Three Frameworks, One Goal
RGAA, WCAG, and EN 301 549 share a common goal: making digital content accessible. They differ in scope, legal status, and application perimeter.
Comparison Table
RGAA: French national framework (decree), web only, 106 criteria based on WCAG 2.1 AA, with defined test methods. WCAG: W3C international recommendation, web only, 78 criteria (A+AA), with suggested techniques. EN 301 549: European harmonized standard, covers web + software + hardware + documents, ~300 requirements.
RGAA: French Evaluation Method
RGAA translates WCAG criteria into 106 testable criteria with precise tests across 13 themes. It provides a standardized audit grid and has legal force via decree.
WCAG: International Technical Reference
WCAG follows 4 POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) with 3 levels (A, AA, AAA). Versions: 2.0 (2008), 2.1 (2018), 2.2 (2023). No direct legal force — legal power comes from texts citing them.
EN 301 549: Complete European Standard
Encompasses WCAG for web and adds requirements for native software, hardware, non-web documents, telecommunications, and documentation.
When to Use Which?
French public admin website: RGAA. French company >€250M: RGAA. French mobile app: EN 301 549 Section 11. International website: WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA. EU public procurement: EN 301 549. PDF/office documents: EN 301 549 Section 10.
In summary: RGAA is the French web test method based on WCAG. EN 301 549 is the European standard covering all digital. The three are complementary, not competing.