Note: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for individual legal advice.
From June 2025, the following applies in Germany Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), which obliges companies and public institutions to make their digital offerings such as websites and apps barrier-free. The BFSG is based on European Directive (EU) 2019/882 and is intended to ensure that people with disabilities have unrestricted access to digital content and services. In this article, you will learn what requirements the law imposes, how companies can avoid legal and financial risks, and why digital accessibility is worthwhile regardless of legal requirements.
The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) and its significance for companies
that Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) obliges companies in the B2C (business-to-consumer) sector to make their digital offerings accessible to people with disabilities. The law covers both products and services and requires websites, mobile apps and certain technical devices to meet accessibility requirements.
You can find out whether your company is affected by the BFSG in the respective sections of the Act:
- §1 paragraph 2: Defines products that fall under the law.
- §1 Paragraph 3: Refers to services that must be made barrier-free.
Even if the BFSG does not directly affect your company, implementing digital accessibility can still make sense. In doing so, you increase usability, expand your reach and show social commitment. A barrier-free offer can also represent a competitive advantage.
When do companies have to implement the legal requirements?
The legal requirements of the BFSG apply on June 28, 2025 in force. From this point on, new digital offerings must be barrier-free. For existing products, there is a transition period until 2030 — However, websites and apps do not fall under the “products” category and must therefore comply with the requirements as early as 2025.
Companies should therefore start implementing them early in order to prepare for the requirements in good time and to be able to implement any adjustments efficiently.
Options for applying for an exemption
Should the implementation of accessibility represent a significant economic burden for your company, it is possible to exception to apply for. To do so, companies must submit an application to the competent market surveillance authority and prove that implementing the requirements would entail disproportionate disadvantages.
However, it is important to know that exemptions are only granted in rare cases and that the hurdles are high. The authority reviews every request carefully and only grants an exception if accessibility is really impracticable and is not neglected simply due to cost or convenience.
Fines and legal risks if the requirements are not met
Companies that do not comply with the requirements of the BFSG must deal with sensitive fines and expect further legal consequences. The market surveillance authority may impose fines of up to 100,000€ impose. There are also other legal risks:
- Unfair competition: The BFSG is integrated into the Act against Unfair Competition. A violation of accessibility requirements could result in consumer protection organizations and competitors taking legal action to ensure fair competition.
- Warranty law: Products that do not meet the requirements of the BFSG can be returned by the customer or reduced in price. Especially for products that cannot be used by people with disabilities, the customer has the right to a refund or a price reduction.
- Information requirements: Companies are required to provide all customers with fair and comprehensive information. If, for example, a booking platform is not barrier-free and a customer places an incorrect order as a result, the company may be liable for compensation.
- Complaints by consumers and associations: People with disabilities can report violations of the BFSG to the competent authority. If the authority does not take action, affected users or consumer protection associations can sue the company. The new Association Claims Act also strengthens the rights of associations to enforce injunctive and removal actions in the interest of consumers.
Why digital accessibility is a wise investment
The barrier-free design of digital offerings is not only a legal requirement, but also offers numerous economic benefits. By customizing your websites and apps, you reach a larger audience and improve the user experience for all customers — including people without disabilities. Digital accessibility shows social commitment and strengthens trust in your brand.
In addition, you are potentially opening up new markets and target groups, as people with disabilities represent an increasingly important user group. This has a positive effect on your brand image and can give you an advantage over the competition.
Why companies should take action now
The BFSG ensures that digital offerings are accessible to all users and promotes digital inclusion. Companies that take early steps to meet legal requirements benefit not only legally, but also from improved usability and an expanded customer base.
Since implementing digital accessibility often requires a certain amount of planning time, you should check early on which adjustments are necessary in your company. Precise planning and timely involvement of accessibility experts help to implement the requirements efficiently and on time.
Note: This post is not legal advice. For individual advice, please contact a specialist lawyer to clarify the specific requirements and options for your company.
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