France · 2009
Référentiel général d'amélioration de l'accessibilité (RGAA)
France's Référentiel général d'amélioration de l'accessibilité (RGAA) is the French government's national web accessibility methodology, currently at version 4.1, that operationalises EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 AA with 106 control tests and is mandatory for public-sector and (since the EAA transposition) large-private-sector French websites.
What is RGAA?
RGAA 4.1 (2023) provides a test methodology that maps each WCAG 2.1 AA criterion to one or more concrete control tests. French public-sector bodies must publish a conformance statement, a multi-year accessibility plan, and an annual schedule. Non-compliance can trigger fines up to €50,000.
Who does RGAA apply to?
- French public administrations
- Companies with >€250m turnover in France
Scope
- Public-sector websites
- Large private-sector websites (under EAA transposition)
Penalties for non-compliance
- Up to €50,000 administrative fine
How to comply with RGAA
- Audit per RGAA 4.1 control list. 106 control tests across WCAG 2.1 AA.
- Publish conformance statement. Mandatory; templated by DINUM.
- Multi-year plan + annual schedule. Required for public sector.
Comparisons
- RGAA vs EN 301 549: RGAA operationalises EN 301 549 for French use; conformance to RGAA implies EN conformance.
- RGAA vs WCAG 2.1: RGAA tests map directly to WCAG 2.1 AA criteria.
Authoritative sources
- RGAA 4.1 — DINUM
A note on widgets and overlays
Can an accessibility widget make your site compliant?
No. Widgets adjust how content renders for individual visitors — text size, contrast modes, dyslexia-friendly fonts. They do not remediate the underlying source code. WCAG conformance is graded at source level, and US federal courts (Murphy v. Eyebobs, Suarez v. Camping World, Hernandez v. Caesars) have repeatedly held that the presence of an overlay does not preclude ADA liability.
Our product produces an IAAP-format audit report with source-level remediation guidance. If you want a preferences panel for end users, ship one separately — opt-in, disclosed, and never marketed as a compliance solution.
See the Overlay Fact Sheet, signed by 900+ accessibility professionals.
FAQ
RGAA — frequently asked questions
Cited answers. Sourced. Updated as standards and case law change.
What is RGAA?
France's national accessibility methodology, currently v4.1, that maps WCAG 2.1 AA to 106 concrete control tests. Mandatory for public-sector and large-private French websites.
Who must comply with RGAA?
Public administrations and companies with French turnover above €250m. Smaller private companies are encouraged but not required.
Get an RGAA-grade audit. In hours.
IAAP-format report. AccessivePath maps findings to RGAA and every related standard simultaneously.
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