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Accessibility Reinforcement Act 2025

Everything you need to know to make your website accessible

To the accessibility checklist

From 28 June 2025, the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) will become mandatory in Germany. The law stipulates that certain products and services, including websites, must be accessible. The aim: people with disabilities should be able to participate in digital life without restrictions. Find out what the BFSG means, what requirements it sets and how you can make your website accessible in good time.

Let's work together to make your website accessible.

What is the Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG)?

The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz is the transposition of EU Directive 2019/882 into German law. It obliges certain companies to design their products and services in such a way that they can be used by people with disabilities without restriction. The BFSG is an important step towards promoting accessibility in Germany and improving the participation of people with disabilities in social life.

When do the requirements of the BFSG apply?

The BFSG has been in force since 1 August 2021, but the accessibility requirements do not have to be fully implemented until 28 June 2025. From this date, all new and existing websites that offer electronic services must be accessible. Companies therefore have until mid-2025 to adapt their websites and digital offerings accordingly.

To whom does the BFSG apply?

The BFSG applies to all natural and legal persons who offer or distribute certain products or services electronically to end consumers in Germany. This includes companies based in Germany as well as international providers who make their products and services available in Germany.

In the context of websites, the following are particularly affected:

• Companies that offer electronic services: These primarily include online shops, banks, insurance companies and all others that conduct business transactions with end consumers via the Internet.
   
• Service providers in the fields of telecommunications, passenger transport or finance.

It has not yet been conclusively clarified whether contact functions such as contact forms on otherwise purely representative company websites also fall within the scope of the law.

Use our flowchart to find out whether your company is obliged to provide accessibility. Step by step, you will receive a clear overview of the relevant requirements.

To the accessibility flowchart ❯

What requirements does the BFSG place on websites?

The BFSG stipulates that products or services must be ‘barrier-free’. According to the definition of the law itself, this means that they must be findable, accessible and usable for people with disabilities in the generally customary manner, without particular difficulty and, in principle, without outside help. (§3, para.1 BFSG)

In this context, the European standard EN 301 549 is authoritative for the assessment of accessibility, which in turn is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1, Level AA) for websites.

The WCAG contain recommendations for making websites more accessible. They follow four central principles:

• Perceivable: Content must be accessible to all users in a way that they can perceive. Examples of this include legible font sizes, sufficient contrast between text and background and alternative texts for content-bearing images that can be recognised by screen readers.
   
• Operable: All website functions must be operable for all users. This means that navigation elements such as menus and forms must also be accessible via keyboard or voice control.
   
• Understandable: Both the content and the operation of the website must be understandable. Texts should be clear and structured and, if possible, also available in plain language. In addition, menus and navigation structures of the website should be comprehensible.
   
• Robust: Websites should be designed to work reliably on different devices and with different technologies, including future developments. This includes compatibility with screen readers, magnification software and other assistive technologies.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with the BFSG?

Compliance with the BFSG is monitored by the competent market surveillance authorities. In the event of non-compliance, the competent authorities can order the cessation of the service and impose fines of up to 100,000 euros.

Consumers and associations can request the market surveillance authorities to take action against the provider if accessibility requirements are not met. In the event of disputes, consumers and associations can initiate arbitration proceedings.

In addition, consumers and competitors can assert civil law claims, which can lead to claims for damages. Furthermore, an offence could be considered unfair competition, which can have further legal consequences.

Typical barriers on websites - and how you can remove them

Websites that do not meet accessibility requirements often have similar problems:

• Weak contrasts: Texts that are barely set off from the background can be difficult to recognise for people with visual impairments. Use strong colour contrasts and easy-to-read fonts.
   
• Small font sizes: Content should be scalable so that users can enlarge the font without compromising the functionality of the website.
   
• Missing alternative text: Images and graphics should always have alternative text so that screen readers can render the content.
   
• Non-operable navigation: Menus and other interactive elements should also be operable using the keyboard and be clearly structured to enable meaningful navigation.
   
• Missing subtitles and audio descriptions: Videos and other audiovisual content should always include subtitles and audio descriptions so that people with hearing or visual impairments can also access the information.

How can you make your website accessible?

• Implement the WCAG 2.1 standards: Have the code of your website revised to ensure that all content is structured in an accessible way. Clear HTML markup should be used for headings, lists and forms.
   
• Use accessible design elements: Ensure clear contrasts, large controls and intuitive navigation. All interactive elements should also be operable without a mouse.
   
• Carry out accessibility tests: Use free tools such as WAVE or the WCAG Checker to carry out a basic accessibility check of your website. For a more in-depth analysis and optimisation, you can also commission specialist agencies.
   
• Offer alternative communication channels: Make sure that users can contact you in different ways, e.g. by phone, email or via accessible chat functions.

Become active now!

The effort required to implement accessibility should not be underestimated. Start making your website accessible now to fulfil legal obligations while improving the user experience for a wider audience. An accessible website is not only a better website, but also a real competitive advantage.

Is your website accessible?

From 2025, accessibility will be mandatory under the Accessibility Improvement Act. We support you in making your website accessible and future-proof.

Your contact for accessibility!

