Accessibility certificate for commercial premises
An accessible store is not only a legal requirement: it is a business argument. The fact that anyone, regardless of their abilities, can enter, move around and shop independently in your establishment says a lot about you and how you understand commerce.
Accessibility is no longer optional for the trade
Legal requirements in terms of accessibility have increased progressively in recent years, and commercial premises are no exception. Whether you have a store in a high-traffic area or you manage an establishment in a shopping mall, the regulations affect you, and non-compliance can have real consequences for your business.
But beyond the obligation, accessibility is also an opportunity. Businesses that can prove that their space is inclusive have access to a wider customer segment, generate greater trust and are better positioned in a market where customer experience is everything.
What does AIS certify in a commercial facility?
Accessibility of entrance and interior circulation
The access from public roads is analyzed: if there are steps, if there is an alternative ramp, if the pedestrian ford is in adequate conditions. The width of the doors, the space available between shelves or counters and the possibility of maneuvering for people using wheelchairs or with mobility difficulties are also reviewed.
The interior circulation directly affects the shopping experience. An aisle that is too narrow or a furniture layout that does not leave enough space not only makes access difficult for people with disabilities: it is also a friction for any customer with a stroller, a baby carriage or simply a large bag.
Signaling and orientation
The certification evaluates whether your store has clear signage that facilitates orientation from the entrance, whether the signs are legible in terms of font size and contrast, and whether the lighting is adequate for anyone to identify products, prices and spaces without difficulty.
These elements benefit people with low vision or cognitive difficulties, but also improve the overall customer experience. A well-lit and well-marked store sells more, and that’s not an opinion: it’s what accumulated retail experience says.
Counter, cashier and customer service areas
One of the critical points in any commercial establishment is the customer service area. The certificate verifies whether the counter has an adequate height for people in wheelchairs, if there is lateral space to approach, and if there are payment terminals at an accessible height.
It also assesses whether the staff has received any specific training in customer service for people with different abilities, and whether the store has protocols for emergency situations that contemplate all customers equally.
The certification process, without complications
The process begins with the opening of a file at Fundación ARS. Then, an approved technician visits your premises, collects the necessary evidence and prepares a detailed analysis. With this information, an action plan is prepared with the recommended improvements and, after the audit, the Review Committee issues an opinion and approves the certificate.
The certificate is valid for three years and is complemented by annual maintenance reviews. If you are planning a renovation, the pre-qualification method allows you to know the degree of accessibility before carrying out the works, which facilitates a much more efficient planning of the investments.
What AIS certification brings to your business premises
- Credibility and trust: a visible plaque on your premises and a public record that any customer can consult.
- Greater commercial reach: you reach a segment of customers that discards establishments without accessibility guarantees before visiting them.
- Verified regulatory compliance: the certificate certifies that your premises comply with the legal requirements regarding accessibility in Spain and in the countries where AIS is present.
- International recognition: the AIS certificate is valid in more than 30 countries, which is a differential value if you receive tourism or are part of a chain with presence in several markets.
- Concrete improvement plan: the process not only certifies what you already have, but also identifies what you can improve and how to prioritize those improvements.
- ESG argument: integrate accessibility into your Social Responsibility strategy or your company’s sustainability reporting.
- Competitive differentiation: in an environment where many stores have not yet taken this step, AIS certification is a real argument for attracting customers.
Take the first step to certify your facility
Whether you have a single store or manage a chain of establishments, the AIS certification process adapts to your reality. The first consultation is without obligation and allows you to understand exactly what the process involves, how long it takes and what you can expect at the end.
At AIS Certification we work with commercial premises of all sectors and sizes. If you want your space to be truly for everyone, we are here to help you accredit it.
