Presentation of the Office for the Monitoring of the Accessibility of Products and Services (OSAPS)

As part of the implementation of the law of 8 March 2023 on accessibility requirements applicable to products and services, the Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception, Max Hahn, presented a new public body: the OSAPS – Office for the Monitoring of the Accessibility of Products and Services. With its missions of monitoring, informing, and raising awareness, OSAPS represents a new step towards ensuring the accessibility of products and services, particularly for people with specific needs.

“To achieve a truly inclusive society, efforts are still needed across all areas – we all share responsibility in this matter. The law on the accessibility of publicly accessible places was a crucial step forward. However, many products and services that have become essential to our daily lives remain inaccessible to people with disabilities. With the creation of OSAPS, we are continuing our commitment to a barrier-free society,” emphasized Minister Max Hahn.

What is the scope of the law of 8 March 2023?

Products (the hardware and the software running on it):

• Consumer IT hardware such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, along with their respective operating systems
• Payment terminals, check-in kiosks, ticket or travel card dispensers – excluding those on board means of transport
• Internet-connected televisions (smart TVs) or equipment providing access to audiovisual services
• E-readers (electronic reading devices).

Services:

• Electronic communications services, including for example telephone and internet services
• Access to audiovisual media services (video on demand, catch-up services, etc.)
• Pre-recorded time-based media (audio and/or video) available on the internet or via an app, which are not considered archives
• Services related to passenger transport by air, bus, train, and boat (including their websites and mobile applications), except for the exemptions provided by law
• E-banking platforms, online payment services, and electronic money services
• E-books (digital books)
• E-commerce
• The European emergency number 112 and other national emergency numbers.

Making these services and devices accessible to everyone will therefore help make life easier for at least one in five adults.

Office for the Monitoring of the Accessibility of Products and Services (OSAPS)

The new Office for the Monitoring of the Accessibility of Products and Services (OSAPS) will serve, among other things, as the reference body for accessibility. OSAPS will monitor the compliance of products and services on the Luxembourg market and will provide guidelines, as well as the necessary tools and advice, to help businesses improve the accessibility of their products and/or services.

Furthermore, any individual will also be able to report the non-compliance of a product or service to OSAPS.

Released by the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception