Accessibility legislation: Spain
The Law 11/2023 of 8 May mandates digital accessibility for people with disabilities in Spain from June 28, 2025, and it is overseen by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation. The latest amendments to this decree were made on May 9, 2023.
Scope of application
From general-purpose computer hardware to a diverse array of electronic services, Spain’s digital accessibility regulation is designed to enhance user interaction and accessibility in various sectors listed below
- General-purpose consumer computer equipment
- Various self-service terminals:
- ATMs
- Payment terminals
- Interactive consumer devices used for electronic communications
- Services covered by the regulation include:
- Electronic communications (excluding email)
- Audiovisual services
- Certain transportation services including web and mobile services
- Consumer banking
- E-books
- E-commerce
- Utility services
- Travel agency services
As an additional point of consideration, regulations also apply to emergency communications with the European emergency number “112”.
Exceptions
The regulation outlines various provisions and exclusions related to digital content and services. It specifies the following exceptions
- Pre-recorded multimedia content
- Old office file formats
- Online mapping
- Third-party content not controlled by the provider
- Archived website contents
Fines and penalties
The Spanish regulatory framework imposes a tiered penalty system to enforce compliance with accessibility standards. Infractions are categorized based on their severity, with consequences escalating accordingly
- Minor infractions: Fines can reach up to €30,000.
- Serious infractions: Penalties range from €30,000 to €150,000.
For very serious infractions
- The initial fine ranges from €150,000 to €600,000.
- Recurrent violations can result in the business being banned from operating within Spain for a period of up to two years
- Exclusion from public procurement procedures may also apply, particularly for suppliers to public entities who fail to meet accessibility standards.
These punitive measures underscore Spain’s dedication to upholding digital accessibility and ensuring an inclusive environment across varied sectors.
Reporting
Spain follows the EU-wide mandate for accessibility statements on websites and digital services. These statements are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability.
This statement must be publicly available on their websites and provide clear information on the accessibility status of their digital services, such as whether they meet the required standards or outline existing accessibility issues. The statement should also detail the measures taken to improve accessibility, including any ongoing efforts or plans for remediation. Additionally, the accessibility statement must specify how users can report accessibility problems and request assistance, ensuring that organizations remain accountable and transparent in their commitment to accessible digital experiences.
Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030. Complaints can be submitted via:
Email: bzn-accesibilidadweb@inclusion.gob.es
Phone number: +34 91 596 10 00
Official website: https://www.sanidad.gob.es/
Address: Paseo del Prado, 18–20, 28014 Madrid, España
Compliance with the Law 11/2023 of 8 May 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 Spanish government.