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BFSG
German Accessibility Strengthening Act
What is the BFSG?
The BFSG (German Accessibility Strengthening Act) is Germany's implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA, EU Directive 2019/882). It was passed on 16 July 2021 and, for the first time, requires the German private sector to make products and services accessible.
The deadline is 28 June 2025. From that date, all affected products and services must meet the accessibility requirements.
Who is affected by the BFSG?
The BFSG applies to companies that offer products or services to consumers (B2C). It covers manufacturers, importers, distributors, and service providers.
Affected services:
E-commerce and online shops
Electronic communication services (telephony, messaging)
Banking services for consumers
Streaming and audiovisual media services
Passenger transport services (websites, apps, ticketing)
E-books
Affected products:
Computers and operating systems
Smartphones and tablets
Self-service terminals (ATMs, ticket machines, check-in kiosks)
E-book readers
What are the requirements?
The concrete technical requirements are set out in the BFSGV. Neither the BFSG nor the BFSGV names a specific standard. The Bundesfachstelle für Barrierefreiheit describes EN 301 549 as the central technical reference, which for web content means WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Companies must:
Design digital offerings so they are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust
Provide accessibility information
Establish procedures for ongoing conformance
What penalties apply?
Violations of the BFSG are regulatory offences. In most cases the maximum fine is 10,000 euros, and only for certain violations under section 37(1) BFSG does it reach 100,000 euros. Market surveillance is a matter for the federal states, which have set up a joint body for it: the MLBF AöR in Magdeburg.
Are there exemptions?
Microenterprises with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total below 2 million euros are exempt for services. This exemption does not apply to products.
A summary of the verified facts about the BFSG, with sources and a review date, is available on the page Facts about the BFSG.
How sitebrunch helps
Continuous monitoring
MonitoringBFSG conformance is not a one-time check. sitebrunch monitors your website continuously and reports new violations right away so you stay compliant over time.
Documentation for authorities
EvidenceThe shareable reports from sitebrunch serve as proof of your compliance efforts to market surveillance authorities.
Frequently asked questions about the BFSG
Become BFSG-compliant?
Check now whether your digital offering meets the requirements of the BFSG and start the path to conformance.
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