BaFG (Austria)
Barrierefreiheitsgesetz
Introduction
The Barrierefreiheitsgesetz (BaFG) is Austria's national law implementing the European Accessibility Act.
It introduces accessibility requirements for products and services provided to consumers, with the aim of ensuring that digital services can be used by people with disabilities.
The law reflects a broader shift toward accessibility as a requirement in digital service delivery across Europe.
What is the BaFG?
The BaFG defines accessibility requirements for a range of consumer-facing services and technologies.
It aligns Austria's legal framework with the European Accessibility Act, ensuring consistency with accessibility requirements across EU member states.
The law focuses on services and products that are essential for participation in digital life.
Which services and products are covered?
The BaFG applies to several categories of services and products.
Digital services
e-commerce platforms
banking and financial services
telecommunications services
transport booking systems
audiovisual media platforms
Products and interfaces
smartphones and digital devices
self-service terminals
e-book readers and digital publications
Accessibility applies to the user interfaces through which these services are delivered.
When does the BaFG apply?
Key date:
28 June 2025
From this date, organisations must ensure that covered products and services meet accessibility requirements.
Legal framework and standards
Accessibility requirements under the BaFG are based on:
the European standard EN 301 549
accessibility principles defined by WCAG
In practice:
WCAG defines accessibility requirements for web content
EN 301 549 extends those requirements across technologies
the BaFG enforces their application in Austria
Who must comply?
The BaFG applies to organisations providing consumer-facing services in Austria, including:
online retailers
banks and financial institutions
telecommunications providers
transport and booking platforms
Companies outside Austria may also be affected if they offer services to Austrian consumers.
Are there exemptions?
Microenterprises that provide digital services within the scope of the EAA are exempt.
A microenterprise is defined as a business with:
fewer than 10 employees
annual turnover below €2 million
Most other organisations are expected to comply with accessibility requirements.
Public procurement and accessibility
Accessibility requirements are also relevant in public procurement.
Public sector organisations must consider accessibility when purchasing digital services and products, typically referencing EN 301 549.
This makes accessibility a requirement at the procurement stage.
What happens if you do not comply?
National authorities oversee enforcement of accessibility requirements.
Enforcement may include:
review of accessibility complaints
regulatory monitoring
requests to correct accessibility barriers
What penalties can apply?
Sanctions may include administrative measures and financial penalties.
Authorities may:
require remediation of accessibility issues
impose financial penalties
apply regulatory restrictions where necessary
Penalties vary depending on the severity of the violation.
What BaFG compliance means in practice
Meeting BaFG requirements involves ensuring that digital services and products can be used by people with disabilities.
This includes:
accessible websites and applications
usable navigation and interaction flows
compatibility with assistive technologies
accessible content and documents
Accessibility must be considered across complete user journeys.
How Accessiway supports BaFG compliance
Accessiway supports organisations preparing for the BaFG through:
accessibility audits aligned with EN 301 549 and WCAG
automated accessibility monitoring
remediation guidance
accessibility training
continuous compliance support
These services help organisations align with the European Accessibility Act and maintain accessibility as digital services evolve.