Accessibility
BFSG – digital products & services
EU European Accessibility Act 2019/882
The German Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) requires companies to make their web shops, apps, and digital services accessible. Those affected who fail to act risk market-surveillance proceedings, fines, and costly cease-and-desist letters.
The BFSG has applied since 28 June 2025. Non-accessible B2C offerings have been exposed since then. A transition period until 2030 applies to certain existing service contracts – new offerings must be compliant immediately.
Regulation
BFSG / EU Directive 2019/882
28 Jun 2025
In force since
WCAG 2.1 AA
Technical standard
until 2030
Transition (legacy contracts)
EN 301 549
EU norm
Barrierefreiheit (BFSG)
Das Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz ab 2025: WCAG-konforme, barrierefreie Websites und Apps – für alle nutzbar.
Who is affected by the BFSG?
The BFSG covers products and services in the B2C area. Both categories must be accessible – with only narrow exemptions for micro-enterprises in the services area.
Digital Services
- Web shops & e-commerce
- Online banking & payment services
- Booking & ticketing systems
- Telecommunications services
- E-books & e-reader platforms
- Consumer apps
- Passenger transport portals
Digital Products
- Self-service terminals
- ATMs & ticket machines
- Check-in machines
- Smartphones & tablets
- Routers & set-top boxes
- E-reader devices
- Hardware for online services
Exemptions: Micro-enterprises that provide services (fewer than 10 employees and no more than €2M annual turnover) are exempt from the service obligations. This exemption does not apply to products. A disproportionate burden must be demonstrated and documented on a case-by-case basis – it does not provide blanket relief.
What does the BFSG specifically require?
The decisive criteria are the WCAG 2.1 success criteria at conformance level AA and the harmonized EU norm EN 301 549 – binding for all affected digital offerings.
WCAG 2.1 AA conformance
Fulfilment of all level AA success criteria: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. The foundation of every accessible implementation.
EN 301 549 alignment
Alignment with the harmonized EU norm EN 301 549, which translates WCAG 2.1 into the European legal framework and adds hardware requirements.
Accessibility statement
Provision of a public statement on the state of accessibility, including known limitations and a contact option for feedback.
Keyboard & screen reader
Full keyboard operability and correct markup for screen readers (semantic HTML, ARIA roles, sensible focus order).
Perceivable content
Sufficient colour contrast, alternative text for images, captions for videos, and scalable text – content must be perceivable through all senses.
Feedback & remediation
An established feedback mechanism for users through which barriers can be reported and traceably remediated.
Deadlines & Timeline
The BFSG timeline – from the EU directive to German applicability.
European Accessibility Act
EU Directive 2019/882 (EAA) is adopted, setting uniform accessibility requirements for the internal market.
BFSG enacted in Germany
Germany transposes the EAA into national law with the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG).
BFSG enters into force
The obligations apply. New B2C products and services must be accessible – market surveillance and cease-and-desist letters are possible.
Act nowEnd of transition period
Transitional rules for certain service contracts concluded before 2025 and existing terminals expire. After that, the full obligation applies.
How we help you with accessibility
From the audit to ongoing upkeep – we make your digital offerings BFSG-compliant, in three clearly structured phases.
Analysis & Audit
We test your website, app, or platform against WCAG 2.1 AA and EN 301 549 and create a prioritized catalogue of measures.
- Automated & manual accessibility testing
- BITV-style testing with assistive technologies
- Gap report with WCAG criteria
- Prioritization by risk & effort
Implementation & Technology
We remediate the identified barriers – from individual components to an accessible design system and reusable templates.
- Remediation of critical components
- Build an accessible design system
- Accessible templates & components
- Contrast, alt text & keyboard operability
- Create the accessibility statement
Support & Operations
Accessibility is not a one-time project. We secure the state permanently with monitoring, tests, and training.
- Monitoring & automated regression tests
- Training for editorial & development teams
- Upkeep of the accessibility statement
- Support for user feedback handling
Frequently Asked Questions about Accessibility (BFSG)
Is your digital offering BFSG-compliant?
Let us test your website, app, or platform against WCAG 2.1 AA – and define together the measures you need to implement now. Free initial consultation, concrete assessment.
Schedule free initial consultationWe will get back to you within 24 hours.