BFSG

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 technical requirements of the BFSG follow EN 301 549, the harmonized European standard. For web content, that means conformance with 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 can result in fines of up to 100,000 euros. Market surveillance is carried out by the authorities of the individual federal states.

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.