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Legislation  −  France

Relevant acts

France, as an EU Member State, has transposed the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the EU Web Accessibility Directive into French law (Loi n° 2023-171 du 9 mars 2023).

Interpretation of whether these acts apply to small publishers and ebooks

As in other EU countries, the EAA applies to “economic operators,” including publishers. The EAA explicitly includes e-book services: publishers and distributors count as service providers. While micro-enterprise exemptions may exist under the EAA (if a “disproportionate burden” can be demonstrated), France does not add additional exemptions specifically for small presses. This means that, in principle, small publishers are covered by these accessibility obligations.

Standards referenced and how audited

Technical standards

  • France requires compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA, which is incorporated via EN 301 549, the EU-harmonised standard for digital accessibility.

E-book-specific requirements

Under the EAA, e-books must ensure, where relevant:

  • synchronised text and audio, if both are included

  • compatibility with assistive technologies

  • flexible navigation and presentation of content

  • alternative renditions and interoperability

  • metadata that makes accessibility features discoverable

  • non-blocking DRM for accessibility features

These apply to both the file and (to a degree) the reading environment; publishers control what they can within their file productions.

Monitoring and enforcement in France


For the European Accessibility Act (e-books, software, e-commerce):

  • Market Surveillance: The DGCCRF acts as the national authority to monitor compliance of goods and services under the EAA.

  • Penalties: Conforming to consumer-protection law, non-compliant products may be sanctioned or removed from the market. Consumers may lodge complaints, and the DGCCRF has powers to investigate and enforce corrective measures.

Individuals or organisations with a legitimate interest can support accessibility complaints or actions, though the precise legal route depends on the nature of the provider and the service.

Backlist titles: Compliance and grace period in France

  1. Transition Period / Deadline for backlist titles



  1. Exemptions / Disproportionate Burden

  2. Obligations & Enforcement

  1. Publisher / metadata responsibilities

  2. Minister of Culture’s Position

 

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