The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) came into force on 29 June 2025. As a result, accessible websites and accessible online shops are now legally required for many companies. Since this date, those who sell digital products or services to consumers (B2C) must ensure that their digital offerings comply with current accessibility requirements.
B2B companies are also affected as soon as digital services – such as platforms, self-service portals, or publicly accessible information pages – are accessible to end customers. Those who have not yet reacted should now check if action is needed.
Who is affected, and who isn't?
The law applies to digital services aimed at end consumers. These include:
- Websites and online shops with a direct B2C focus
- Mobile apps or web applications with purchase or communication functions
- Electronic contact channels such as booking forms or live chat functions
Excluding:
- Offers exclusively for business customers
- Companies with fewer than 10 employees and less than 2 million Euros in annual turnover
- Cases where proof is provided that implementation would be disproportionate
Many B2B companies operate platforms or services that are partly publicly accessible – therefore, an individual case assessment is recommended.
What does an accessible website mean?
An accessible website is designed so that it can be used by people with physical or cognitive impairments without barriers. This affects, for example, people with visual or hearing impairments, motor limitations, or learning difficulties.
The legal basis is the EU standard EN 301 549 in conjunction with the WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines.
The four central principles:
Perceptibility
Content must be high-contrast, clearly structured and provided with alternative texts.
Usability
All functions must be accessible via keyboard; user guidance must not contain any traps.
Comprehensibility
Navigation, language and content must be comprehensible and clearly structured.
Robustness
The website must function on all common end devices and with assistive technologies such as screen readers.
Statutory measures
With the BFSG coming into effect, the following points must be implemented:
- Accessibility Statement
- An accessibility statement, accessible to the public, belongs on every affected website.
- Open communication
Information on existing barriers and contact options for feedback is required.
- Regular check
Accessibility must be documented and maintained on an ongoing basis.
Concrete requirements and examples
Typical measures for an accessible website:
- High colour contrast, easily readable font sizes
- Alt text for images, subtitles for videos
- Unrestricted keyboard operation
- Accessible forms with clear field labels
- Semantically correct HTML for screen readers
- Clear navigation structure with descriptive link text
Why companies need to act now
Since 29 June 2025, the BFSG has been in effect – and with it, the implementation deadline. Anyone who has not adapted their digital offerings runs the risk of receiving a warning or being subject to fines.
Additional reasons for taking swift action:
- Legal certainty through legally compliant implementation
- Better user experience for all visitors – not just those with disabilities
- Search engine friendliness, as many accessibility measures positively affect SEO
- Future-proofing through modern, accessible digital infrastructure
INVICTUS Lead Generation: Support for accessible websites
We support companies with the structured and efficient implementation of all requirements:
1. Individual assessment
We are analysing whether your offers are affected by the law and to what extent measures are necessary.
2. Technical Accessibility Check
Your existing website or application will be audited against WCAG 2.2 AA, with clear results documented.
3. Action Planning and Implementation
We are developing an implementation strategy and will take care of the complete technical and content implementation.
4. Training and Quality Assurance
Your team will be trained, and we will ensure permanently documented accessibility.
The duty is there – act now!
Accessible websites have been mandatory for many companies since the end of June 2025. Those who ignore the legal requirements not only risk sanctions but also miss out on a digital development that will become standard in the long term.
The experts at INVICTUS Lead Generation support companies with in-depth analysis and implementation. We examine your websites and online shops. And implement accessibility across all digital presences.
