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Upcoming Changes to European Accessibility  Regulations

Picture of Karine Simard By  Karine Simard  ·  3 minute read

 

The European Union tightens and standardizes accessibility standards. France adds to it with hefty fines. We share the details with you here!

PSST: Ciao offers audit, support, and training services in accessibility. Tell us about your project!

European Accessibility Standards

The European digital accessibility standard is EN 301 549. It defines accessibility requirements for ICT (Information and Communication Technology) products and services across Europe.

Key Elements of EN 301 549:

  • Alignment with WCAG 2.1: The standard is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 from W3C, particularly levels A and AA.

Scope of Application:

  • Websites and mobile application
  • Digital documents
  • Software and user interfaces
  • ICT hardware (computers, payment terminals, ATMs, etc.)
  • Communication and telephony services

Legal Obligations:

  • It is mandatory for public services under the European Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102).

  • Starting in June 2025, it will also apply to the private sector through the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which imposes rules on companies selling digital products and services within the EU.

Differences Between EN 301 549 and RGAA

  • RGAA (Référentiel Général d’Amélioration de l’Accessibilité) is the French standard that translates and adapts WCAG and EN 301 549 to national requirements.

  • EN 301 549 is the broader European standard, covering not only websites but also hardware and software.

In summary, EN 301 549 is the European benchmark for ensuring digital accessibility, particularly with the EAA coming into effect in 2025, which will expand its application to the private sector. 🚀

PSST: Ciao offers audit, support, and training services in accessibility. Tell us about your project!

Changes to RGAA

Starting June 28, 2025, the Référentiel Général d'Amélioration de l'Accessibilité (RGAA) will undergo significant changes aimed at strengthening digital accessibility in France. Here is a summary of the main changes:

Expansion of Scope

Initially designed for public services, RGAA will also apply to private companies meeting the following criteria:

  • More than 10 employees.

  • Annual revenue exceeding €2 million.

This expansion covers various sectors, including e-commerce, consumer banking services, electronic communications, access to audiovisual media services, and passenger transport services.

Compliance Deadlines

  • New services: Any digital service launched after June 28, 2025, must comply with accessibility standards from the start.

  • Existing services: Digital services already in place before this date will have until June 28, 2030, to comply.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to meet accessibility requirements will result in increased financial penalties:

  • €50,000 fine per non-compliant digital service, renewable every six months until compliance is achieved.
  • An additional €25,000 penalty for failing to publish the required accessibility statement.

Regulatory Authorities

Several organizations will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance:

  • DGCCRF (Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control): general oversight.
  • ARCEP: monitoring electronic communication services.
  • Arcom: supervision of audiovisual services.
  • Banque de France: responsibility for digital payment systems.
These measures aim to promote greater digital accessibility, ensuring equal access to online services for all citizens.

 

PSST: Ciao offers audit, support, and training services in accessibility. Tell us about your project!

Changes to the EAA

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), adopted in 2019, aims to harmonize accessibility requirements for various products and services across the European Union. Its primary goal is to remove barriers caused by differing national regulations, facilitate the single market, and improve access for people with disabilities.

Key Changes Starting in June 2025

Enforcement of Accessibility Requirements: As of June 28, 2025, EU Member States must apply the EAA’s provisions, making accessibility criteria mandatory for relevant products and services.


Extension to the Private Sector: The EAA applies to a wide range of products and services, including:

  • Computers and operating systems
  • Smartphones
  • ATMs, ticketing, and check-in machines
  • TV equipment related to digital television services
  • Telephony services and related equipment
  • Access to audiovisual media services
  • Passenger transport services (air, bus, rail, and maritime)
  • Banking services
  • E-books
  • E-commerce

Exemptions for Micro-Enterprises: Micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 employees and annual revenue or balance sheet not exceeding €2 million) are exempt from these obligations.

Impact on Businesses

Companies will need to adapt their products and services to comply with the new accessibility standards. This includes ensuring compliance for websites, mobile applications, ATMs, online banking services, etc.

Failure to meet these requirements could lead to penalties, although enforcement details and fines will be determined by each EU Member State.

Accessibility Standards

The EAA is based on recognized standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, to define accessibility criteria for web content and mobile applications.

In summary, starting June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act will impose uniform accessibility requirements across the EU, impacting a wide range of products and services and aiming to improve access for all citizens, particularly those with disabilities.

PSST: Ciao offers audit, support, and training services in accessibility. Tell us about your project!