M/376 - Accessability requirement
Standardisation mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI in support of European accessibility requirements for public procurement of products and services in the ICT domain
Mandate M/376 requests CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI to develop European standards supporting accessibility requirements for public procurement of ICT products and services. The mandate aims to ensure that ICT-related public contracts incorporate criteria that enhance accessibility for all users, including persons with disabilities. This standardisation effort aligns with European policies to promote inclusive digital environments and facilitate equal access to public services. The mandate received a resolution through CEN/BT 10/2006, reflecting its approval and the commitment to integrate accessibility into ICT public procurement.
Purpose
The mandate aims to support European accessibility requirements for public procurement related to products and services in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) domain. The goal is to ensure that ICT products and services procured by public authorities across Europe meet defined accessibility criteria, thereby promoting equal access for persons with disabilities.
Standardisation request
The European Commission requests the European standards organisations CEN (European Committee for Standardization), CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization), and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) to develop and/or adapt standards that address accessibility in ICT products and services procured by public bodies. This involves creating harmonized standards that can be referenced in public procurement specifications to enforce accessibility requirements consistently across the EU.
Expected deliverables
- Development of standards or technical specifications ensuring ICT accessibility in line with European requirements.
- Harmonized criteria and guidelines that public procurement entities can use to specify accessibility in ICT products and services.
- Collaboration among CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI to cover the full range of ICT technologies and services.
- Timely delivery of these standards to facilitate their adoption in procurement procedures.
Context
Public procurement is a significant market driver in the EU, especially for ICT products and services. Mandating accessibility standards supports the broader EU objective of inclusive accessibility and equal opportunity for all citizens, including persons with disabilities. The mandate follows Resolution CEN/BT 10/2006 and is part of ongoing efforts to integrate accessibility into European legislation and standardisation frameworks. This enhances interoperability, innovation, and market access while promoting social inclusion through accessible ICT.
The mandate covers standardisation of European accessibility requirements for public procurement of products and services in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) domain. It addresses accessibility aspects to ensure that ICT products and services procured by the public sector are usable by people with disabilities and older persons.
General Information
The present document lists the documents used in the creation of EN 301 549 (V1.1.1) on accessibility requirements for public procurement of ICT products and services in Europe and provides a source reference for any other documents needed to implement the test procedures specified in that document.
As well as identifying the sources for the EN content, the present document also provides additional explanation to assist users of the EN with clarifications and supporting information about measurement methods, particularly where no globally agreed test presently exists.
Where there are any test gaps, these are identified and test descriptions and evaluation methodologies are developed. In those exceptional cases where it is not possible to do so, recommendations are given on how the gaps should be filled. The present document does not address additional sources or issues raised during the creation of later versions of the EN.
- Draft25 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
The present document lists the documents used in the creation of EN 301 549 (V1.1.1) on accessibility requirements for public procurement of ICT products and services in Europe and provides a source reference for any other documents needed to implement the test procedures specified in that document.
As well as identifying the sources for the EN content, the present document also provides additional explanation to assist users of the EN with clarifications and supporting information about measurement methods, particularly where no globally agreed test presently exists.
Where there are any test gaps, these are identified and test descriptions and evaluation methodologies are developed. In those exceptional cases where it is not possible to do so, recommendations are given on how the gaps should be filled. The present document does not address additional sources or issues raised during the creation of later versions of the EN.
- Draft25 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
A European Standardization Mandate is a formal request from the European Commission to the European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) to develop European standards (ENs) in support of EU legislation and policies. Mandates are issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and help ensure that products and services meet the essential requirements set out in EU directives and regulations.
M/376 is a European Standardization Mandate titled "Standardisation mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI in support of European accessibility requirements for public procurement of products and services in the ICT domain". Standardisation mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI in support of European accessibility requirements for public procurement of products and services in the ICT domain There are 2 standards developed under this mandate.
Standards developed in response to a mandate and cited in the Official Journal of the European Union become "harmonized standards". Products manufactured in compliance with harmonized standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation, facilitating CE marking and market access across the European Economic Area.