Royal Decree 193/2023 marks a before and after in terms of universal accessibility in Spain. This standard, aligned with Directive (EU) 2019/882, establishes new criteria that guarantee equal opportunities and non-discrimination of people with disabilities in access to goods and services available to the public. But what exactly does it entail? Who does it apply to? And what are its consequences?
What is Royal Decree 193/2023?
Royal Decree 193/2023, approved on March 21, 2023, regulates the accessibility requirements that certain products and services available to the public must meet, to guarantee access and use by people with disabilities.
It arises as a transposition of the Directive (EU) 2019/882, also known as the European Accessibility Directive, and develops key aspects of the General Law on the rights of people with disabilities and their social inclusion (Royal Decree Legislative 1/2013).
Objectives of Royal Decree 193/2023
The main objectives of this Royal Decree are:
- Guarantee the right to equal opportunities and treatment for people with disabilities.
- Establish conditions so that goods and services are accessible and usable under equal conditions.
- Promote personal autonomy through inclusive environments.
- Eliminate barriers in communication, access to information, and interaction with digital or physical products.
- Strengthen compliance with existing obligations and create an effective sanctioning regime.
Who does it apply to?
Royal Decree 193/2023 affects a wide variety of public and private actors:
- Public administrations, responsible for guaranteeing access to essential services.
- Private companies that offer general consumer products and services.
- Financial entities, transportation services, telecommunications and electronic commerce.
- Digital platforms, software developers, electronic reader or ATM providers.
In summary, any organization that offers services or products to the public must evaluate whether its activity falls within the scope of application of the decree.
Main established obligations
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Accessible goods and services
The products and services covered by the decree must:
- Be able to be used, understood and manipulated by people with different types of disabilities.
- Have accessible alternatives (for example, subtitles, audio descriptions, compatible screen readers).
- Apply the principle of universal design, avoiding creating segregated solutions.
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Accessible information and communication
- Documentation, contracts, forms and web pages must be digitally accessible (comply with standards such as WCAG 2.1).
- Clear languages, augmentative and alternative communication systems should be used if necessary.
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Reasonable adjustments
- Where a universal solution cannot be applied, individualized reasonable accommodations should be made to ensure access without imposing disproportionate burdens.
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Positive action measures
- The adoption of proactive measures that favors full inclusion is encouraged (for example, specific training, incorporation of sign language interpreters or use of assistance dogs).
Implementation deadlines
- From June 28, 2025, all new products and services must comply with the requirements of the Royal Decree.
- For existing products or services, transitional deadlines are established until June 28, 2030, with specific exceptions and flexibilities.
Sanctioning regime
Failure to comply with the Royal Decree can lead to significant economic sanctions, ranging from mild to very serious depending on the damage caused and the level of intentionality.
This regime is articulated with that of the General Disability Law, and contemplates both fines and the possibility of complementary measures (withdrawal of licenses, temporary disqualification, etc.).
Complementary regulations
Royal Decree 193/2023 does not act in isolation. It is complemented by other key standards such as:
- General Disability Law (RDL 1/2013): regulatory framework of reference.
- Royal Decree 1112/2018: accessibility of public sector websites and apps.
- Technical Building Code and RD 505/2007: accessibility in buildings.
- Order TMA/851/2021: basic conditions in housing.
Conclusion
Royal Decree 193/2023 represents firm progress towards a more fair and inclusive society. It is not just about fulfilling a legal obligation, but about building an environment where all people, with or without disabilities, can participate on equal terms.
Are you a company, professional or simply a citizen? This decree affects you. It is time to know it, apply it and contribute to change.
