Accessibility legislation: Austria
The Austrian Accessibility Act, Austria’s landmark legislation on digital accessibility, was enforced in June 2025. The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is responsible for overseeing compliance, with the most recent amendment to this regulation made on October 28, 2021.
Scope of application
From general-purpose computer hardware to a diverse array of electronic services, Austria’s digital accessibility act is designed to enhance user interaction and accessibility in various sectors listed below:
Products Covered
- General-purpose consumer computer hardware and operating systems
- Specific self-service terminals, including payment terminals, ATMs, ticket machines, check-in machines, and interactive information terminals (excluding those integrated into vehicles)
- Consumer terminals with interactive capabilities for electronic communications and audiovisual media services
- E-book readers
Services Covered
- Electronic communications services (excluding emergency calls and machine-to-machine transmission)
- Services enabling access to audiovisual media
- Elements of passenger transport services (excluding urban, suburban, and regional transport), including
- Websites and mobile device services
- Electronic tickets and travel information (limited to interactive screens within the EU)
- Interactive self-service terminals (excluding those integrated into vehicles)
- Banking services
- E-books and related software
- Electronic commerce services
Exceptions
This overview delineates specific exemptions and conditions under which entities may be excluded from compliance
- Sections of the Copyright Act and EU regulations on cross-border exchange of accessible formats for blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled persons
- Micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total of no more than €2 million
- Transitional period up to five years for certain obligations. Self-service terminals in use may continue to operate until June 28, 2040, or up to 20 years after first use
- Content on websites and mobile applications exempted if it includes:
- Recorded time-based media and office application formats released before June 28, 2025
- Online maps, as long as essential navigation information is accessible
- Third-party content not financed, developed, or controlled by the operator
- Archived content not updated after June 28, 2025
Fines and penalties
Non-compliance with the Austrian Accessibility Act may result in fines of up to €80,000. In cases involving micro-enterprises (under Section 3(19)) or small and medium-sized enterprises (under Section 3(20)), the fine can be up to €50,000. The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Regions, and Tourism has the authority to restrict or prohibit electronic communications networks and services, in whole or in part, under Article 52(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), with sufficient justification and notification to the European Commission.
Reporting
Austria follows the EU-wide mandate for accessibility statements on public sector websites and digital services. These accessibility statements are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability.
Companies must submit regular reports regarding service quality, accessibility, and compliance with regulations. These reports must address efforts to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities and adherence to the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Companies must also disclose any issues related to non-compliance and actions taken to correct them, ensuring transparency with regulatory bodies. Penalties may apply for failure to comply with reporting obligations.
Regulatory oversight and citizen inquiries are handled by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, specifically through the Ministry of Social Affairs, Department I/B/9 (Citizens’ Service). The authority can be contacted via:
Email: post@sozialministerium.gv.at
Phone number: +43 800 201 611
Official website: https://www.sozialministerium.gv.at/
Address: Ministry of Social Affairs/Department I/B/9/Citizens’ Service, Stubenring 1, 1010 Wien
Compliance with the Austrian Accessibility Act requires a clear Accessibility Statement. Not sure where to start? Use our Free Accessibility Statement Generator to create one in minutes.
For the latest and most accurate information on digital accessibility requirements, please refer to the official documentation provided by the Austrian government.