Understand the German BFSG, which digital services it covers, accessibility considerations and practical website checks for businesses.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Whether a specific website, online shop, booking flow or service falls within the BFSG depends on the business, service and applicable legal provisions. Verify the current requirements with an appropriate German accessibility or legal professional before relying on this article.
Germany's Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz implements the European accessibility framework for certain products and services. The law has applied since 28 June 2025. The official German Federal Accessibility Centre notes that covered services include electronic commerce and that microenterprises providing services can be exempt under specified conditions.
The official guidance identifies areas including electronic commerce, banking and certain other covered services. The European Accessibility Act also includes e-commerce among the covered service categories.
Accessible design can make websites easier to use for people who navigate with keyboards, screen readers, voice controls or other assistive technologies. It also encourages clearer content, predictable navigation and better interaction design.
Low color contrast, missing or poor alternative text, unlabeled form controls, inaccessible menus, keyboard traps, missing captions and confusing page structures can create barriers.
Automated checkers such as Lighthouse or WAVE can identify certain issues, but automated testing cannot catch every usability barrier. Combine automated checks with manual keyboard testing, screen-reader checks and real-user testing where possible.
Accessibility should be built into components rather than fixed at the end. Define accessible colors, typography, focus states, form patterns, button states, error messages and navigation rules as part of the design system.
First establish whether the business is in scope. Then identify critical customer journeys, audit them, prioritize barriers and document remediation. Keep accessibility in the ongoing website maintenance process rather than treating it as a one-time task.
No. The law applies to specified products and services, and the official guidance contains exemptions and transitional provisions. Scope should be assessed for the specific business.
No. Accessibility also includes keyboard operation, contrast, understandable content, captions, navigation and compatibility with assistive technologies.
No. Automated tools are useful for finding issues but do not replace comprehensive accessibility assessment.
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