The Accessibility Improvement Act and its consequences for website operators

The Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG) has been in force since June 28, 2025. It is a decisive step towards greater digital participation and accessibility. The law obliges companies to design their digital presence in such a way that it is accessible to all people.

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Maximilian Hohenstatt
January 30, 2025
December 30, 2025

Close-up of a person using a Braille keyboard with a built-in Braille display. The hands feel the raised dots on the display, while a conventional computer keyboard lies next to it. The scene shows accessible technology for visually impaired or blind users.

Who is affected?

The Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG) affects all companies that offer, manufacture or market products or services. This includes, for example, all web stores and websites that offer the option of ordering goods or services. Manufacturers of products are also obliged to comply with the requirements, regardless of their size.

Exceptions apply to micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees or an annual turnover of less than EUR 2 million, provided they do not manufacture any products. Companies have had to design their websites and apps to be accessible in accordance with the WCAG standards since June 28, 2025. Violations of the BFSG can now lead to specific sales bans, warnings and fines of up to EUR 100,000.

Three people work together on a web design project. One person is holding a sketch of a website with hand-drawn elements, while another points to it and explains details. In the background is a computer screen with an open code editor. The scene conveys creative teamwork in web development.

Requirements for accessible websites

A website is considered accessible if it can be used by all people without restriction, regardless of limitations in seeing, hearing, moving or processing information.

In some cases, a separate accessible version of a website can be provided, as long as it offers the same content and functionality and is equally accessible. However, this is not considered best practice, as a single accessible main page is usually more efficient and user-friendly.

Examples of concrete measures for implementation are

Sufficient contrast between foreground and background colors.

Alternative texts for images so that screen readers can interpret them.

Subtitles for videos to make them accessible for deaf and hard of hearing people.

Full keyboard operability of the website for people with motor impairments.

Accessibility statement: This must be published on the website and describes how the requirements are met and which areas may still have barriers.

Close-up of a white computer keyboard. A finger presses a specially designed key labeled 'Barrierefrei' and a symbol for accessibility. The scene symbolizes digital accessibility and inclusion.

Deadlines and transitional arrangements

The central deadline has expired: The BFSG has been in force since June 28, 2025.

There are transitional periods for certain companies, but immediate and systematic implementation of the measures is urgently required - both to avoid legal risks and to ensure the long-term quality of the digital presence.

Support with implementation

The technical implementation of accessibility requires sound expertise in various areas of web development. Non-profit organizations such as "Aktion Mensch" provide information, checklists and testing tools that can support the implementation of the BFSG requirements.

For practical implementation, we recommend working with experts who have experience in the accessible design of websites. Those who have not yet taken any measures should immediately begin a systematic analysis of their existing digital presence. This forms the basis for an efficient and standard-compliant implementation of accessibility.

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