BFSG: German Accessibility Strengthening Act
The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) is Germany's national implementation of the European Accessibility Act. If your business serves consumers in Germany, compliance is now a legal obligation, not a choice.
BFSG Requirements for Businesses in Germany
The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) is Germany's national law implementing the European Accessibility Act (EAA), EU Directive 2019/882. Adopted by the German Bundestag on 22 July 2021, it has been fully in force since 28 June 2025.
The law requires businesses operating in Germany to make their digital products and services accessible to people with disabilities, covering everything from websites and apps to booking platforms and e-commerce stores.
For the first time, these requirements extend to the private sector. Previously, German accessibility law (BITV 2.0) only applied to public institutions. The BFSG changes that entirely.
“Accessible websites are easier to use for everyone, including older users, people with temporary impairments, and mobile users. Accessibility is not just about meeting a legal threshold. It is about building experiences that genuinely work for every visitor.”
EU Directive 2019/882 → German Law
European Accessibility Act
EU Directive 2019/882 harmonizes accessibility standards across all member states.
BFSG Implementation
Germany's national law transposing the EAA for private sector digital services.
BFSGV Ordinance
Technical ordinance defining requirements per product and service category.
EN 301 549
Harmonized EU standard referencing WCAG 2.1 AA as the technical baseline.
WCAG 2.1 AA
The web accessibility standard your website must meet for BFSG compliance.
Who Does the BFSG Apply To?
The BFSG applies to private sector businesses offering products or services to consumers (B2C) in Germany. If your business has a digital presence targeting German consumers, you are very likely affected.
Businesses That Must Comply
- Online shops and e-commerce platforms selling to consumers
- Banking and financial service websites
- Travel and transport booking services
- Streaming and digital media platforms
- Telecommunications service providers
- Any consumer-facing digital service in Germany
Exemptions (Limited)
- Microenterprises: fewer than 10 employees and under €2M annual turnover in services (not online shops)
- B2B-only businesses: exclusively serving other companies, never end consumers
- Frozen content: websites no longer updated at all after June 2025
Note: Online shops selling products to consumers are not exempt even if they are microenterprises.
Key Compliance Deadlines
Most digital services had no grace period. If your website actively serves consumers in Germany and was not archived in June 2025, compliance was required immediately.
| Requirement | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New websites and digital services | 28 June 2025 | Required Now |
| Actively maintained existing websites | 28 June 2025 | Required Now |
| Existing service contracts signed before June 2025 | 27 June 2030 | Transitional |
| Services dependent on legacy products | 27 June 2030 | Transitional |
| Self-service terminals installed before June 2025 | June 2025 | Extended |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Ignoring BFSG requirements carries real legal and financial risk. Market surveillance authorities actively investigate both complaints and through random checks.
€100,000 Fine
Maximum fine per violation from market surveillance authorities.
Service Ban
Prohibition on offering non-compliant products or services.
Legal Action
Cease and desist orders under German competition law.
Discrimination Lawsuits
Lawsuits brought by affected users or disability advocacy groups.
Brand Damage
Public non-compliance signals exclusion, damaging reputation and consumer trust.
What BFSG Compliance Requires for Websites
The BFSG references WCAG 2.1 Level AA via EN 301 549. Requirements are organized under four core principles.
Alternative Text
All images, icons, and non-text content must have descriptive alt text for screen readers.
Captions & Transcripts
Videos must include accurate captions and, where possible, full transcripts.
200% Zoom Support
Content must remain readable and functional when zoomed to 200% without horizontal scrolling.
Color Contrast
Minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text; 3:1 for large text (18pt+).
BFSG vs. Other Accessibility Standards
Understanding how BFSG fits within the broader landscape of global accessibility regulations.
| Standard | Region | Applies To | Technical Baseline |
|---|---|---|---|
| BFSG | Germany | Private sector B2C businesses in Germany | WCAG 2.1 AA (via EN 301 549) |
| BITV 2.0 | Germany | German government websites & public institutions | WCAG 2.1 AA |
| EAA (EU Directive 2019/882) | EU | All EU member states, harmonized standard | EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 AA |
| WCAG 2.1 Level AA | Global | Referenced by most national laws worldwide | The standard itself |
| ADA | USA | US businesses, federal and commercial | WCAG 2.1 AA (court-interpreted) |
| Section 508 | USA | US federal agencies and contractors | WCAG 2.0 AA / EN 301 549 |
BFSG Compliance Checklist
Use this checklist as a starting point for evaluating your website's BFSG readiness.
Content Accessibility
- All images have appropriate, descriptive alt text
- Videos include captions and transcripts
- PDFs and downloadable documents are accessible
- Headings used in logical hierarchical order
- Color is not the only means of conveying information
Visual Design
- Text-to-background contrast meets 4.5:1 minimum
- Large text meets 3:1 contrast ratio
- Content readable and functional at 200% zoom
- Focus indicators clearly visible for keyboard users
Navigation & Interaction
- All interactive elements reachable via keyboard
- Skip navigation links added to bypass menus
- No keyboard traps anywhere in the site
- Navigation consistent across all pages
Forms & Technical
- All form fields have visible descriptive labels
- Error messages identify problem and solution
- Page language defined in HTML
- Accessibility statement published on site
Meet BFSG Requirements with One Accessibility
One Accessibility is a WordPress plugin built to help website owners achieve and maintain accessibility compliance, including the WCAG 2.1 AA standards required by the BFSG. It adds a customizable accessibility widget that visitors can use to personalize their browsing experience.
- Works with Elementor, Gutenberg, Bricks, Beaver Builder, Divi, WPBakery
- Smart conditional presets, different settings for different pages
- Visual drag-and-drop editor, no coding required
- Default accessibility preset activates instantly on installation
- Built around WCAG 2.1 AA, the BFSG technical baseline
Text Resizing
Visitors can increase or decrease text size to their comfortable reading level.
High Contrast
Toggle high contrast mode for users with visual impairments or light sensitivity.
Keyboard Navigation
Enhanced keyboard navigation support for users who cannot use a mouse.
Screen Reader Ready
Fully compatible markup for JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver and other screen readers.
Reading Mask
A reading guide overlay that helps users with dyslexia follow lines of text.
Instant Activation
Default preset activates on install — your site improves accessibility immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BFSG compliance, who it affects, and how to get started.
Make Your WordPress Site BFSG-Ready
Join thousands of sites using One Accessibility to meet global accessibility standards — no coding required.