Why digital standards matter
EN 301 549 has generally adopted the latest recommended version of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines from the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative, after a period of review. In version 2.1.2 the Harmonized Accessibility Standards officially adopted the W3C's WCAG 2.1 guidelines. [10] Previous versions of EN 301 549 embraced WCAG 2.0 as an ‘electronic attachment’. The next version of EN 301 549 (v4.1.1) will be released in 2026. [11] This new version is planned to support the European Accessibility Act and to include WCAG 2.2 AA, as well as significant updates to requirements related to Real-Time Text. [12]
The EU approved the Web Accessibility Directive before the EN 301 549 standard had been developed. The implemented decision provides for the presumption of conformity between member states. [13] Having a global guideline like WCAG is great, but it is easier to implement for some countries as a clear standard. Member states had until September 2018 to draft the laws and regulations which enforce the relevant accessibility requirements. [14] Members states are free to determine how they implement the EN 301 549 standard and may exceed them. However, they now constitute a minimum standard for accessibility for European governments. [15] [16]
What is included
The standard includes web and mobile applications but also addresses a wide range of other technologies beside those covered by WCAG: [17]
- Information and communications technology (ICT) products;
- Services related to products;
- Web sites; and
- Some specific telecommunications services necessary to provide alternative modes of communication for speech modality (such as text or images) and their routing could offer access to services such as emergency calls or relay services for everyone.
Global Adoption
The standard has been adopted in countries outside of the European Union, for example in Australia and Canada. This helps them make their technology easier for everyone to use and keeps their standards in line, which facilitates trade with Europe. [18] Even where it hasn't been yet adopted, it is being used as a bench-mark for evaluating digital accessibility. [19]
In Australia, EN 301 549 is identically adopted as the voluntary standard AS EN 301 549. [20] The standard is not legislated at the federal level, but several state governments, including New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, use the standard for ICT procurement. [21] [22] [23]
In 2024, Canada adopted the current (2021) version of the European Union's EN 301 549, as CAN/ASC - EN 301 549:2024. It is now a National Standard of Canada. [24] Their version is identical to the original, but is available not only in PDF format but also in MS Word and HTML formats. The Canadian version is also available in French. [25] [26] [27]
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