-web

Away from the browser, EN 301 549 still applies — to native mobile apps, self-service terminals and kiosks, electronic documents, and physical ICT hardware. These requirements sit alongside Clause 9 (Web) and are just as often in scope of the European Accessibility Act.

Native software and mobile apps

Clause 11 covers software, including native mobile and desktop applications. It mirrors the WCAG success criteria conceptually (via the “WCAG2ICT” mapping) but restates them in software terms — covering things like:

  • Platform accessibility APIs being correctly exposed (so screen readers like VoiceOver and TalkBack can interpret the UI)
  • Keyboard/switch-equivalent operability in non-web software
  • Closed functionality (software with no accessible interface at all, e.g. some ticket machines) still needing alternative access

Self-service terminals, kiosks and hardware

Clauses 5–8 and 13 address physical hardware and terminals:

  • Clause 5 — Generic requirements: closed functionality, biometrics, privacy, non-visual/visual access to controls, colour and contrast, audio output, operable parts, tactile indication of speech mode
  • Clause 8 — Hardware: physical access, standard connectors, layout and tactile identification, key repeat, colour coding
  • Clause 13 — ICT providing relay or emergency services

Common examples: ATMs, ticket vending machines, self-check-in kiosks at airports and stations, and payment terminals.

Documents

Clause 10 covers non-web documents — PDF, Word, ePub, spreadsheets and similar formats — distributed as part of a product or service. It applies WCAG-equivalent requirements adapted for document formats: structure, tagging, reading order, alt text, and form fields.

Support services and documentation

Clause 12 requires that documentation and support services (help desks, user guides) are themselves accessible — available in accessible formats and covering accessibility features of the product.

Where to go next

See the EN 301 549 overview for how all the clauses fit together, the Web overview for browser-delivered content, or the timeline for compliance deadlines.