The internet is evolving, and so are web accessibility legal requirements. If you have a website that provides clients in Germany, you should be familiar with the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG), which is a new accessibility law going into effect on June 28, 2025. This act mandates companies that provide goods and services online to make their sites accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Failure to comply can result in penalties, litigation, and even loss of business opportunities. However, besides legal compliance, making your website accessible makes it a more inclusive online experience and allows you to serve more people and increase user satisfaction.
What is BFSG?
The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) is Germany's adoption of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Its primary aim is to strengthen digital accessibility in the EU so that users with disabilities will have equal access to online services.
Under BFSG, companies selling goods or providing services over the internet are required to render their online portals barrier-free. This implies that individuals with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor disabilities must be able to access and interact with the site as easily as anyone else.
Who Has to Comply with BFSG?
BFSG applies to the majority of private enterprises selling products or offering services online to German consumers. These include:
- E-commerce websites (such as Shopify and others)
- Online banking sites
- Hotel, airline, and event booking systems
- Streaming services
- E-learning platforms
Though, microenterprises (companies with fewer than 10 staff and a yearly turnover of less than €2 million) are exempt from the rule. Although small enterprises are not obligated by law to be accessible, following accessibility practices is still advisable to improve user experience and accessibility.
How BFSG Will Impact Websites in Germany
To comply with BFSG, website owners must address common accessibility barriers, including:
1. Low-Contrast Text – Text that blends into the background makes it difficult for visually impaired users to read.
2. Lack of Alternative Text for Images – Screen readers cannot interpret images without proper alt text, making visual content inaccessible.
3. Non-Navigable Forms and Buttons – Unlabeled forms can hinder usability for users relying on assistive technologies.
4. No Support for Keyboard Navigation – Certain users browse websites using just the keyboard, and all interactive items must therefore be accessible.
5. Non-Captioned and Non-Transcribed Videos – Users who are deaf or hard-of-hearing cannot view video content that lacks captions or transcripts.
Steps to Make Your Website BFSG-Compliant
If your site is subject to BFSG laws, the following are some practical steps to comply:
1. Accessibility Audit
Utilize software such as WAVE, Lighthouse, or other checkers of accessibility to detect current accessibility problems on your site.
2. Make Your Site More Readable
- Use high contrast between background and text.
- Employ readable fonts and have proper formatting when resizing text.
3. Include Alternative Text (Alt Text) for Images
- Each image should include descriptive alt text so visually impaired users will know what it is.
4. Make Forms and Buttons Accessible
- Use descriptive labels on form fields.
- Use interactive elements such as buttons and have them labeled with descriptive text (like "Submit Order" rather than "Click Here").
5. Enable Keyboard Navigation
- All interactive elements (menu, forms, and checkout paths) must be able to be accessed and operated using a keyboard alone.
6. Offer Subtitles and Transcripts for Videos
- Include captions on videos for people with hearing disabilities.
- Offer text transcripts as a substitute.
7. Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) Attributes
- ARIA assists in defining things on your website for assistive technologies.
- Implement correctly to improve user navigation.
How BrainQuest Can Assist You with Website Accessibility
At BrainQuest, we are web development and accessibility experts. We offer:
- Website Creation & Optimisation – We create and configure websites to be BFSG compliant.
- E-Commerce Accessibility – We configure online stores, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and others.
- Accessibility Audits & Testing – We detect and repair accessibility barriers to achieve compliance.
- Continuing Support & Maintenance – Periodic updates and compliance tests to ensure your site remains accessible.
By partnering with BrainQuest, you can ensure that your website is completely compliant with BFSG, giving all users an inclusive experience.
Final Thoughts
With BFSG being enforced in 2025, German businesses should begin preparing immediately. Compliance is not merely about evading fines—it's about delivering a better, more accessible digital experience.
Acting now will future-proof your business, enhance customer satisfaction, and even grow reach and engagement by opening your website to all customers.
Having trouble making your website BFSG-compliant? Reach out to BrainQuest today! Learn more about our services and how we can assist in your path to complete accessibility at our website.
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