Is Your Digital Offering Ready for the Future? As of June 2025, Accessibility Will Be Mandatory!
Whether you operate a consumer-facing online shop, develop specialized software for ATMs, or manufacture tablet hardware—new legal accessibility requirements will take effect starting in June 2025. Many companies will need to adapt their online stores, and the new rules will also impact manufacturers of technological products with digital user interfaces.
With the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG), Germany is implementing the European Accessibility Act into national law. This means that a wide range of digital offerings must soon be accessible. But who exactly is affected? The new provisions apply to many companies, though microenterprises are generally exempt—albeit with notable exceptions to that exemption.
What Does This Mean for You?
Now is the time to prepare and assess whether your business must comply with the new requirements. While implementation may require significant effort, it also opens up valuable opportunities: accessible design not only reduces legal risks, but also unlocks new customer groups. In an increasingly aging society, making digital products accessible can bring clear economic benefits.
Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG) – What’s Changing?
Taking effect on June 28, 2025, the BFSG introduces major changes for businesses—especially regarding webshops and products with digital user interfaces. Until now, only public institutions were largely required to provide accessible services. The BFSG now extends these obligations to many private sector companies.
The goal of the legislation is to include people with disabilities, older individuals, and less tech-savvy users in the digital world. Businesses will be required to design their digital products in a way that ensures usability for everyone.
What Does “Accessible” Mean?
Accessibility means that digital offerings must be discoverable, navigable, and usable without undue difficulty or external assistance—regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations.
A blind customer, for instance, must be able to navigate a webshop using a screen reader. Product images must include descriptive alt-text, forms must be operable without a mouse, and the entire site must be compatible with assistive technologies.
The BFSG aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—the global standard for digital accessibility. Companies must ensure their digital services are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
Who Is Affected?
The BFSG applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and service providers with more than 10 employees or annual revenues exceeding two million euros.
Especially impacted are companies that sell products or services directly to consumers (B2C). Online shops must ensure that their digital platforms are accessible. In contrast, B2B online shops are generally exempt—unless they also serve end consumers. In such cases, the BFSG applies. It is therefore advisable for B2B providers to clearly label their platforms to avoid legal ambiguities.
What Are the Exceptions?
Microenterprises with fewer than 10 employees and annual revenue or a balance sheet total below two million euros are exempt, even if they operate a B2C webshop.
However, this exemption does not apply if the company provides digital products with user interfaces that fall under the scope of the BFSG—especially if these are used by consumers.
Additionally, a “disproportionate burden” exemption can be requested if implementation of accessibility measures would cause excessive financial hardship. But beware: this exemption is difficult to obtain and requires a detailed application with a compelling justification.
Which Products and Services Fall Under the BFSG?
The law applies to companies that manufacture digital products with user interfaces or offer certain digital services.
Besides online shops, affected services include banking, telecommunications, and electronic ticketing systems. Manufacturers of self-service terminals—such as ATMs or ticket machines—must also ensure that their devices are usable by individuals with disabilities.
This requirement applies to both companies acquiring new machines and the suppliers delivering them. They must guarantee that the products comply with accessibility standards.
Bottom Line: Act Now!
The new accessibility rules take effect on June 28, 2025. Companies should immediately assess whether they are affected and plan for necessary adjustments.
Do you need to adapt your webshop or digital products? Seek legal and technical guidance in a timely manner to avoid penalties—and to tap into new market potential.
👉 Access the official BFSG implementation guidelines from the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
📘 Further reading: Accessible Online Shops | Your Guide to Compliance and Implementation.
