The Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG) – What website operators need to know now
But let’s start from the beginning: What is the Barrier-Free Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) and what is its aim? The BFSG ensures that digital and physical products and services will be accessible in the future. It is based on EU Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act) and ensures that people with disabilities are not excluded.
The law will apply from June 28, 2025.
Companies should ensure that their digital offerings are accessible at an early stage in order to meet the legal requirements in good time.
Is my company affected by the law?
All companies and service providers that offer digital products or services to consumers are affected. These include, among others:
- Online stores and e-commerce platforms
- Banks and financial service providers
- Telecommunications provider
- Ticket booking platforms (e.g. for travel, concerts, culture)
- Apps and software solutions
- Self-service terminals (e.g. ticket machines or cash machines)
What criteria determine whether a website is affected?
Certain requirements must be met for a website to fall under the FSIA:
- Is the website a commercial offer?
Does the website belong to a company or service provider that offers digital products or services to end customers? Then the law applies. Online stores, banking and telecommunications services, ticket bookings and software applications are particularly affected. - Is the website used for end users?
Websites that offer services directly to consumers – be it shopping, bookings or financial services – must be accessible. Apps and software for end customers are also included. - Is it a socially relevant service?
Sites that provide important social services (e.g. transportation, banks, telecommunications) must comply with the BFSG. State and municipal services are already covered by the Disability Equality Act (BGG) and the Barrier-free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV) regulated.
Are there any exceptions?
Small companies with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover of less than €2 million could be exempt from the obligation under certain conditions – but only if they can prove that implementation would be disproportionate for them. Even purely B2B websites (which are aimed exclusively at other companies) are not automatically covered by the law as long as they do not address end consumers.
What measures need to be implemented?
In order to meet the requirements of the BFSG, the following adjustments should be made:
- Websites must at least comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA must be fulfilled. This means
- Alt texts for images (so that screen readers can read them)
- Good color contrasts for better readability
- Controllability via keyboard, not only via mouse
- Clean HTML structure and ARIA roles for better screen reader support
- No flashing content that could cause health problems
- Subtitles and audio descriptions for videos and other multimedia content
Conclusion: act now!
The BFSG comes into force on June 28, 2025 – high time to make your own website fit for the future! Those who comply with accessibility standards at an early stage not only ensure legally compliant content, but also avoid stress, high adaptation costs and possible penalties.
Note: These tips are only an excerpt.
All details and legal requirements can be found on the official website of the federal government: https://www.barrierefreiheit-dienstekonsolidierung.bund.de/Webs/PB/DE/gesetze-und-richtlinien/barrierefreiheitsstaerkungsgesetz/barrierefreiheitsstaerkungsgesetz-node.html.
We support you with
Not sure whether your website falls under the BFSG? As always, we will be happy to provide you with individual advice on this topic. Together we will analyze your website and clarify whether you are affected and what measures are necessary.
For a customized analysis and specific recommendations for action, you can here to book a personal appointment.
Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help you:
Matthias Brinkmann
+49 (0)911 / 47 49 49 49
brinkmann@twobe.de