Introduction
Before going into the details of the RGAA, it is essential to understand the broader regulatory framework for digital accessibility in Europe. Technical requirements are based on the WCAG, an international standard. At the European level, these requirements are reinforced by the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which introduces legal obligations, particularly for private-sector actors from 2025 onward. Finally, some countries, such as France, have translated these principles into a legally binding national framework: the RGAA.
Many organizations today claim that their website is “RGAA compliant.” However, when the topic is examined more closely, the answer is often unclear. A percentage, an outdated audit, a published statement. Yet RGAA compliance cannot be reduced to a single figure or a formal requirement.
Understanding the RGAA makes it easier to grasp how the accessibility of a digital service is assessed, beyond purely formal obligations. Compliance is based on measurable criteria and follows a logic of ongoing monitoring over time, rather than one-off validation.
What is the RGAA standard?
The RGAA (Référentiel Général d’Amélioration de l’Accessibilité) is the French reference framework that defines how digital services should be made accessible to people with disabilities. In other words, if one asks “What is RGAA?” or “What does RGAA mean?”, the answer is straightforward: it is the official French accessibility standard for digital services.
Established under the French law of 11 February 2005, the RGAA aims to ensure that online public communication services can be used by everyone, without barriers related to digital interfaces.
The RGAA is not simply a list of best practices. It is a normative, legal, and operational framework designed for practical implementation. It provides a precise and verifiable methodology for assessing the accessibility of a website, intranet, extranet, or mobile application.
RGAA standard: accessibility principles and criteria
Digital accessibility under the RGAA standard is based on four fundamental principles, directly derived from the WCAG: perceivable content, operable interfaces, understandable information and robust technologies.
These principles are translated into concrete technical RGAA criteria. In practice, this means for example: information must not rely on a single sensory channel (such as color or sound), interfaces must be usable via keyboard navigation, content must function correctly with assistive technologies (screen readers, voice assistance tools).
The RGAA explicitly relies on WCAG 2.1 and the European standard EN 301 549. This is why the relationship between RGAA and WCAG is often highlighted: the RGAA is the legally enforceable French implementation of these international standards.
What is the current version of the RGAA?
The version currently in force is RGAA 4.1.2. It is aligned with WCAG 2.1, levels A and AA, and currently serves as the official reference for assessing the legal compliance of digital services in France.
RGAA 4.1.2 is based on 106 criteria, supported by detailed technical tests. These criteria form the foundation of any RGAA audit and of any reliable RGAA checker, whether automated or human-led.
Who is concerned by RGAA accessibility?
The RGAA applies to online public communication services, meaning any provision of digital content or functionality that is accessible to the public.
This includes in particular:
- public-sector bodies (the State, local authorities, public institutions),
- private organizations entrusted with a public service mission,
- certain private companies,
- particularly with the entry into force of the RGAA–EAA link from 2025.
The services concerned include:
- websites (informational, e-commerce, institutional),
- intranets and extranets,
- mobile applications,
- certain browser-based software solutions.
Exemptions do exist (legacy content, third-party content, disproportionate burden), but they must be justified, documented, and publicly declared.
RGAA and EAA: what obligations apply in 2026?
In 2026, the RGAA changes status: it becomes a permanent requirement, reinforced by the European Accessibility Act. The link between RGAA and EAA is now central, particularly for private companies.
Key obligations include:
- accessibility from the moment new services are launched,
- regular RGAA audits of existing services,
- publication and regular updates of an accessibility statement,
- implementation of a multi-year accessibility plan,
- integration of accessibility from the design phase of projects.
Certain sectors are particularly exposed:
- B2C e-commerce,
- transport,
- banking and insurance,
- audiovisual media.
Failure to comply with the RGAA may result in formal notices and financial penalties of up to €50,000 in cases of repeated non-compliance.
RGAA audit: pricing and the role of RGAA checkers
Why conduct an RGAA audit? An RGAA audit is essential in order to: measure the actual level of accessibility, identify non-compliance issues, publish a compliant accessibility statement, demonstrate compliance in the event of an inspection.
Automated RGAA checkers can help identify certain issues, but they are not sufficient on their own. RGAA compliance relies on human testing based on the 106 official criteria.
Cost of an RGAA audit in France
- Simplified RGAA audit (5–10 pages): €1,500 to €3,000 (excl. VAT)
- Standard RGAA audit (10–15 pages): €3,000 to €6,000 (excl. VAT)
- Full RGAA audit / complex services: €6,000 to €15,000 (excl. VAT) and above
An RGAA audit is generally required to produce demonstrable and legally robust compliance.
Conclusion: RGAA as a driver of digital maturity
The RGAA is often perceived as a regulatory constraint. In reality, its meaning goes far beyond that. The RGAA is a tool for managing digital accessibility, based on objective, measurable, and recognized criteria.
From 2026 onward, the question is no longer “Should we comply with RGAA?” but rather “When and how should accessibility be sustainably integrated into digital projects?”. Organizations that approach RGAA as a continuous process rather than a one-off audit reduce legal risk, improve user experience, and strengthen their credibility.
Accessibility thus becomes a true indicator of digital maturity, on par with security or performance.
