How to successfully implement the Accessibility Improvement Act

Why digital accessibility is now legally relevant

Digital accessibility will become mandatory from 2025 - the Barrier-Free Accessibility Reinforcement Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz or BFSG) implements an EU directive that obliges companies to make their digital products and services accessible to all people. This means that companies must be prepared to design their offerings in such a way that they reach not only people with disabilities, but also a growing number of older people and people with temporary restrictions.

Companies that take action now will not only avoid penalties and legal consequences, but will also benefit from a better user experience, a larger target group and strong brand positioning.

Overview of the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG)

The BFSG transposes EU Directive 2019/882 into German law. The aim is to make digital products and services accessible to all people. Affected in particular are

• Websites and mobile apps of companies and public bodies
• Self-service terminals (e.g. ticket machines, cash machines)
• E-books and digital documents
• Software and online services (e.g. banking apps, e-commerce platforms)

Important deadlines have been set to ensure compliance with the law:

• From June 28, 2025, new products and services must be accessible.
• A transition period until 2030 applies to existing offers.
• A continuous review of accessibility must be ensured.

Companies must therefore act soon in order to meet the deadlines and protect themselves from legal consequences.

Which companies are affected?

The Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) affects a wide range of companies that offer products and services to consumers in the EU. Here are the main sectors and companies affected:

1. companies offering certain digital products and services

The BFSG requires companies to make their products and services accessible if they fall into the following categories:

Products:

• Computers and operating systems
• Smartphones, tablets
• ATMs, ticket and check-in machines
• Payment terminals
• E-book readers

Services:

• E-commerce platforms (online stores)
• online banking
• Telecommunications services
• Passenger transportation services (e.g. booking platforms for buses, trains, air travel)
• Access to audiovisual media (streaming services, media libraries)

2. small companies vs. larger companies

• Large companies: Must fully implement accessibility requirements.
• Small companies (<10 employees & <€2 million turnover/year): Are exempt from the requirements.

3. sectors with a particular need for action

• Retail & e-commerce: Online stores must be accessible.
• Finance and insurance industry: Online banking & digital customer portals must be accessible.
• Public transport providers & travel companies: Websites and apps for booking and information must be accessible.
• Media & streaming services: Platforms must offer subtitles, audio descriptions and alternative operating options.

If you act now, you can implement the new requirements gradually instead of coming under pressure in the short term. But what exactly does the law require?

What do companies need to do now?

The most important requirements for digital accessibility

The law is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1), which set out four key principles:

• Perceivable: Content must be usable for all (e.g. subtitles for videos, high contrasts for better readability).
• Usable: Websites and apps must be navigable without a mouse, using only the keyboard.
• Understandable: Clear language and predictable user guidance are mandatory.
• Robust: Content must be compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers.

First steps towards implementation

• Carry out an inventory: What barriers currently exist?
• Plan technical implementation: Collaboration between IT, UX and compliance teams.
• Train employees: Raise awareness of accessibility in design and development.
• Obtain legal advice: Ensure that all requirements are met.

Risks of non-compliance

Companies that do not implement the requirements risk

• Penalties and legal action by associations or individuals
• Loss of image due to negative reporting
• Competitive disadvantages if accessible alternatives perform better

Practical tips for implementation

Stocktaking: Where do you currently stand?

Use tools such as Google Lighthouse or WAVE to identify existing barriers. Obtain feedback from people with disabilities to take real user experiences into account.

Technical and design measures

• Clear navigation structure and logical page hierarchies
• High contrasts for better readability
• Ensure keyboard operability
• Alternative texts for images and graphics
• Subtitles and transcripts for audiovisual content
• Avoid or disable automatic content (e.g. self-launching videos, slideshows)

Tools and partners for support

• Technical testing: axe DevTools, WAVE, Google Lighthouse, WAI resources, Screen Reader
• Accessible development: collaboration with service providers specializing in digital accessibility
• Training & consulting: Workshops for UX designers, developers and compliance teams

Conclusion: Act now and secure competitive advantages

The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) is more than just a legal obligation - it is an opportunity to make digital services accessible to everyone and strengthen your own market position at the same time. Companies that act early not only benefit from an improved user experience and increased reach, but also avoid legal risks and high retrofitting costs.

The key to successful implementation lies in a strategic approach: a well-founded inventory, targeted technical adjustments and anchoring accessibility as an integral part of digital product development.

Don't wait until the legal deadlines expire - start implementing now! We will be happy to support you with an initial analysis and specific recommendations for action.