Accessibility criteria
Accessibility criteria for websites, apps and digital documents
The EU Directive on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public-sector bodies (external link) specifies the criteria that must be met for a website or app to be classified as accessible.
These criteria are listed in the standard "Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services" (EN 301 549). Version 3.2.1 (2021-03) of the EN 301 549 standard (PDF) (external link) has been in force since 12/02/2022.
The majority of the clauses in the standard, which begin with the numbers 9 (web), 10 (documents) and 11 (software, e.g. apps), are identical to the criteria of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) in version 2.1 (external link) A or AA. Websites and apps are subject to further criteria in addition to WCAG 2.1.
The valid criteria can also be found in Tables A.1 (websites and documents on websites) and A.2 (apps and documents in apps) of Annex A of standard EN 301 549 V3.2.1.
As it may not be clear at first glance which criteria must be met when studying the standard, we have summarised the following information on this website:
- Which criteria are applicable for websites of public-sector bodies?
- Which criteria are applicable for apps of public-sector bodies?
- Which criteria are applicable for digital documents on websites / in apps of public-sector bodies?
The list indicates which criteria are WCAG criteria and which are part of the standard. The latter are listed under "Additional Criteria EN 301 549 V3.2.1". Most non-WCAG criteria only have to be met under certain conditions. The respective requirement can be found in the criteria text under "Condition".
New set of criteria expected to become legally binding from the end of 2026
On 2 September 2026 a new, updated version of the European Standard EN 301549 was published: EN 301540 V4.1.1 (2026-09) (PDF) (external link). This new version of the standard is expected to legally replace the previously valid version as of the end of November 2026.
There are some changes in this new version. The most central is that the new version of the WCAG, WCAG 2.2 (external link), has been incorporated. This is a minor extension of WCAG 2.1. Six Level A and Level AA criteria have been added. Here is a direct link to the criteria that were newly added in WCAG 2.2 (external link). For a future-proof approach to new web and app projects, it is advisable to aim to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA. Anyone who meets WCAG 2.2 Level AA will automatically also meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
So that you can already get an impression of the new version of the standard, we have listed the relevant criteria for websites and apps:
- Criteria for websites of public-sector bodies (from end of 2026)
- Criteria for apps of public-sector bodies (from end of 2026)
The criteria that apply to documents are integrated into both of these lists.