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, shop or service is accessible and usable for everyone - including people with disabilities or restrictions, without outside help and without any particular difficulties.<\/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 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\n No. Targeted adjustments are often enough: Increase contrasts, add alternative texts, ensure keyboard operation. A complete relaunch is rarely necessary - but sometimes makes sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, all affected offers - whether new or online for years - must be accessible from 28 June 2025. There is no grandfathering rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a risk of warnings and fines of up to \u20ac100,000. Implementation should therefore be taken seriously, especially as customers and search engines are also increasingly focussing on accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That depends on your website. An initial quick test with Lighthouse takes 5 minutes. However, you should allow some time for a complete test (including a human test). I will be happy to support you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to know how your own website is doing in terms of accessibility, you can test it yourself with a free tool: Lighthouse, a browser extension from Google.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here's how to do it step by step:<\/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\nWho does the BFSG specifically apply to?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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FAQ | BFSG and accessibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do I have to redesign my website 1:1?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does the BFSG also apply to existing websites?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What happens if I do not fulfil the requirements?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How time-consuming is a complete accessibility check?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are typical barriers that are often overlooked?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What are the benefits of accessibility - apart from the obligation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How do you test the accessibility of your website yourself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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