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.
\nB2B companies are also affected as soon as digital services \u2013 such as platforms, self-service portals, or publicly accessible information pages \u2013 are accessible to end customers. Those who have not yet reacted should now check if action is needed.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The law applies to digital services aimed at end consumers. These include:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Excluding:<\/strong><\/p>\n Many B2B companies operate platforms or services that are partly publicly accessible \u2013 therefore, an individual case assessment is recommended.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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 four central principles:<\/strong><\/p>\n Perceptibility<\/strong> The website must function on all common end devices and with assistive technologies such as screen readers.<\/p>\n With the BFSG coming into effect, the following points must be implemented:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Information on existing barriers and contact options for feedback is required.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Accessibility must be documented and maintained on an ongoing basis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Typical measures for an accessible website:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Since 29 June 2025, the BFSG has been in effect \u2013 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.\n
What does an accessible website mean?<\/h2>\n
\nThe legal basis is the EU standard EN 301 549 in conjunction with the WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines.<\/p>\n
\nContent must be high-contrast, clearly structured and provided with alternative texts.
\nUsability<\/strong>
\nAll functions must be accessible via keyboard; user guidance must not contain any traps.
\nComprehensibility<\/strong>
\nNavigation, language and content must be comprehensible and clearly structured.
\nRobustness<\/strong><\/p>\nStatutory measures<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
An accessibility statement, accessible to the public, belongs on every affected website.<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Concrete requirements and examples<\/h2>\n
\n
Why companies need to act now<\/h2>\n
\nAdditional reasons for taking swift action:<\/strong><\/p>\n