China’s Accessibility Laws
Understand China’s digital accessibility requirements and learn what your organization must do to meet them. Whether you’re in the public or private sector, Deque can help you align with the Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities and IASPD standards and deliver accessible digital services.
What are China’s digital accessibility laws and standards?
China shows its dedication to inclusion through the Law on Protection of Persons with Disabilities, which guarantees equal access to digital services for all citizens. This commitment is reinforced by the Information Accessibility Standards for Persons with Disabilities (IASPD), aligning public digital services with WCAG 2.0 Level AA guidelines to ensure universal usability. Specialized regulations like the Barrier-Free Banking Requirements further this mission by mandating accessible digital platforms across financial institutions, enabling everyone to participate fully in economic life.
Disability and digital accessibility in China
As your organization develops its digital compliance strategies, here are some key statistics to be aware of:
85 million people in China (PDF) live with disabilities
As of June 2024, China had nearly 1.1 billion (PDF) internet users.
Why digital accessibility is right for your organization
The benefits of offering accessible products and services are wide-ranging and include:
Equality and inclusion
Accessibility ensures that everyone, including China’s 85 million people with disabilities, can fully engage with your organization’s digital properties
Trust and loyalty
Prioritizing accessibility demonstrates your commitment to China’s “common prosperity” vision. By removing digital barriers, you build credibility with users and strengthen your brand reputation in this values-driven market.
Innovation and competitiveness
Developing accessible solutions positions your organization at the forefront of China’s digital transformation. Meeting standards such as GB/T 37668-2019, which aligns with China’s WCAG guidelines, will help differentiate you from your competitors.
The risks of non-compliance
Failure to comply with China’s Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities or the IASPD standards can have serious consequences for your organization, including:
Fines
Organizations may face fines of up to ¥50,000 RMB for accessibility violations under China’s disability protection laws, with repeat offenders subject to higher penalties.
Legal action
Non-compliant organizations risk lawsuits from disability advocacy groups and individual plaintiffs under China’s Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, potentially resulting in court-ordered remediation and reputational damage.
Loss of business
Inaccessible digital platforms exclude China’s 85 million citizens with disabilities and may disqualify organizations from government contracts and public sector opportunities in this strategically important market.
Choose Deque for digital accessibility in China
Regional experts
Deque has offices and employees worldwide with deep knowledge of local guidelines.
Strategic Consulting
Our Principal Strategy Consultants help build, run and improve the world’s largest digital accessibility programs.
Trusted and proven tools
Our Axe accessibility testing tools are the defacto global standard with 875,000+ installs.
Frequently asked questions
What are China’s key accessibility laws?
China’s Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities and Regulations on the Construction of Barrier-Free Environments establish legal requirements for digital accessibility. The GB/T 37668-2019 standard provides technical guidelines aligned with WCAG principles.
Is compliance with China’s accessibility standards mandatory?
Yes. Both public and private sector organizations must comply, particularly those providing public services. Financial institutions face additional requirements under China’s barrier-free banking regulations.
What are the benefits of aligning with WCAG guidelines?
Aligning with WCAG ensures your digital content meets both international accessibility standards and China’s GB/T 37668-2019 requirements. Beyond compliance, it demonstrates your commitment to serving all Chinese citizens with disabilities.
