Web accessibility regulation in Spain and Europe: what it requires and how to adapt
Digital accessibility has stopped being good practice and become a legal obligation. What applies to you depends on whether you are a public body or a company, and on what you offer.
Public sector: Royal Decree 1112/2018
It requires the websites and mobile apps of the public sector to meet the requirements of the European standard UNE-EN 301 549, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 level AA. It also requires publishing an accessibility statement, keeping it up to date and offering a mechanism for users to report problems or submit complaints.
Private sector: Law 11/2023 and the EAA
The European Accessibility Act (EAA, Directive 2019/882) has applied since 28 June 2025 and was transposed in Spain by Law 11/2023. It covers products and services such as e-commerce, online banking, transport services, e-books and electronic communications. Microenterprises that provide services are exempt, and there are transitional periods for some earlier contracts.
The technical standard: UNE-EN 301 549
It is the common technical reference. It covers websites and apps, office documents, software, hardware and video communication. The minimum level is WCAG 2.1 AA; it is wise to aim for WCAG 2.2 AA, the latest version of the guidelines, which keeps all earlier requirements.
How to adapt
- Confirm which frameworks apply to you.
- Run an audit that evaluates all three at once.
- Fix in order of impact.
- Publish the accessibility statement and review it every year.
This article is for information only and does not replace legal advice for your specific case.
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