Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG): Everything you need to know to prepare your website
The Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG) and the accompanying regulation (BFSGV) implement the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in Germany. As of the effective date of June 28, 2025, all new products and services, including online stores, must be designed to be accessible.
Who does the BFSG apply to?
The BFSG applies to manufacturers, retailers, importers, and service providers. Microenterprises 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
- E-commerce services must also be accessible.
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 more user-friendly for all visitors. Improved navigation and clearer content ensure a positive user experience. Removing barriers also helps avoid fundamental 10 Common Web Design Mistakes, which deter potential customers.
- Strengthens your brand perception: Companies that prioritize inclusion are perceived as socially responsible, which strengthens their brand image and builds trust among customers. Such a sincere commitment to digital inclusion is an essential building block today if you want to Build a strong brand identity and create a roadmap for success would like to establish.
- Reduces legal risks: By making your website accessible in accordance with legal requirements, you minimize the risk of legal disputes and potential 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).
- Gather 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 audit for your existing website. We review web pages 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. If you’re also interested in a new website that’s optimized from the ground up and future-proof, Websites If you'd like to have a design created, we'll guide you through the process from the initial concept to the final design.
Get in touch with us to make your website future-proof!