Dutch legislation on digital accessibility aligns with international agreements, including a UN convention and an EU directive.
In 2006, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This treaty aims to ensure that people with disabilities can participate fully and equally in society, including access to digital information and services. The Netherlands ratified the convention in 2016, officially recognising that digital accessibility is vital to an inclusive society.
EU Directive
To put the UN convention into practice, the EU introduced Directive 2016/2102. This directive requires websites and apps provided by public sector bodies to be accessible. The Netherlands implemented this directive through the Digital Accessibility Government Decree (BDTO). As a result, the same accessibility standards apply across the EU, making it easier for international ICT companies to comply.
European Accessibility Act
On 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) came into force. This law goes beyond the public sector, requiring providers of digital products and services, such as websites, apps, e-books, online shops, computers, smartphones, and ticket or payment machines, to be accessible. This ensures that digital accessibility is integrated into products and services throughout Europe.
The Netherlands has incorporated these international agreements into national law, primarily through the Digital Government Act (Wdo) and the Digital Accessibility Government Decree (BDTO). For more information, visit our webpage on government policy.
