Are brand colors exempt from WCAG color contrast requirements?

Summary

There are no exceptions for brand colors in contrast rules. Only logos and brand names have limited exceptions.

Question

WCAG does not provide an exception for brand colors, corporate design systems, or visual guidelines.

There is an exception for logos and brand names, but this is a specific case and does not extend to general use of brand colors.

As stated by WCAG:
“Corporate visual guidelines beyond logo and logotype are not included in the exception.”

Because of this, relying on brand colors alone does not satisfy accessibility requirements.

Answer

Adjust colors to meet contrast requirements:
    This may involve darkening or lightening colors slightly

In some cases:
    Increasing text size may resolve the issue

If not:
    Colors must be modified, even if this conflicts with branding

Organizational constraints do not override accessibility requirements

Environment / Applicability

• Product / Feature: Color contrast rules
• Version / Platform: Siteimprove Platform
• Audience: Designers, brand stakeholders, accessibility specialists
• Geographic / Language considerations: N/A