Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG): Everything you need to know to prepare your website
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is being implemented in Germany with the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) and the associated ordinance (BFSGV). From 28.06.2025, all new products and services, including web stores, must be designed to be accessible.
Who does the BFSG apply to?
The BFSG applies to manufacturers, retailers, importers and service providers. Micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees or an annual turnover of less than 2 million euros are exempt.
Which products and services are affected?
The law applies to:
- Hardware systems
- Self-service terminals
- Consumer terminal equipment for telecommunications services
- E-book readers
Services such as:
- Telecommunications services
- Elements of passenger transportation services
- Banking services
- E-Books
- Services in electronic commerce
must also be barrier-free.
Why should you make your website accessible?
The accessible design of your website is not only required by law, but also brings numerous advantages for your company. An accessible website:
- Increases your reach: People with disabilities make up a significant proportion of the population. Accessibility allows you to address this target group directly and increase your reach.
- Improves the user experience: An accessible website is often also more user-friendly for all visitors. Improved navigation and more comprehensible content ensure a positive user experience.
- Strengthens your brand perception: Companies that focus on inclusion are perceived as socially responsible, which strengthens the brand image and builds trust among customers.
- Reduces legal risks: By making your website accessible in accordance with legal requirements, you minimize the risk of legal disputes and possible fines.
What does barrier-free use mean?
Websites and online services must be designed in such a way that they can be used by all people, regardless of their limitations (motor, visual, auditory, cognitive).
How can you make your website accessible?
- Evaluate your current website for barriers.
- Implement changes in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Get user feedback.
- Use tools such as WAVE, Google Lighthouse and IBM Accessibility Checker.
What aids can help you?
- Easy language for people with cognitive impairments.
- Sign language videos for deaf people.
- Automatic image descriptions with AI.
- Overlay tools and their limitations: Overlay tools cannot fully guarantee accessibility and are viewed critically. They should only be used as a supplement and not as the sole solution.
Need help?
brot & salz offers a comprehensive accessibility check for your existing website. We check websites for existing barriers and provide specific recommendations for improvement. This ensures that your online presence complies with legal requirements and is accessible to all users.
Get in touch with us to make your website future-proof!