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Overview - EN 301 549 V3.2.1

The European standard for ICT accessibility, referenced by the Web Accessibility Directive and the European Accessibility Act. This overview covers V3.2.1, the edition with current legal effect - here's how its clauses map onto web content, documents and software.

EN 301 549 V3.2.1 is organised into numbered clauses rather than a single flat checklist. Four clauses carry almost all of the day-to-day content requirements - Clause 9 for web, Clause 10 for non-web documents, Clause 11 for software including mobile apps. Clause 12 requires that the documentation and support services are themselves accessible.
A further set of clauses apply only in specific situations, such as hardware and video.

Core content clauses

  • Web

    Incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA by reference for websites and web applications, clause-by-clause mapped to the matching WCAG success criterion.

  • Non-web documents

    Applies WCAG-equivalent requirements to electronic documents distributed as part of a product or service - PDF, Word, ePub, spreadsheets and similar formats.

  • Software

    Covers non-web software - native mobile apps, desktop applications, operating systems - restating WCAG-equivalent criteria in software terms, plus platform accessibility API requirements.

Supporting clauses

These apply alongside Clauses 9–11 depending on what the product or service actually does - a kiosk with a camera and a card reader may bring in hardware, video and voice-communication requirements on top of its software ones.

  • Generic requirements

    Baseline requirements across ICT types: closed functionality, biometrics, privacy, colour/contrast, operable parts.

  • Two-way voice communication

    Real-time text and captioned-call requirements for ICT with voice communication.

  • Video

    Captions, audio description, sign language and accessible media player controls.

  • Hardware

    Physical access requirements: controls, connectors, tactile indicators, key repeat.

  • Documentation & support services

    Help desks, user guides and product documentation must themselves be accessible.

  • Relay & emergency service access

    ICT with two-way communication must not block access to relay or emergency services.

Go deeper

  • Web →

    The full requirements for websites and web applications under Clause 9, and how the WCAG principles apply.

  • Non-web →

    Native apps, kiosks, hardware, documents and support services under Clauses 5–8 and 10–13.

  • What's coming in V4.1.1 →

    A newer edition of the standard has been published but isn't in legal effect yet - what's changing, and when it's expected to take over.

Resources

External references worth keeping close - the standard itself, official EU guidance, and further reading.