Accessible Website: What BFSG Means for Shops and Service Providers

Since 28 June 2025, the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG – Accessibility Strengthening Act) has been in force in Germany. It implements an EU directive and requires many businesses to design their digital offerings so that people with disabilities can use them too. This applies not just to public authorities, but especially to online shops and service providers. This overview explains what it's all about – but it does not replace legal advice.

Who does BFSG affect?

The law applies to certain products and services aimed at consumers. For websites, electronic commerce is particularly important: that is, offerings through which consumers can conclude a contract online – for example, an online shop, a booking flow or an order form.

• Affected are typically websites and apps where consumers can buy, book or conclude contracts.
• Exempt are micro-enterprises offering services: fewer than 10 employees and no more than €2 million annual turnover or balance sheet total.
• Pure B2B offerings and pure information pages without contract conclusion usually don't apply.

For certain existing offerings, there are transition periods. Whether and how the law applies to your business should be checked on a case-by-case basis.

What does "accessible" mean?

Accessible means: people can perceive, operate and understand the website regardless of their limitations – for example, with visual impairment, using a screen reader, using only the keyboard, or with motor impairments. The technical standard used in practice is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) at level AA.

The most important points for your website

Sufficient contrast

Text must stand out clearly from the background. Light grey text on white is stylish, but hard to read for many.

Operation by keyboard

All functions – menu, forms, shopping cart – must be reachable without a mouse, and you must always be able to see where you currently are.

Labelled forms and buttons

Every input field needs a proper label, every button a clear name – including icon-only buttons like "Menu" or "Close".

Alternative text for images

Images with content need a brief description so screen readers can read them aloud.

Clear structure

A logical heading sequence and clearly marked sections help users navigate the page.

Zoom and font size

The page must be zoomable without content disappearing or overlapping.

Information about accessibility

Affected businesses must also describe how their offering meets the requirements – usually a separate page linked in the footer.

What happens if you don't comply?

The market surveillance authorities of the federal states monitor compliance. They can demand improvements and impose fines for violations. But more important than fear of penalties is something else: accessible websites are easier to use for everyone – and that pays off in more enquiries and sales.

How to proceed

1. Audit: Check whether your offering falls under BFSG.
2. Quick check: Our free website check now also tests important accessibility points – from form labels to heading structure, including colour contrast via Google PageSpeed.
3. Comprehensive testing: Automated tests don't find everything. You should also test the site using keyboard and screen reader.
4. Make improvements: Many points can often be fixed without a full relaunch. If your underlying structure is outdated, a redesign may be more cost-effective.
5. Add information: Create and link an accessibility page.

Conclusion

BFSG mainly affects shops and booking offers for consumers. If you act now, you're not only meeting legal requirements – you're making your website better for all visitors. If you need support – from checking to implementation – talk to us in a free initial consultation. Learn more about shops at Create an online shop.