According to national estimates, more than 12 million people in France live with a disability, and if your digital experiences aren’t accessible, your organization may face steep fines under French accessibility law. The RGAA (Référentiel Général d’Amélioration de l’Accessibilité) is legally binding and applies not just to public bodies but also to many private companies and their vendors.
Whether you manage a municipal website in Lyon or run an international e-commerce site serving French customers, this guide outlines the five key steps to compliance to mitigate risk, maintain eligibility for public contracts, and support inclusive user experiences.
The Référentiel Général d’Amélioration de l’Accessibilité (RGAA) is the French government’s accessibility standard. It makes WCAG 2.1 AA conformance a legal requirement under Article 47 of Law No. 2005-102 and Decree No. 2019-768.
The current version, RGAA 4.1, includes:
RGAA’s scope goes well beyond public sector websites—it covers:
Organizations must also publish a French-language accessibility statement (Déclaration d’accessibilité) that declares conformance levels and includes a user feedback mechanism.
While RGAA is based on WCAG 2.1 AA, it adds legal structure and practical implementation details for the French market.
Key differences:
Understanding these differences helps avoid gaps in testing and ensures your documentation meets legal expectations.
In France, digital accessibility is mandated by Law No. 2005-102, also known as the "Loi pour l'égalité des droits et des chances, la participation et la citoyenneté des personnes handicapées." This law requires certain organizations to comply with the Référentiel Général d’Amélioration de l’Accessibilité (RGAA), which aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.Wikipédia, l'encyclopédie libre
1. Public Sector Organizations:
All public entities in France, including state administrations, local authorities, and public institutions, are required to ensure the accessibility of their digital services. This encompasses websites, mobile applications, intranets, and other digital platforms.
2. Private Companies with Significant Revenue:
Private companies operating in France with an average annual revenue exceeding €250 million over the previous three years must comply with RGAA standards. This requirement applies to digital services offered to the public, such as websites and mobile applications.
3. Service Providers and Subcontractors:
Third-party vendors and service providers working with the aforementioned public and private entities must also ensure their digital offerings meet RGAA compliance levels. Non-compliance can lead to exclusion from tenders or termination of existing contracts.
Failure to adhere to RGAA requirements can result in administrative fines of up to €20,000 per non-compliant digital service, renewable annually until compliance is achieved. Additionally, organizations may be listed on a public register of non-compliant entities, which can impact their reputation and eligibility for public contracts.
While enforcement authorities may provide a remediation period—typically around three months—before imposing fines, this grace period is not guaranteed. It can vary based on non-compliance severity and the entity's responsiveness.
Following this process will help you move from risk to readiness:
RGAA 4.1 is based on WCAG 2.1 AA. Meeting all RGAA criteria means you meet WCAG 2.1 AA—but not vice versa.
Fines can reach up to €20,000 per non-compliant site each year. In some cases, penalties may be higher depending on the severity and duration of non-compliance
Yes. RGAA covers intranets, extranets, downloadable documents, media players, and certain kiosks.
If you operate a French-language site, serve French customers, or have a local business entity, you may still be subject to RGAA requirements.
RGAA compliance requires more than testing—it demands an ongoing strategy. UsableNet helps you meet requirements efficiently and confidently.
RGAA enforcement is already active. By auditing early, prioritizing fixes, and publishing your Déclaration d’accessibilité, you can avoid fines and demonstrate your commitment to inclusion in one of the world’s most digitally regulated markets.
Ready to take action? UsableNet offers a range of educational tools and support materials to help businesses prepare for the upcoming EAA deadline.