Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG)
Since 28 June 2025, the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) has required businesses to offer certain products and services to consumers in an accessible way — including online shops and other e-commerce services.
The BFSG transposes the European Accessibility Act into German law. Affected are, among others, online shops and other services offered electronically to consumers. People with disabilities should be able to use them without outside help — for example with a screen reader, keyboard or magnification.
For services there is an exemption for micro-enterprises (Section 3(3) in conjunction with Section 2 No. 17 BFSG): businesses with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than €2 million. This exemption does not apply to products covered by the act.
Affected service providers must also publish an accessibility statement describing how the requirements are met. Important for retailers: products not covered by the act need not be accessible — it is the online shop as a digital service that must be accessible.
What to look out for
- Check whether you are affected: do you offer services to consumers electronically, such as an online shop? And does the micro-enterprise exemption apply?
- Check website and shop for barriers: keyboard operation, alt text for images, sufficient contrast, understandable forms and error messages.
- Create an accessibility statement and link it prominently, e.g. in the footer.
- Consider accessibility with every extension instead of retrofitting it expensively later.
- Accessibility pays off even without an obligation: it improves usability, loading time and search visibility for everyone.
Common mistakes
- An “accessibility overlay” is added on the assumption that this solves everything — the actual barriers in the code remain.
- The micro-enterprise exemption is assumed although turnover or headcount exceed it.
- The accessibility statement is missing or cannot be found.
Frequently asked questions
Since 28 June 2025.
Online shops aimed at consumers are generally covered. Micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and no more than €2 million in annual turnover or balance sheet total are exempt — but only for services, not for covered products.
Affected service providers must provide an accessibility statement describing how the accessibility requirements are met.
Legal basis: Section 2 No. 17 BFSG · Section 3(3) BFSG · As of