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What's the difference between WCAG, EN 301 549 and the EAA?

In short: They sit at different levels. WCAG is the W3C's technical guideline for accessible web content. EN 301 549 is the European standard for accessible ICT: it incorporates WCAG 2.1 AA for web content and adds requirements for software, documents and hardware. The EAA is the EU law that makes accessibility mandatory for in-scope products and services.

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WCAG — the guideline

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, published by the W3C, define testable success criteria at levels A, AA and AAA. WCAG 2.1 (2018) is the version referenced by EN 301 549; WCAG 2.2 followed in 2023.

EN 301 549 — the European standard

Published jointly by CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, EN 301 549 covers ICT broadly: websites, apps, documents, software and hardware. Its web chapter maps to WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA, which is why 'WCAG 2.1 AA' is the practical target.

The EAA — the law

Directive (EU) 2019/882 defines which products and services must be accessible and who is responsible. Member states transpose it into national law — the BFSG in Germany, D.Lgs. 82/2022 in Italy — with their own enforcement and penalties.

Where the Web Accessibility Directive fits

Public sector websites and apps are covered by a separate law, the Web Accessibility Directive (EU) 2016/2102, which also uses EN 301 549 as its benchmark.

Official sources

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FAQ
If I meet WCAG 2.1 AA, do I comply with the EAA?
For your website content, WCAG 2.1 AA is the core technical requirement, but the EAA also brings obligations such as publishing accessibility information about your service. Treat WCAG as necessary, not the whole picture.
Is EN 301 549 free to read?
Yes. ETSI publishes EN 301 549 as a free PDF download.

General information, not legal advice. National transposition laws differ — consult a lawyer for a binding assessment of your business.

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