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Updated on 5 November 2026.
The Netherlands and the European Union have rules to make information and services accessible to people with disabilities. The duties depend on the organisation, product or service.
This overview explains the main laws and standards, with links to official sources.
EU Web Accessibility Directive
Directive (EU) 2016/2102 of 26 October 2016 concerns the accessibility of public sector websites and mobile apps. It provides a shared European basis.
Dutch Decree on Digital Accessibility of Government
The Dutch Decree on Digital Accessibility of Government implements the European Directive. Covered public sector bodies must make and keep their websites and apps accessible and publish an accessibility statement.
The obligations were phased in:
- 23 September 2019 for websites published after 23 September 2018
- 23 September 2020 for older websites
- 23 June 2021 for mobile apps
The Decree includes content exceptions and conditions for claiming disproportionate burden.
DigiToegankelijk: legal duties (in Dutch)
European standard EN 301 549
EN 301 549 sets accessibility requirements for ICT products and services. Harmonised version 3.2.1 supports the Web Accessibility Directive and includes WCAG 2.1 at Levels A and AA, alongside requirements beyond WCAG.
Version 4.1.1 was published in September 2026 and refers to WCAG 2.2. Publication is not the same as European harmonisation. DigiToegankelijk reports that harmonisation is still pending. A new technical version does not automatically change the legal standard.
European Commission: standards and harmonisation
DigiToegankelijk: EN 301 549 version 4.1.1 (in Dutch)
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops WCAG, the international guidelines for accessible web content. Its four principles are perceivable, operable, understandable and robust.
WCAG 2.1 has 50 Level A and AA criteria. The final WCAG 2.2 has 55 at those levels: six were added and 4.1.1 was removed. WCAG 2.2 is the newer technical guidance; the legally required version depends on the applicable law and standard.
Read WCAG explained or the full WCAG 2.2 standard.
Dutch Digital Government Act
The Dutch Digital Government Act entered into force in phases in 2023. It provides the legal basis for the Decree on Digital Accessibility of Government. It is no longer a future law, as the earlier version of this article suggested.
Commencement decision and explanatory notes (in Dutch)
Businesses may also be covered by the EAA requirements, which have applied to certain products and services since 28 June 2025. Read more about the European Accessibility Act.
Dutch Act on Equal Treatment on the Grounds of Disability or Chronic Illness
This Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability or chronic illness. People can request effective adjustments unless these impose a disproportionate burden. There is also a duty to work gradually towards general accessibility.
If you suspect discrimination, you can request an opinion from the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights. Its opinions are not legally binding. Court proceedings are also possible.
Dutch government: equal rights for people with disabilities or chronic illness (in Dutch)