Get your website ready for BFSG

Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) – Ready for 2025?

What is the BFSG, and why is it important for your company?

The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) – or Accessibility Reinforcement Act – is Germany’s national implementation of the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882). It aims to make key digital products and services more accessible for people with disabilities and to strengthen equal participation in the digital world.

Many companies that offer digital services or products to consumers will be legally required to meet clear accessibility standards. These include the WCAG 2.2 Level AA guidelines and the EN 301 549 standard for ICT accessibility.

Why it matters:
The BFSG isn’t just a legal requirement. It reflects a broader shift toward inclusion, digital responsibility, and usability for all. Companies that act early not only reduce risk, but also:

• Open their digital services to millions of people with disabilities

• Improve overall user experience, for everyone

• Strengthen their brand through visible commitment to inclusion

• Future-proof their services as accessibility becomes standard

In short: The BFSG isn’t just about compliance. It’s a key step toward digital equality — and a strategic advantage for businesses that care about long-term user trust and relevance.

Why should I comply with the BFSG? 

Complying with the BFSG (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz) is essential not only to meet upcoming legal requirements but also to avoid potential fines and reputational risks. It allows your company to reach a broader audience, including millions of people with disabilities, and demonstrates a clear commitment to inclusion and social responsibility. By taking action now, you position your business as a future-ready, trustworthy, and customer-focused brand.

When do I need to comply? 

The deadline for compliance with the law is 28 of June, 2025.

After this date, affected products and services must meet BFSG accessibility standards. Offers that were already on the market before this date are subject to a transition period ending in 2030.

It's not worth waiting because the later accessibility is planned, the more difficult it will be to implement.

Acting now means:

• Checking in a timely way

• Making adjustments in a planned manner

• Becoming legally compliant step by step

Early preparation provides legal certainty and improves the quality of digital offerings and the user experience for everyone.

Who does the BFSG affect?

The BFSG applies to a broad range of businesses involved in the design, production, distribution, and provision of digital products and services within the EU. Specifically, it covers:

• Manufacturers – responsible for the accessibility of the products they design and produce

• Importers – bringing relevant products into the EU market

• Distributors – placing those products on the market or making them available

• Service providers – offering digital services directly to consumers

Exceptions:
Microenterprises — companies with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than €2 million — are exempt from the BFSG's service-related obligations. However, they may still be indirectly affected (e.g. when selling via larger platforms or to public institutions) and are encouraged to follow accessibility best practices voluntarily.

The BFSG applies to a variety of sectors. Businesses offering the following types of digital products or services are typically in scope:

• E-commerce platforms and online shops

• Online banking and financial services

• Telecommunications and internet service providers

• E-books and e-reading software

• Public transport booking and travel apps

• Audio-visual media and streaming services

• Consumer-facing software and operating systems

• Self-service terminals such as ATMs, ticket machines, and check-in kiosks

What does the BFSG require (in line with WCAG)? 

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are an internationally recognized set of standards that define how digital content should be designed to be accessible to all people — including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. Under the BFSG, compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA is a core requirement.

WCAG 2.2 is based on four key principles:

• Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in ways users can perceive. This includes providing text alternatives for images, captions for video content, and ensuring content is adaptable and visually distinguishable (e.g. strong color contrast).

• Operable: All functionality must be available via keyboard — not just mouse or touch — and users must be given sufficient time to interact with content. Interfaces should avoid flashing elements that can trigger seizures and must help users navigate easily.

• Understandable: Content should be clear and predictable. This includes using plain language, labeling form fields properly, and making sure that pages behave in consistent ways across the site.

• Robust: Content must remain accessible as technologies evolve. This means compatibility with current and future browsers, screen readers, and other assistive tools must be ensured.

Specific requirements may vary based on the product or service, as detailed in the Regulation to the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) .​ 

Who monitors the law and how?

In Germany, compliance with the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) is monitored by the market surveillance authorities of the federal states. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) supports and coordinates this process.

Authorities can verify the compliance of digital products and services with legal requirements based on reports or random checks. Consumers also have the right to report barriers. If a violation is found, the authorities can order measures or, in cooperation with recognized associations, enforce them legally.

Therefore, accessibility is not only mandatory, it is also enforceable.

How does Eye-Able® help? 

Eye-Able® helps your company comply with the BFSG by providing practical, easy-to-integrate digital accessibility solutions. Our software tools enhance website usability for all users through features like contrast adjustment, screen reader support, and text resizing — all in line with accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.2 and EN 301 549.

We also offer detailed accessibility audits, generate legally required accessibility statements, and provide tailored recommendations to help you meet BFSG requirements quickly and effectively. This way you turn the law from a challenge into an opportunity.

Beyond tools, Eye-Able® supports your long-term accessibility strategy with training for your teams, ongoing monitoring, and additional services like Plain Language translation and AI-based multilingual accessibility. With our all-in-one solution and expert support, you not only avoid legal risks — you build trust, reach more users, and position your company as a leader in digital inclusion.

Not sure where to start? Don't worry. We are here to help.