Accessibility for the company website
A barrier-free website: Who is required to comply by 2025? We answer your questions about the BFSG in relation to your company website.
The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG), often simply referred to as the Barrierefreiheitsgesetz, anchors the European Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/882) in German legislation. The BFSG comes into force on June 28, 2025 and for the first time requires private companies to meet accessibility standards for their products and services.
But what does accessibility mean? Which products and services are affected by the law? Is accessibility mandatory for all websites? Who does the law apply to and which companies are excluded? In this blog post, we answer your questions about the BFSG in relation to your company website.
Introduction: What is accessibility?
According to the BFSG, accessibility means that products or services are accessible to people with disabilities without any additional difficulty or assistance. They must be easy to find and use in the usual way.
For accessible websites, all content must be recognizable, easy to understand, easy to use and robust for every user. We show how these four principles can be implemented in our blog post on the basics of digital accessibility..
For which products and services is accessibility mandatory?
All products and services listed in the BFSG must be accessible.
In the products category, this includes
- computers, notebooks, tablets, smartphones, cell phones,
- ATMs, ticket and check-in machines,
- televisions with internet access,
- e-book readers,
- routers
In the services category, this includes
- telephone services,
- e-books,
- messenger services,
- services offered on mobile devices (including apps) in interregional passenger transport,
- banking services,
- electronic commerce,
- passenger transport services (for urban, suburban and regional transport services only interactive self-service terminals)
Accessibility on websites is mandatory from 2025 if they offer e-commerce services or banking services for consumers. E-commerce services are defined as the conclusion of a consumer contract. Put simply, if you sell a service via your website, your website must be accessible.
Is accessibility obligatory for me?
You should also check whether you are generally excluded from fulfilling the accessibility requirements. This iis the case for micro-enterprises that provide services and employ fewer than 10 people and generate a maximum annual turnover of €2 million or a maximum annual balance sheet total of €2 million.
If this is not the case, there are two exceptions where the accessibility requirements do not have to be met either.
If you rely on one of the two exceptions, you must document the assessment and keep this assessment for 5 years. This does not apply to micro-enterprises dealing with products in order to save them excessive bureaucracy.
Significant change to the product/service
Compliance with accessibility requirements affects the performance of the product to such an extent that it can no longer fulfill its intended purpose. For example, the use of new technologies or software.
Disproportionate burden
Accessibility obligation according to BITV for public bodies
The Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0) requires public institutions in Germany to make their websites, mobile applications, and digital administrative processes accessible. It is based on EU Directive 2016/2102 and follows the WCAG 2.1, Level AA standards. This includes accessible presentation of texts, images, videos, and forms, as well as user-friendly navigation. Additionally, public institutions must publish an accessibility statement and provide a feedback mechanism for users.
Even without an obligation: Investing in accessibility pays off
It is also worth investing in the implementation of accessibility for products and services that are not covered by the BFSG. Companies that offer accessible services reach larger sales markets and secure competitive advantages. They are also well positioned for the future, as they will be competing with companies that are committed to accessibility and will be on the market with innovative accessible products and services.
When it comes to web accessibility, it is also worth investing in an accessible website in advance. With our checklist, we show you step by step how you can make your website accessible in order to benefit from these advantages.
Our offer in the area of web accessibility
Whether through training or analysis – we support you on your way to an accessible website.
Our training at the makandra academy provides your team with hands-on knowledge to integrate accessibility into digital processes effectively. Participants will learn about legal requirements, identify barriers, and work with key standards, best practices, and tools. Practical exercises ensure direct application of knowledge, giving your team confidence in implementing accessible solutions.
With our Accessibility & Usability Test, we analyze your website for barriers and assess its compliance with legal requirements. You receive a comprehensive evaluation and targeted recommendations to make your digital presence fully accessible and legally compliant
ontact us today to learn more about our accessibility services and how we can help you build a more inclusive future.