Ukraine adopts international standard for barrier-free space

Ukraine has approved the new national standard DSTU ISO 21542:2025 “Buildings and Structures. Accessibility and Usability of the Urban Environment”.

This document defines internationally recognised parameters for barrier-free access in buildings and public spaces. From door widths, ramp inclines, and navigation logic to requirements for lighting, audible signals, accessibility of toilets, and common areas. The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development commissioned the development of this document.

ISO 21542 is the European benchmark in accessibility, applied in EU countries, Japan, Canada, Australia, and others. It now officially applies in Ukraine as a national standard.

“Barrier-free access is first and foremost about comfort, dignity, and equal opportunities for everyone. We are implementing international standards for barrier-free space so that every person – regardless of age or health condition – can feel free in public spaces. This is a shift in design philosophy, where the human being is at the centre of every decision,” noted Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development.

Ukraine is gradually updating building regulations, replacing outdated requirements with modern ones based on clear accessibility parameters. The integration of ISO 21542 into the Ukrainian regulatory framework is already underway. Existing State Building Norms on the inclusivity of buildings and structures, including Amendment No. 2, and the forthcoming Amendment No. 3, have been developed with due regard to the requirements of this international standard. This ensures alignment of Ukrainian norms with contemporary European approaches to designing barrier-free environments.

The adoption of ISO 21542 is another step towards Ukraine’s European integration, the creation of a modern, safe, and human-friendly space where accessibility becomes the norm.