BFSG (Germany)
Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz
Introduction
The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) is Germany's national law implementing the European Accessibility Act.
It introduces accessibility requirements for a range of digital products and services provided to consumers. The law aims to reduce barriers and ensure that essential services can be used by people with disabilities.
From 28 June 2025, organisations operating in Germany must ensure that covered products and services meet defined accessibility requirements.
What is the BFSG?
The BFSG establishes accessibility requirements for products and services that are used in everyday life.
It aligns Germany's legal framework with the European Accessibility Act, ensuring consistency across the EU.
The law applies to both digital services and certain physical products, particularly where users interact with digital interfaces.
Which products and services are covered?
The BFSG applies to a defined set of consumer-facing products and services.
Digital services
e-commerce
banking and financial services
telecommunications services
passenger transport and related websites, mobile apps, online ticketing systems, and self-service kiosks
audiovisual media services
Products and interfaces
generic consumer computer hardware and operating systems (PC, laptops, smartphones, tablets)
self-service terminals (ATMs, ticket machines, kiosks)
e-book readers
Accessibility requirements apply to interfaces that users interact with directly.
When does the BFSG apply?
Key date:
28 June 2025
From this point, all covered products and services placed on the market or provided to consumers must meet accessibility requirements.
Some existing products may benefit from limited transition periods.
Legal framework and standards
The BFSG defines legal obligations. Technical standards define how those obligations are implemented.
Accessibility requirements are based on:
the European standard EN 301 549
underlying principles from WCAG
In practice:
WCAG defines accessibility requirements for web content
EN 301 549 extends those requirements across technologies
the BFSG enforces their application in Germany
Who must comply with the BFSG?
The BFSG applies to organisations that provide products or services to consumers in Germany.
This includes:
online retailers
banks and financial institutions
telecommunications providers
transport service providers
digital platform operators
Companies outside Germany may also be affected if they offer covered services to German consumers.
Are there exemptions?
The BFSG includes provisions for microenterprises.
A microenterprise is defined as a business with:
fewer than 10 employees
annual turnover below €2 million
These organisations that provide digital services within the scope of the EAA are exempt.
Other organisations are expected to meet accessibility requirements.
Public procurement and accessibility
Accessibility requirements under EN 301 549 also apply to public procurement in Germany.
Public sector organisations must ensure that digital products and services they purchase meet accessibility requirements.
This means suppliers are often required to demonstrate accessibility as part of procurement processes.
What happens if you do not comply?
German authorities are responsible for enforcing the BFSG.
Enforcement actions may include:
investigation of complaints
requests to remove accessibility barriers
regulatory monitoring of services
Users and organisations can report accessibility issues to relevant authorities.
What penalties can apply?
Sanctions may include administrative measures and financial penalties, depending on the nature of the violation.
Authorities may:
require organisations to correct accessibility issues
impose financial penalties
restrict the availability of non-compliant products or services
Penalties depend on the severity of the issue and the response taken by the organisation.
What BFSG compliance means in practice
Meeting BFSG requirements involves ensuring that digital services and interfaces can be used by people with disabilities.
This includes:
accessible websites and mobile applications
compatible interfaces for assistive technologies
accessible transaction flows
clear and usable navigation
Accessibility must be considered across complete user journeys, including browsing, interaction, and transactions.
How Accessiway supports BFSG compliance
Accessiway supports organisations preparing for the BFSG through:
accessibility audits aligned with EN 301 549 and WCAG
automated accessibility monitoring
remediation guidance for development teams
accessibility training
continuous compliance support
creating an accessibility statement
Learn more about how we support accessibility on our solutions page.
These services help organisations align with the European Accessibility Act and maintain accessibility over time.