HostGator EN 301 549 Checker

EN 301 549 for HostGator Sites

EN 301 549 is the European standard for accessible information and communication technology. For websites, its clause 9 reuses WCAG: version 3.2.1 uses WCAG 2.1 Level AA, and version 4.1.1, published in September 2026 for the European Accessibility Act, uses WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

The European Accessibility Act has applied to e-commerce and other consumer services since June 28, 2025, wherever the business is based. This checker runs the scan with the EN 301 549 preset, which tests the WCAG 2.1 AA web requirements. Run the HostGator WCAG 2.2 checker as well to cover version 4.1.1.

Hosting does not affect EN 301 549 conformance. For a site on HostGator that serves EU customers, test the site itself, in every language you publish.

Who Should Run the HostGator EN 301 549 Checker

• HostGator businesses that sell products or services to consumers in the EU.
• Public sector bodies in the EU running a site on HostGator.
• Vendors selling software or services to EU public bodies.
• Non-EU companies with EU customers, since the EAA follows the customer.

EN 301 549 Requirements to Check on HostGator

• 1.4.10 Reflow

  Pages must reflow on a narrow screen without scrolling in two directions.

• 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast

  Controls, icons and focus indicators need 3:1 contrast.

• 3.1.1 Language of Page

  Each page must declare its language, which matters on multilingual EU sites.

• 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions

  Form fields, including checkout and consent forms, need visible labels or instructions.

• 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value

  Custom controls such as cookie consent switches need a name, role and state.

• 4.1.3 Status Messages

  Status messages, such as cart updates and form errors, must be announced.

Where HostGator Sites Usually Fail EN 301 549

These problems come up again and again on HostGator sites, and each one fails EN 301 549. The HostGator accessibility checker explains how to fix them in HostGator.

• Contact forms. Missing labels and errors that are not announced make forms hard to complete with a screen reader.
• Social and icon links. Icon-only links without accessible names are read out as just "link".
• Embedded maps and videos. Embeds without titles, and videos without captions, leave out screen reader and deaf users.
• Image galleries. Gallery images without alt text, and lightboxes that trap keyboard focus.
• Low-contrast text. Light gray text and pale buttons from theme defaults.

Worried about ADA claims as well? The HostGator ADA compliance checker covers the HostGator risks behind most complaints.

What to Test by Hand on HostGator

Automated testing finds many, but not all, EN 301 549 failures. Check these yourself after the scan:

1. Check every language version, including the page language setting (3.1.1).
2. Test the cookie consent banner with a keyboard and screen reader.
3. Publish accessibility information for your service, as the EAA requires.
4. Rescan after each fix. Continuous monitoring rescans up to 500 URLs per domain daily and keeps a dated record in the Compliance Vault.

Start 3-day free trial

Related Guides

• EN 301 549 CheckerThe EN 301 549 standard in full, for any website.
• Keyboard Accessibility TestingA practical guide to keyboard accessibility testing: what to check, the exact keys to use, and a component-by-component reference table mapped to WCAG.
• WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content Explained in Plain EnglishWCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content explained simply: how to write alt text for every kind of image, icon, chart and CAPTCHA, with code examples and a test routine.
• Free Tools to Check Website Accessibility: 6 Best Options ComparedCompare the best free tools to check website accessibility: AccessBell, WAVE, axe DevTools, Accessibility Insights, Lighthouse and ANDI, and when to use each.
• WCAG Success Criteria LibraryLook up any criterion the scan flags, in plain language.

HostGator EN 301 549 Checker: Frequently Asked Questions