Office de la surveillance de l'accessibilité des produits et services

OSAPS' missions are defined by the Law of 8 March 2023 on accessibility requirements for products and services. OSAPS ensures that products and services are accessible to all, by monitoring standards, supporting businesses and raising public awareness. Monitoring the compliance of products and services OSAPS verifies that products and services comply with accessibility standards. Example: Ensuring that a bank website is accessible to visually impaired people with a screen reader. Checking the CE marking and declarations of conformity It checks whether products bear the CE marking and whether they comply with European accessibility criteria. Example: A ticket machine must allow the use of headphones to give audio instructions to blind people. Checking for exemptions from accessibility It ensures that exceptions to accessibility rules are justified and not abused. Example: A small business can apply for an exemption if adapting a service is too expensive. Helping small businesses comply with the rules OSAPS provides tools and advice to microenterprises to help them make their products and services accessible. Example: Creating a guide to help a small business make its e-commerce site accessible to deaf people. Informing and raising public awareness It informs citizens and businesses about their rights and obligations regarding accessibility. Example: Publishing explanatory videos on the adaptations needed to make a website accessible. Collecting data to improve accessibility It collects information on the needs of people with disabilities to improve services. Example: Analysing how many online banking services are actually accessible to people with motor disabilities. Transmit information to the competent authorities It shares its analyses with other organisations to improve monitoring and compliance with standards. Example: Informing the authorities if a telephone operator does not offer a service that is accessible to people with hearing impairments.