Since when has the BFSG applied, and when must companies implement it?

The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) has been in force since 28 June 2025. All new digital products and services must meet the accessibility requirements from this date. For products that were already lawfully placed on the market before 28 June 2025, a transition period applies until 27 June 2030. Service contracts concluded before this date are also subject to a 5-year transition period. Websites and online shops are not covered by these transition periods – they had to meet the requirements as of 28 June 2025.

Does the BFSG also apply to small online shops and apps?

Yes – online shops, apps, and digital applications generally fall under the BFSG if they are offered to consumers in the B2C space. An exemption applies only to microenterprises with fewer than 10 employees and annual revenue or balance sheet total of no more than €2 million – and even this exemption applies only to service providers, not product manufacturers. All other retailers and shop operators are required to implement the accessibility requirements.

What happens if a company violates the BFSG?

Violations of the BFSG can result in fines of up to €100,000, as well as regulatory action by the responsible market surveillance authority. In addition, affected individuals, associations, and competitors can take legal action and issue warning letters. Products that don't meet accessibility requirements can be excluded from the market. Early implementation protects against these risks.

Are banking services and self-service terminals also covered?

Yes. The BFSG explicitly applies to banking services as well – for example online banking portals and digital payment applications. Self-service terminals such as ATMs, ticket machines, and interactive kiosk systems are also covered by the law, provided they are directed at consumers. An extended transition period of up to 2040 applies to terminals put into operation before 28 June 2025.

Which standards and norms must be followed during implementation?

The technical basis for implementing the BFSG requirements is WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) version 2.1, level AA, along with the European standard EN 301 549. These standards specifically define the requirements for designing digital content, web applications, apps, and other digital products. SiteCockpit checks your implementation automatically against these criteria.

Does the BFSG apply only in Germany, or EU-wide?

The BFSG implements EU Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act) into German law. All EU member states have passed corresponding national regulations – in Austria, for example, the BaFG, and in Switzerland, the BehiG applies. This means: anyone offering digital products or services to consumers in the EU must meet accessibility requirements EU-wide. The national laws differ in details such as thresholds and sanctions.

How can I check whether my website or app meets the requirements?

SiteCockpit's easyMonitoring offers an automated tool for testing your accessibility against WCAG standards. With the free live check, you can immediately test your website against accessibility requirements – no sign-up required. For full implementation, we also recommend a manual review by our experts.

BFSG: Who Is Affected by the Accessibility Strengthening Act?

Since 28 June 2025, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) has been in force – and with it, the obligation to make digital products and services accessible to all users. But which companies and economic operators are actually covered by the law? And what exemptions exist? Here's a clear overview of the rules and requirements.

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BFSG Accessibility Strengthening Act – who is affected and which requirements apply

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Who Is Affected by the Law?

The Key Facts at a Glance

Who Falls Under the BFSG – At a Glance

The BFSG applies to all economic operators in the B2C space – from online shops to banks to manufacturers of digital products. These four points summarize what affected companies need to know.

Covers manufacturers, distributors, importers, and service providers in the B2C space
Microenterprises are exempt only for services, not as product manufacturers
A transition period until 2030 applies to products already on the market
Violations can result in fines of up to €100,000

BFSG – who is affected, the key facts at a glance

BFSG in effect since 28 June 2025

Purely B2B business is exempt

Technical basis: WCAG 2.1 and EN 301 549

What Does the BFSG Regulate?

The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) implements EU Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act) into German law. It requires companies to design their digital products and services so they are accessible to people with disabilities. The technical basis for implementation is the international WCAG guidelines (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and the European standard EN 301 549.

The law covers the entire B2C business sector – meaning all companies offering products or services to consumers. It applies equally to manufacturers, distributors, and importers. Compliance with accessibility requirements in Germany is monitored by the market surveillance authority. Violations can result in fines of up to €100,000 and exclusion from the market.

Important: the BFSG explicitly does not apply to purely B2B business. Companies that exclusively provide products or services to other businesses generally do not fall under the regulation – unless the offering is also directed at consumers.

Which Products and Services Fall Under the BFSG?

The BFSG specifically defines which digital products and services fall under the accessibility requirements. Companies offering any of the following in the B2C space are required to implement them.

Websites and web applications: online shops, portals, content platforms, and any digital web content
Mobile apps and applications: apps for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices
E-commerce: digital sales platforms and commerce solutions for consumer transactions
Banking services: online banking, digital financial services, and payment applications
Self-service terminals and ATMs: interactive terminals in public and private settings
E-books and associated reading applications
Computers and operating systems: hardware and software for consumers
Telecommunications services with internet access

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Overview of digital products and services covered by the BFSG

Who Are the Affected Economic Operators?

The BFSG isn't just aimed at online shops or app providers. It defines a clear group of economic operators required to comply with accessibility requirements – regardless of whether they manufacture, import, or sell.

Manufacturers: companies that develop accessible products and place them on the market
Distributors: anyone offering accessible products to consumers as part of their business – for example online shops
Importers: companies bringing products from third countries into the EU and making them available to consumers
Service providers: anyone providing digital services to consumers – from banking services to e-commerce platforms
Operators of self-service terminals: for example ATMs, ticket machines, or interactive kiosk systems

Solution for Retailers & Shops

Economic operators covered by the BFSG – manufacturers, distributors, importers, and service providers

Exemptions

Who Is Not Affected?

The BFSG includes targeted exemptions. What matters is company size, annual revenue, and the specific scope of application.

Microenterprises

Exemption for Service Providers

Companies with fewer than 10 employees and no more than €2M in annual revenue are exempt from the service obligations. This exemption does not apply to product manufacturers.

Case by Case

Disproportionate Burden

If implementation would represent a disproportionate economic burden, an exemption can be requested – with detailed justification and documentation.

Until 2030 / 2040

Transition Period for Existing Products

Products lawfully placed on the market before 28 June 2025 may continue to be provided until 27 June 2030. Self-service terminals have a deadline of up to 2040.

No B2C

Purely B2B Business

Companies operating exclusively in the B2B space, offering no products or services to consumers, do not fall under the BFSG.

Important: These exemptions don't apply automatically in every case. We recommend having your specific situation reviewed through expert consultation. SiteCockpit does not provide legal advice.

Requirements: What Do Affected Companies Need to Implement?

Companies covered by the BFSG must design their digital products and services according to the WCAG standards and the European standard EN 301 549. SiteCockpit supports you in technically implementing all relevant requirements.

Accessible Content & Text

All digital content – text, images, videos, and web applications – must be accessible to people with disabilities. The WCAG guidelines form the basis. A feedback mechanism that lets users report barriers is also legally required.

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Regular Accessibility Testing

Compliance with accessibility requirements must be monitored continuously. Only regular testing provides the evidence needed for the market surveillance authority.

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Publish an Accessibility Statement

All covered companies are required to publish an accessibility statement. This documents the current state of accessibility, names known deficiencies, and provides contact options for user feedback.

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