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EN 301 549: The European Standard for ICT Accessibility

The EN 301 549 is the harmonized European standard that defines accessibility requirements for products and services in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). It serves as the technical foundation for key laws such as the BFSG and BITV 2.0. The goal of the standard is to create uniform EU-wide criteria so that digital offerings are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of their abilities.

What does EN 301 549 cover?

A standard for all digital interfaces

Unlike the WCAG, which primarily focuses on web content, EN 301 549 has a much broader scope. It applies not only to websites but also to software, mobile apps, e-books, and hardware (e.g., ATMs or ticket terminals). For WordPress operators, it is the essential reference to ensure compliance within the European internal market.

Connection to WCAG 2.1

For web and mobile applications, EN 301 549 adopts the success criteria of the WCAG 2.1 (Levels A and AA). This means that if you implement WCAG standards on your website, you automatically meet the essential technical requirements of this European standard.

Strategic significance in 2026

Foundation for public procurement

Companies that want to sell services or software to public authorities must demonstrate compliance with EN 301 549. It is the benchmark for accessibility in public procurement across the European Union. Without meeting this standard, many lucrative public sector markets remain closed.

Harmonization through the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The standard plays a key role in the implementation of the EAA. By applying EN 301 549 consistently across Europe, the risk of differing technical requirements in each EU country is eliminated. For digital product providers, this ensures planning security for cross-border operations.

Implementing technical requirements with MH-Accessibility Pro

Compliance with a technical standard like EN 301 549 can seem complex. Our plugin is designed to simplify this process and bring your WordPress site up to the required standard:

  • Compliant color schemes and contrasts: Meet the visual requirements of the standard through automated or user-controlled contrast adjustments.
  • Improved navigation structure: Support the required keyboard accessibility and logical focus order without manual coding effort.
  • Cognitive support: Features such as the Reading Mask or ADHD Mode directly contribute to the usability and understandability required by EN 301 549.

Conclusion: Technical advantage through European standards

EN 301 549 is more than a technical guideline – it is the key to accessing the European market and public contracts. By optimizing your website according to these criteria, you not only secure legal compliance but also significantly increase the quality and reach of your digital offerings. With MH-Accessibility Pro, you can integrate these standards efficiently into your workflow.

Make your website EU-compliant. Use MH-Accessibility Pro to effortlessly meet the technical requirements of EN 301 549. View Pricing