The new Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) comes into force on June 28, 2025 and requires numerous changes to online stores, websites and apps. Find out who exactly is affected by the new law and how you can make your website fit for the new regulations in this blog post.
What Is The Accessibility Improvement Act?
The new Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) is the German implementation of the European Accessibility Act and creates a framework for improving the accessibility of products and services. It aims to ensure the participation of people with disabilities or restrictions and older people in social life. The BFSG also refers to digital offerings such as online stores, apps and certain websites. In future, these must be designed in such a way that all people can use them regardless of their abilities.
Completely Barrier-Free by June 28, 2025?
The BFSG will apply to new websites from June 28, 2025. For existing online presences of service providers, the BSFG grants a transitional period until 27.06.2030. Until this date, service providers can continue to provide their services using products that were already lawfully used by them before 28.06.2025 to provide these or similar services. However, you should not wait for the end of the transition period, but ensure that your website is accessible as quickly as possible. This is because non-compliance with the new law can result in hefty penalties: in addition to fines of up to 100,000 euros, you can also expect to be sued for discrimination.
Which Websites Are Affected by the Bfsg?
The BFSG particularly affects websites that offer products and services. However, this does not only include traditional e-commerce platforms:
- Online stores: Regardless of what you sell to end customers on the internet, your store must be accessible in future.
- Websites of banks, financial services and insurance companies: These sites are affected because they provide essential services that must be usable for everyone.
- Telecommunications services: People should be able to find and book the right tariff or make support requests without barriers.
- Travel planning and interregional passenger transportation: Flights, bus and train travel, rental cars, boat trips and accommodation must be accessible and bookable for everyone.
- Streaming platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix & Co. are also affected as they sell services and products online.
- E-book providers: The purchase of e-books, but also the reading experience, must be accessible.
- Providers of online bookings: Anyone who makes it possible to book appointments, reserve tables, etc. on their website must make the entire booking process accessible.
Some websites fall into a gray area: For example, those who sell exclusively to other companies (B2B) may not be affected by the new guidelines. However, as soon as it is also possible for end consumers to purchase the products or services, the BFSG regulations must be complied with. Even if you only describe your products and services online but do not sell them directly, you may be left out in some cases. If you are unsure, we recommend seeking legal advice.
To Whom Does the Accessibility Reinforcement Act Not Apply?
Micro-enterprises in the service sector are not affected by the BFSG (see Section 3 (3) BFSG). This includes service providers with fewer than 10 employees and an annual balance sheet of less than 2 million euros. But beware: this exception does not apply to online stores! Anyone who sells products online must generally comply with the BFSG - regardless of company size and turnover. Only in special cases, if the implementation of the accessibility requirements leads to a disproportionate burden, can small online stores apply to be exempted from the accessibility requirements in full or in part. However, this is subject to strict requirements and must be examined on a case-by-case basis.
Even if you are not obliged to comply with the Accessibility Improvement Act: There is no harm in making your website accessible to everyone. This will allow you to tap into new target groups and improve your SEO ranking.
When Are Websites Considered Accessible?
There is a whole range of accessibility requirements that website operators and online retailers will have to meet in the future. These are based on international standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. In general, web content must be perceptible via different senses (visual and auditory), operable in different ways (e.g. not only by mouse, but also by keyboard or voice control), robust (i.e. interpretable by as many assistive technologies as possible, such as screen readers) and understandable for everyone.
Some Examples of Accessible Website Design:
- High color contrasts between text and background
- Meaningful alt attributes for images
- Sufficiently large and adaptable font sizes
- Simple, clear language and user guidance
- Videos with subtitles and stop/pause function
Blackbit and Jut-So: We Make Your Website Accessible
Are you affected by the Accessibility Improvement Act, but don't know where to start to make your website fit for the requirements of the law? Don't panic. Together with our partner jut-so, we will be happy to assist you with this process.
jut-so, the sustainable web agency from Berlin, will audit your website and draw up a catalog of measures. The Blackbit team then takes care of the necessary design and technical implementation to ensure digital accessibility.
Contact us now to request your individual offer!
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