Checklist for accessibility for the BFSG 2025

✔️   Full navigability of my website

✔️   Barrier-free perceptibility of my website

✔️   Comprehensibility of the content on my website

✔️   Support of assistive technologies on my website

✔️   Additional information for accessibility on my website

✔️   Further criteria for an accessible website

✔️   WCAG 2.1 fulfils the criteria for the BFSG 2025

✔️   Full navigability of my website

By implementing the following criteria, you can ensure that your website is fully navigable:

• Keyboard accessibility:
  All content and functions can be fully operated using the keyboard (tab, enter, arrow keys).
   
• Skip navigation:
  A skip marker ("skip link") allows you to skip menus directly to the main content.
   
• Focus indicator:
  Visible focus for all interactive elements (e.g. buttons, links).
   
• Can be operated without a mouse:
  The website also works without a mouse (e.g. touchscreen, keyboard, voice control).

⇧ Back to the overview of the accessibility checklist ⇧

✔️   Barrier-free perceptibility of my website

To improve the perceptibility of your website, it is important that content is easily recognisable and understandable regardless of physical limitations or technical devices. You can ensure this by taking the following measures:

• Colours and contrasts:
  Make sure that texts and backgrounds meet the contrast requirements. For normal text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required; for larger font sizes, a ratio of 3:1 is sufficient. This makes reading easier even for people with impaired vision. Test your contrasts for accessibility here.
   
• Alt texts:
  Provide meaningful alternative texts for all images, graphics and icons. These texts explain the image content and make it accessible for screen reader users.
   
• Accessible videos:
  • Add subtitles or transcripts for video content so that people with hearing impairments can also understand the content.
  • Add audio descriptions for visual content that is important for understanding.
• Audio content:
  Make sure that automatically playing audio can be paused or the volume can be adjusted.

⇧ Back to the overview of the accessibility checklist ⇧

✔️   Comprehensibility of the content on my website

The comprehensibility of content is a central aspect of accessibility. Here are the most important points:

• Semantic HTML:
  Use of standard-compliant HTML tags (e.g. <header>, <nav>, <article>, <button>) that clarify the structure.
   
• Plain language:
  Provision of content in simple and understandable language where possible.
   
• Unambiguous links:
  Link texts are meaningful and clearly indicate the target content (e.g. ‘Find out more about accessibility now’ instead of ‘Click here’).
   
• Forms:
  • Labels for input fields are clear and unambiguous.
  • Error messages are displayed clearly and comprehensibly.

⇧ Back to the overview of the accessibility checklist ⇧

✔️   Support of assistive technologies on my website

Assistive technologies such as screen readers or magnification software help many people to use digital content. To ensure that these tools work optimally, you should consider the following aspects:

• Screen reader compatibility:
  Structure your content correctly, e.g. by using aria attributes and clear headline hierarchies. The tab order should be logical and intuitive.
   
• Zoom function:
  Ensure that your website remains usable when enlarged up to 200% without content being cut off or navigation being impaired.
   
• Language labelling:
  Declare the main language of your website correctly, e.g. with  lang="de". This enables screen readers to read the text in the correct language.

Check the accessibility of your website with WAVE, the Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool.

⇧ Back to the overview of the accessibility checklist ⇧

✔️   Additional information for accessibility on my website

Accessibility does not end with technical implementation. Additional information helps users to avoid barriers or provide feedback:

• Accessibility statement:
  Provide an accessibility statement that describes the current accessibility status of your website. This should also contain contact details so that users can report problems. Find out more about the requirements for the declaration of accessibility.
   
• Offers of assistance:
  Provide information about alternative contact channels, e.g. a telephone number or live chat, so that people with disabilities can also receive uncomplicated support.

⇧ Back to the overview of the accessibility checklist ⇧

✔️   Further criteria for an accessible website

In addition to the basic aspects, there are other important criteria that make your website even more accessible:

• Dynamic content:
  Make sure that dynamic elements such as pop-ups or modals are accessible and do not make the rest of the page inaccessible.
   
• Avoid missing content:
  All information that is important must also be accessible without images or animations. Use alternative texts or text descriptions.
   
• Make animations deactivatable:
  Give users the option to switch off annoying or distracting animations.
   
• Responsive design: The website works on different devices and screen sizes
   
• Time-controlled content such as carousels or tests should be pausable, resumable and extendable. Time warnings improve user-friendliness.
   
• Orientation aids such as breadcrumb navigation, clear menu structure and heading structure can be useful.
   
• Downloadable documents are also accessible.
   
• The website is compatible with various browsers.
   
• Voice control friendliness was tested.
   
• Feedback options for accessibility are available.

⇧ Back to the overview of the accessibility checklist ⇧

✔️   WCAG 2.1 fulfils the criteria for the BFSG 2025

WCAG 2.1 at conformance level AA fulfils the requirements of the Accessibility Improvement Act, which has been in force since June 2025. This law implements the EU Accessibility Directive and requires that digital services such as websites and apps are designed to be accessible. By complying with WCAG 2.1, you are legally and practically on the safe side.

⇧ Back to the overview of the accessibility checklist ⇧

 References

[1] dkd experts for your barrier-free website
[2] Correct technical implementation of web accessibility
[3] Accessible responsive website relaunch for the BSBH