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 above-mentioned thresholds, you must take action. Your website (or digital service) must be designed to be accessible by 28 June 2025 at the latest - otherwise you could face fines of up to \u20ac100,000 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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