Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) Series 1/3 – Fundamentals

The digital and physical world should be equally accessible to everyone — that's the central goal of Germany's Accessibility Strengthening Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz, or BFSG). Companies and public institutions face new challenges: by June 28, 2025, they must bring their products and services in line with the new statutory requirements. But what exactly does the BFSG regulate? Which industries are affected, and what happens in the event of non-compliance? This article provides a thorough overview.

What Is the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG)?

The BFSG transposes the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) into German law. It requires companies to make their products and services accessible so that people with disabilities can use them on an equal footing. This affects digital offerings and technical devices in particular, but also a range of services across different economic sectors.

Why Was the Law Introduced?

The BFSG aims to remove existing barriers and strengthen social participation. Millions of people with disabilities depend on an accessible environment. Uniform requirements for companies across the EU are also intended to create fair competition and drive innovation in accessibility.

Goals of the Law

The BFSG's key objectives are:

Improving digital and physical accessibility

Harmonizing accessibility requirements across the EU

Promoting inclusion and equal participation for people with disabilities

Enhancing usability for all consumers

Key Deadlines: When Does the Law Take Effect?

The BFSG is being phased in. The central implementation deadline is June 28, 2025. By then, companies must ensure their products and services meet the new requirements. Products already on the market before that date are, in certain cases, subject to transitional rules.

Who Is Affected?

The BFSG applies to a wide range of companies and industries. In principle, all providers of products and services intended for consumers are affected. Relevance varies depending on the business model:

B2C companies: Providers that sell directly to end customers must ensure their products and digital offerings are fully accessible.

B2B companies: While the law primarily targets the end-customer market, companies supplying business customers can be indirectly affected — for example, when their products or services need to be integrated into accessible end-to-end solutions.

Affected Areas Include in Particular:

Operators of websites, online shops, and digital platforms

Manufacturers of computers, tablets, and smartphones

Financial service providers and banks (including ATMs and online banking)

Telecommunications providers

Transport operators (rail, bus, air)

Self-service terminals such as ticket machines

What Requirements Apply?

To meet the statutory requirements, companies must implement a range of measures, including:

Digital accessibility: Websites, mobile apps, and digital services must comply with WCAG 2.1 standards.

Accessible hardware: Electronic products must also be usable by people with visual or hearing impairments.

Customer service: Phone-based and digital customer support must be accessible.

Physical accessibility: ATMs, payment terminals, and self-service systems must offer adaptable operating options.

What Are the Consequences of Non-Compliance?

Companies that fail to implement the BFSG face consequences, including:

Fines and sanctions: Depending on the federal state, significant penalties can be imposed.

Reputational damage: Companies that are not accessible risk public criticism and potential complaints.

Competitive disadvantage: Accessible solutions can be a competitive advantage, as more and more consumers pay attention to this.

Conclusion

The BFSG marks an important step toward a more inclusive society. Companies should engage with the requirements early and take the necessary steps to ensure timely compliance. In our next article, we'll take a detailed look at which products and services specifically need to be accessible and which standards they must meet.

Need help making your websites accessible, auditing them, or boosting their conversion performance at the same time? Contact us here!

Overview of our article series "Accessibility Strengthening Act":

Accessibility Strengthening Act – Fundamentals (Feb 13, 2025)

Accessibility Strengthening Act – Audit / Review (Feb 20, 2025)

Accessibility Strengthening Act – Requirement Details (Feb 27, 2025)