{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is a BFSG warning letter?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A BFSG warning letter alleges that a company's website or digital services fail to meet the requirements of the German Accessibility Strengthening Act. It is usually sent by specialized law firms on behalf of an alleged competitor and demands a cease-and-desist declaration along with payment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are BFSG warning letters legally valid?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "This is disputed. Whether BFSG violations can be pursued under German competition law (UWG) has not yet been conclusively decided by any court. Many lawyers consider current warning letters challengeable, citing a lack of a genuine competitive relationship or insufficiently specific claims." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does a BFSG warning letter cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Known waves of warning letters have demanded varying amounts, some around 600 euros, others several thousand euros. Combined with a possible contractual penalty from the cease-and-desist declaration, costs can rise significantly." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I sign the cease-and-desist declaration immediately?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Signing hastily can be interpreted as an admission of guilt and commits you long-term to a contractual penalty for future violations. Have the declaration reviewed by a lawyer first." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What fines can apply in addition to a warning letter?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Independent of private warning letters, the market surveillance authority has been actively enforcing since January 2026. Formal shortcomings, such as a missing accessibility statement, can result in fines up to €10,000, while serious substantive violations can result in fines up to €100,000." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I protect my company from BFSG warning letters long-term?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The only lasting protection is a genuinely accessible website in line with WCAG 2.2, plus a correct, published accessibility statement. Both can be implemented and continuously monitored with automated tools such as easyMonitoring and easyStatement." } }] }