The digital and physical world should be equally accessible to all people – that is the central goal of the Barrier Freedom Strengthening Act (BFSG). Companies and public institutions are facing new challenges because they must adapt their products and services to the new legal requirements by June 28, 2025. But what exactly does the BFSG regulate? Which industries are affected and what happens if non-compliance occurs? This article provides a well-founded overview.

What is the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG)?

The BFSG implements the European Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act) into German law. It obliges companies to make their products and services barrier-free in order to enable people with disabilities to use them equally. This particularly affects digital offerings and technical devices, but also various services from different economic sectors.

Why was the law introduced?

The BFSG aims to break down existing barriers and strengthen social participation. Millions of people with disabilities rely on an accessible environment. Uniform requirements for companies within the EU are also intended to create fair competition and promote innovation in the area of ​​accessibility.

Aims of the law

The most important goals of the BFSG are:

• Improving digital and physical accessibility
• Harmonization of accessibility requirements within the EU
• Promoting inclusion and equal participation of people with disabilities
• Increasing user-friendliness for all consumers

Relevant deadlines: When does the law come into force?

The BFSG comes into force gradually. The central deadline for implementation is 28. June 2025. Until then, companies must ensure that their products and services meet the new requirements. Products that were already on the market before this date are subject to transitional regulations in certain cases.

Who is affected?

The BFSG applies to a wide range of companies and industries. In principle, all providers of products and services intended for consumers are affected. The relevance differs depending on the business model:

• B2C companies: Providers that sell directly to end customers must ensure that their products and digital offerings are completely accessible.
• B2B companies: Even if the law primarily addresses the end customer market, companies that supply business customers can be indirectly affected. For example, if your products or services need to be integrated into barrier-free overall solutions.

The affected areas include in particular:

• Operators of websites, online shops and digital platforms
• Manufacturers of computers, tablets and smartphones
• Financial service providers and banks (including ATMs and online banking)
• Telecommunications provider
• Transportation companies (train, bus, flight)
• Self-service terminals such as ticket machines

What requirements apply?

In order to comply with legal requirements, companies must implement various measures. These include, among others:

• Digital accessibility: Websites, mobile apps and digital services must comply with WCAG 2.1 standards.
• Accessible hardware: Electronic products must also be usable by people with visual or hearing impairments.
• Customer services: Telephone and digital customer support must be barrier-free.
• Physical accessibility: ATMs, payment terminals and self-service systems must offer adaptable operating options.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?

Companies that do not implement the BFSG must expect consequences. These include:

• Fines and sanctions: Depending on the federal state, severe penalties can be imposed.
• Reputational damage: Companies that are not barrier-free risk public criticism and possible complaints.
• Market disadvantage: Accessible solutions can represent a competitive advantage as more and more consumers pay attention.

Conclusion

The BFSG represents an important step towards a more inclusive society. Companies should deal with the requirements at an early stage and initiate the necessary measures in order to be compliant in a timely manner. In our next article we will look in detail at which products and services specifically need to be barrier-free and which standards they need to meet.

Do you need support with your websites to make them barrier-free, to check them or would you like to take the opportunity to make your websites more convertible? Contact us here!

Overview of our series of articles “Accessibility Strengthening Act”:

1. Accessibility Strengthening Act – Basics (02/13/25)
2. Accessibility Strengthening Act – Audit / Examination (02/20/25)
3. Accessibility Strengthening Act – Requirements Details (02/27/25)