PDF/UA (ISO 14289)
PDF/UA (ISO 14289) is the international standard defining technical requirements for creating universally accessible PDF documents. It ensures that anyone, including users of assistive technologies, can access PDF document content. Our document remediation services certify your documents under this standard.
What is PDF/UA?
The standard is based on structural tagging (tagged PDF): every document element — paragraphs, headings, tables, images, lists — must be properly tagged so that screen readers and other assistive technologies can interpret the content and its hierarchy.
PDF/UA-2 (ISO 14289-2), published in 2024, is based on PDF 2.0 and expands requirements including MathML support, annotations, and enhanced metadata.
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1
Based on ISO 32000 (PDF) and complementary to WCAG 2.2.
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2
Requires complete tagging (tagged PDF) of all elements.
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3
Mandatory alternative texts for images and non-textual elements.
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4
Logical reading order, document language, and semantic structure.
Our
methodology.
Document Analysis
Initial PDF assessment using automated tools (PAC 2024, VeraPDF) to identify current compliance level and structural issues.
Tag Structure Audit
Manual review of the tag structure: heading hierarchy, properly marked tables, lists, and decorative elements.
Technical Remediation
Fix all accessibility barriers: add tags, alternative texts, reading order, language, and metadata.
PDF/UA Validation
Final verification with PAC 2024 and screen readers (JAWS, NVDA) to confirm full ISO 14289 compliance.
Certification & Delivery
Delivery of remediated document with PDF/UA compliance report and recommendations for future documents.
Who it is
aimed at
PDF/UA applies to any organization publishing PDF documents, especially those legally required to ensure the accessibility of their digital communications.
Public Sector
Required by EU Directive 2016/2102 and national transpositions to publish accessible documents.
Financial Sector
Banks, insurers, and financial entities distributing contracts, statements, and communications in PDF.
Universities
Teaching materials, regulations, and administrative documentation accessible to the entire university community.
Companies under EAA
Private sector companies required by the European Accessibility Act since June 2025.
What must be accessible
Annual reports
Corporate documents with charts, tables, and visual elements requiring accessible structure.
Legal documents & contracts
Binding documents that must be readable by any person and assistive technology.
PDF forms
Interactive forms with properly labeled fields, keyboard-navigable.
Catalogs & brochures
Commercial material in PDF with images, alt texts, and logical reading order.
Educational material
Notes, exams, teaching guides, and accessible pedagogical resources.
Technical documentation
Manuals, specifications, and datasheets with tagged tables and diagrams.
Tenders & public procurement
Public procurement documentation that must meet accessibility requirements.
Internal communications
Newsletters, circulars, and corporate announcements distributed in PDF format.
Why we are
different
European Legal Compliance
PDF/UA is the standard required by EN 301 549, the technical reference for the EAA and EU Directive 2016/2102. Complying with PDF/UA means complying with the law.
Universal Access
Enables anyone to access document content, including screen reader, magnifier, and braille device users.
Automation & Scalability
PDF/UA remediation processes can be automated for large document volumes, reducing costs and turnaround times.
Long-Term Preservation
PDF/UA is compatible with PDF/A (archiving), ensuring accessible documents are properly preserved over time.
Public Procurement Eligibility
PDF/UA compliance is required in European public ICT procurement, opening business opportunities.
Social Responsibility
Demonstrating commitment to inclusion strengthens corporate reputation and positions the organization as an ethical leader.
Risks of
non-compliance
Financial penalties
Non-compliance with EAA and EU Directive 2016/2102 carries fines proportional to the severity and scope of the infringement.
Public procurement exclusion
Non-compliant PDF documents can invalidate bids in tenders where accessibility is a requirement.
User complaints
Citizens can file complaints with supervisory bodies if they cannot access public documents.
Operational inefficiency
Unstructured documents generate more inquiries, more support, and more processing time internally and externally.
Certification
PDF/UA (ISO 14289).
Certifies that your PDF documents comply with the international document accessibility standard. Our certificate includes a detailed technical report, PAC 2024 and VeraPDF validation results, and a maintenance guide.
Companies that already trust us
