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European Union — public-sector bodies · 2016

EU Web Accessibility Directive (WAD)

The EU Web Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2102) requires public-sector bodies in all EU member states to make their websites and mobile apps accessible per EN 301 549, with mandatory accessibility statements and a complaints mechanism — operative since September 2018 for new sites and September 2020 for all sites.

What is WAD?

WAD is the public-sector counterpart to the EAA. It applies to public administrations, public bodies, and entities controlled by public authorities (including some private entities providing public services). Compliance is enforced by member-state monitoring bodies that audit a sample of sites annually.

Who does WAD apply to?

  • Public administrations
  • Bodies governed by public law
  • Some private entities providing essential public services

Scope

  • Public-sector websites and intranets
  • Public-sector mobile apps
  • Documents published by public bodies

Penalties for non-compliance

  • Per-member-state

How to comply with WAD

  1. Conform to EN 301 549. Which incorporates WCAG 2.1 AA.
  2. Publish an accessibility statement. Per Article 7. Templated wording specified.
  3. Provide a feedback mechanism. Allow users to flag issues.
  4. Cooperate with national monitoring. Each member state samples and audits.

Comparisons

  • WAD vs EAA: WAD covers public sector. EAA covers private. Two halves of EU digital accessibility.
  • WAD vs EN 301 549: WAD references EN 301 549 as the conformance benchmark.

Authoritative sources

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

WAD — frequently asked questions

Cited answers. Sourced. Updated as standards and case law change.

  • What is the WAD?

    EU Web Accessibility Directive 2016/2102. Requires public-sector websites and apps to meet EN 301 549 accessibility requirements.

  • How is the WAD enforced?

    Each member state designates a monitoring body. The Commission publishes triennial reports.

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