Editor’s note: Thanks to Ricky Onsman and David Sloan for their contributions. Explore the Knowledge Center technical blog for more in-depth coverage of WCAG conformance.
When it comes to digital accessibility, the terms “standards” and “laws” often get mixed up. But understanding the difference is crucial. Some frameworks guide organizations on how to make their digital content accessible, while others legally require them to do so.
Let’s break down the key differences between the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and EN 301 549 — and what they mean for businesses and organizations worldwide.
WCAG: The Global Benchmark for Web Accessibility
What it is: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of accessibility requirements developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). WCAG is a set of testable requirements that can be used to measure the accessibility of a website, and provides technical guidance to help designers, developers, and content creators make web content accessible to people with disabilities.
Key features:
- Organized around four core principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR) and 13 guidelines.
- Contains three levels of conformance: A (basic), AA (recommended for most sites), and AAA (highest standard).
- Updated over time — the current version is 2.2, with WCAG 3.0 in development, with a companion set of resources to help people apply WCAG in their work.
Is WCAG legally required?
WCAG is not a law, but it’s a de facto baseline international standard for accessibility. Many governments use it as a reference in their legal frameworks. For example, WCAG influences U.S. ADA Title II regulations, the European EN 301 549 standard, and various other national policies.
WCAG in Action
Think of WCAG as a cookbook for accessible websites. It provides requirements for making digital content accessible, but it’s up to you to follow them in the most appropriate way given the purpose of your website and its target audience.
EAA: The European Accessibility Act — A Legal Mandate
What it is: The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a law passed by the European Union. Unlike WCAG, which is a guideline, the EAA is legally enforceable by each country in the EU.
Key features:
- Provides high-level accessibility requirements for digital devices and services like websites, self-service kiosks, e-books, and e-commerce platforms.
- Applies to businesses that operate within the EU market.
- Requires each EU country to monitor compliance with EAA and take action when devices and services don’t comply.
Why it matters:
Most products and services must comply with the EAA by June 28, 2025, or risk legal consequences, including fines or restrictions on selling products in the EU.
EAA in Action
If WCAG is the cookbook, EAA is like a food safety law. It mandates accessibility for digital products and services made available to consumers in the EU, like a safety law requires businesses to serve food that meets health standards.
EN 301 549: A Technical Standard for ICT Accessibility
But wait, there’s more! When it comes to complying with the EAA, businesses operating in the EU market should ensure their digital products and services meet EN 301 549.
What it is: EN 301 549 is a European standard that defines detailed accessibility requirements for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), including:
- Web content.
- Software and mobile apps.
- Hardware (computers, ATMs, self-service kiosks).
- Electronic documents and telecommunications.
Key features:
- It directly references WCAG 2.1 Level AA for requirements for websites, software and digital documents.
- Used for public procurement — governments and agencies must ensure products they purchase meet accessibility requirements.
- It was implemented to help public sector organizations meet the EU Web Accessibility Directive, and is currently being updated to help organizations meet the EAA.
Is EN 301 549 legally required?
No. EN 301 549 is a voluntary standard, so you don’t have to follow it. However, it exists as a way to help organizations meet accessibility requirements under relevant EU laws. connecting global web accessibility guidelines (WCAG) with laws (EAA) by setting specific technical requirements for different digital and physical accessibility needs.
EN 301 549 has also been adopted by other countries as a voluntary standard, including Australia and Canada, and closely aligns with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act in the U.S.
EN 301 549 in Action
Think of EN 301 549 as a restaurant inspection checklist — not mandatory on its own, but a powerful tool to show you’re meeting health and safety expectations. In the same way, EN 301 549 isn’t a law, but following it can demonstrate that your digital products and services meet the accessibility requirements set by the EAA and EU public sector procurement rules.
For example, if a company wants to sell its technology to a government agency in Europe, following EN 301 549 makes it easier to show that the product is accessible and ready for the EU market.
Compliance and Conformance Comparison Chart
Understanding how WCAG, EN 301 549, and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) relate can be confusing — especially since the lines between “guidelines,” “standards,” and “laws” are not always clear-cut. Here’s how they differ and intersect.
| WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) | EN 301 549 (Standard) | EAA (European Accessibility Act) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Global standard and technical guidance (also an ISO standard) | Voluntary European standard for ICT accessibility | Legally Blind EU directive |
| Purpose | Defines how to make web content and apps accessible | Defines accessibility requirements for ICT: websites, software, hardware, and documents | Requires accessibility of key digital and physical services |
| Legal Staus | Not a law, but widely referenced in regulations and policies | Not a law, but used to demonstrate conformance with EU accessibility requirements | Enforceable law across all EU member states |
| Scope | Web content: text, images, forms, navigation, etc. | ICT: websites, documents, software, mobile apps, hardware, telecoms | Consumer-facing products and services (e.g., banking, e-commerce, terminals) |
| Relationship | Referenced by EN 301 549 and often cited in laws like the EAA | References WCAG for web content; supports public procurement and regulatory alignment | References standards like EN 301 549 and WCAG to define accessibility |
Understanding the Difference Between EAA and WCAG Requirements: Why It Matters
If you’re a web developer, product designer, or business owner, understanding the difference between accessibility standards and accessibility laws is key.
Standards like WCAG and EN 301 549 provide the technical details needed to help you meet legal obligations. But following a standard doesn’t automatically mean you’re compliant. It depends on how that standard is referenced in the law that applies to your organization.</p.
In the EU, the EAA requires each member state to pass national accessibility legislation. If your business operates in any of those countries, you must comply with those national laws. The goal is for those laws to be consistent, but in practice, differences still exist from one country to another.
So, what does this mean in real terms?
- If you follow WCAG, you’re aligning with the most widely used standard for web accessibility, but that doesn’t always equal legal compliance.
- If you sell consumer-facing digital products or services in the EU, accessibility is a legal requirement under national laws tied to the EAA.
- If you sell ICT products — like software, kiosks, or hardware — EN 301 549 can help you demonstrate that your offerings meet the accessibility standards expected in public procurement.
Ignoring accessibility isn’t just a technical oversight, it can put your business at risk. Staying informed ensures you meet compliance requirements and create better digital experiences for everyone.
Additional Compliance and Conformance Resources
- Digital Accessibility Compliance resources to help your organization learn more about the different categories of digital accessibility laws, regulations, and standards to set realistic goals for your organization.
- WCAG Checklist provides specific information on the success criteria for making digital content accessible.
- European Accessibility Act (EAA) Resource Center has everything you need to support your organization in achieving its EAA compliance goals before the June 2025 deadline.
- Breaking Down EN 301 549: The European Standard for Digital Accessibility — This on-demand webinar will help your organization learn how to implement a comprehensive accessibility strategy for your digital assets in conformance with EN 301 549.
Need Help Meeting Accessibility Standards or Laws?
Understanding accessibility requirements is one thing. Proving conformance is another. Whether you’re responding to legal pressure or proactively building accessible and usable experiences, TPGi can help you document, verify, and maintain your accessibility conformance.</p
From VPATs and Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) to comprehensive accessibility audits and ongoing monitoring, our experts deliver actionable, standards-based guidance tailored to your organization’s needs. We’ve helped some of the world’s most trusted brands meet accessibility expectations — and we’re ready to help you too.
Explore our Accessibility Conformance solutions and start building toward long-term success.
Comments