From the 28 June 2025<\/strong> the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (Barrierefreiheitsst\u00e4rkungsgesetz, short BFSG<\/strong>) comes into force - and is currently causing quite a stir in companies, the media and web agencies. Many people are asking themselves: Do I have to act now? Do I have to completely rebuild my website? Or can I sit back and relax?<\/p>\n\n\n\n To be clear: not every website is affected. But it is worth taking the issue seriously - not only because of the threat of fines, but also because digital accessibility is increasingly becoming a quality feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we get into the details, the most important question: Are you affected or not? You are not affected if...<\/p>\n\n\n\n For all others:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you offer B2C services and exceed the thresholds mentioned above, you must take action. Your website (or digital service) must be made accessible by 28 June 2025 at the latest \u2013 otherwise you risk fines and warnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessibility means that your website, online shop or service is accessible and usable by everyone. This includes people with disabilities or impairments, without the need for assistance from others and without any undue difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Classic stumbling blocks in everyday life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The aim of the law: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unrestricted usability - regardless of the type and degree of disability. Normal version (less accessible):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessible version:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find more information on the Barrier-Free Accessibility Reinforcement Act on our information page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why is that better?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Little barrier-free:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let's go digital! Everything for you at a glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barrier-free:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How to implement the legal accessibility requirements for your website<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here it is clear what the section is about - even for people who go through a list of headings using a screen reader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessible<\/strong> is a target state with a clear benchmark. A website is considered accessible if it fully meets the requirements of the applicable standards (WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549). This is precisely what the BFSG requires of the organisations concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessible<\/strong> is not, however, a legal term. It describes a website on which the most significant barriers have been removed and which can be used effectively by most people, but which does not (yet) meet all the criteria. This is not sufficient for websites subject to the BFSG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why \u201elow-barrier\u201c is often the more accurate term nonetheless:<\/p>\n\n\n\n One hundred per cent accessibility for absolutely everyone is virtually impossible to achieve in practice. People\u2019s needs are simply too varied, and every new image, every new PDF and every plugin update can create new barriers. Anyone who describes their website as \u201eaccessible\u201c should therefore be able to substantiate this, for example through a WCAG audit. \u201eLow-barrier\u201c, on the other hand, is a realistic self-assessment for websites that are voluntarily and continuously improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The law affects a wide range of digital offerings, including<\/p>\n\n\n\n B2B offerings or very small companies (< 10 employees AND < \u20ac 2 million turnover), on the other hand, are excluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, mixed forms in particular (e.g. shops that sell to both companies and private customers) should keep an eye on this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDoes the BFSG affect my website at all?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The answer is usually quite simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
(In this case, a clear reference in the footer is recommended, e.g: \"Our offers are aimed exclusively at companies.\")<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhat does \"barrier-free\" mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Digital services should be available to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExamples: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Accessible text vs. \"normal\" text<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Another example - Accessible headline<\/h4>\n\n\n\nFully accessible or partially accessible \u2013 what\u2019s the difference?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Who does the BFSG specifically apply to?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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FAQ | BFSG and accessibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n