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The People's Republic of China (PRC) | The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
The Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019)
Overview
Ensuring digital accessibility in the People's Republic of China (PRC) by 2025 will be imperative due to the country's growing trade relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and the United States of America (USA), as well as its commitment to global frameworks like the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . Key drivers include adherence to international standards such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), regional regulations like the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan, and national laws like the Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019) and the Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (2008).
The PRC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives , the Made in China 2025 strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) , and the New Infrastructure Plan emphasize inclusive digital transformation, while the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on E-commerce highlight the importance of accessible digital trade.
With an aging population and increasing scrutiny from bodies like the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, compliance with accessibility standards is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic necessity for businesses operating in or trading with the PRC.
Penalty fines, neglecting social responsibility, and overlooking one billion potential customers are not an option.
Who We Are?
At Digital Accessibility .Solutions (DA.S), we specialise in delivering professional digital accessibility audits meticulously crafted to assist your organisation in achieving compliance with key global standards, including the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), while ensuring alignment with the Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019) to enhance user experience, broaden your audience reach, and foster inclusivity.
Related References
One billion people, or 15% of the world’s population, experience some form of disability, and disability prevalence is higher for developing countries.
Link to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
Link to the Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019)
Link to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives
Link to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
Link to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee)
What are the PRC's Digital Accessibility Laws and Regulations?
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is the primary department responsible for the Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019), while the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) plays a central role in implementing the Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (2008). Other ministries, such as the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA), the Ministry of Education (MOE) , and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS), contribute to specific aspects of accessibility, depending on their areas of jurisdiction. This multi-agency approach ensures comprehensive coverage of accessibility requirements across various sectors in the PRC.
The Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019):
The (GB/T 37668-2019) is a recommended national standard that aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), providing guidelines for making websites and mobile applications accessible to persons with disabilities. It focuses on perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust content, ensuring inclusivity in digital environments.
The Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (2008):
The Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (2008) is a broader legislative framework that mandates equal access to public services, education, employment, and ICTs for persons with disabilities. Together, these frameworks form the foundation of the PRC's efforts to promote digital accessibility and comply with international obligations under the CRPD and SDGs .
Interconnections:
Relationship Between WCAG, EAA, ADA, GB/T 37668-2019, Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, International and Regional Trade Relations:
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):
The WCAG stands as the global benchmark for digital accessibility, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure inclusive digital experiences worldwide. It serves as the global benchmark for web accessibility, influencing standards like the Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019).
The European Accessibility Act (EAA):
The EAA mandates WCAG compliance for digital products and services within the European Union (EU), impacting Chinese companies trading with Europe.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
The ADA requires businesses and government entities in the United States of America (USA) to ensure accessible digital content, often interpreted as WCAG compliance, impacting Chinese companies trading with the USA.
The Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019) & The Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (2008):
These national frameworks align with global standards and support China’s trade commitments under agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Joint Statement Initiative (JSI).
Trade Relations:
Ensuring compliance with accessibility standards strengthens the PRC’s trade ties with the ASEAN, the EU, and the USA, while supporting inclusive growth under initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) , and the New Infrastructure Plan.
Related References
Link to the Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019)
Link to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
Link to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
Link to the Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China (SAC)
Link to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
Link to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee)
Link to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS)
Who Needs To Comply?
Compliance with the Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019) & the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (2008) applies to:
Private and Public sector websites.
Private sector entities operating in or trading with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Union (EU), or the United States of America (USA) markets must adhere to relevant accessibility laws.
Organizations participating in initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) and the New Infrastructure Plan.
Businesses targeting an aging population or seeking alignment with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are also encouraged to adopt accessible practices.
Key Compliance Date?
National Frameworks:
the Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019): Published in 2019, with ongoing implementation and audits conducted by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (2008): Enforced since 2008, with periodic updates and reviews.
Future Deadlines: Compliance with accessibility standards is expected to intensify by 2025, driven by the China Standards 2035 Plan and global trade requirements.
International Frameworks:
European Accessibility Act (EAA): Businesses trading with the EU must comply with the EAA by June 28, 2025 , ensuring that digital products and services meet accessibility requirements.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): While the ADA does not specify a single compliance date, ongoing legal precedents and enforcement actions underscore the importance of maintaining accessible digital platforms.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The global deadline for achieving the SDGs, including Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), is 2030, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s alignment with these goals is being actively pursued through its 2025 frameworks.
Penalties?
Administrative Penalties: Non-compliance may result in warnings, fines, or corrective orders issued by regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Reputational Damage: Companies failing to meet accessibility standards risk losing consumer trust and market share.
Legal Action: While lawsuits are rare, advocacy groups may escalate issues to authorities or public forums.
Trade Barriers: Non-compliance can hinder participation in international trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and the United States of America (USA).
Who Monitors?
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT): Oversees compliance with Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019) and conducts accessibility audits.
Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China (SAC): Develops and updates national standards like (GB/T 37668-2019).
China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF): Advocates for accessibility and monitors implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (2008).
Who Governs?
National Level: The State Council and relevant ministries govern accessibility policies.
Regional Level: Local governments enforce accessibility standards for public services and infrastructure.
International Oversight: Bodies like the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities review China’s progress under the CRPD.
What Is Your Next Step?
Digital Accessibility.Solutions delivers the Chinese National Standard for Web Accessibility (GB/T 37668-2019), the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) compliance with precision and expertise. We would be delighted to assist your organisation in taking this essential step towards achieving digital accessibility.
How to Highlight Accessibility Barriers?
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT): Accepts complaints about inaccessible websites and apps.
The China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF): Provides a platform for reporting accessibility issues and advocating for improvements.
Public Complaints System: Citizens can file complaints through official government portals or local consumer protection agencies.
Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) and disability rights NGOs often assist in escalating complaints to regulatory bodies.
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