Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) Guide
The BFSG makes digital accessibility a legal requirement for many businesses operating in Germany. It is no longer optional website hygiene.
This guide explains who is affected, what standards apply, what the risks are, and how to implement accessibility efficiently with an accessibility-by-design approach.
Practical compliance for digital products and services
From scope and exemptions to implementation: what teams need to do now to reduce legal risk and improve user experience.
Why BFSG Matters Now
The BFSG implements the European Accessibility Act in Germany and applies to many products and services offered to consumers. For affected companies, accessibility becomes a compliance topic with direct operational and legal consequences.
Compliance is typically demonstrated via harmonized standards, especially EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 Level AA. For most teams, this means upgrading design systems, frontends, forms, and critical transaction flows.
„Accessibility is not only a legal duty. It is product quality, risk management, and market access.” — Laramate GmbH
The Four Accessibility Principles (POUR)
Users must be able to perceive content with different senses and assistive technologies (for example screen readers, captions, and sufficient contrast).
Interfaces must work without a mouse and support keyboard, focus management, and predictable interaction patterns.
Language, navigation, and feedback should be clear and consistent so users can complete tasks without confusion.
Code should remain compatible across browsers, devices, and assistive technologies over time.
Who Is Typically Affected
Online shops and booking platforms with consumer-facing checkout and account flows.
Digital banking and related customer services with high reliance on accessible user journeys.
Ticketing, travel information, and connected digital services used by end consumers.
Streaming and software-driven offerings where accessible interaction is required for core functions.
In practice, regulators and courts focus heavily on critical user paths: registration, login, checkout, and other high-impact flows.
Implementation Plan for Teams
Run a focused accessibility audit to identify priority gaps against WCAG 2.1 AA on critical user paths.
Fix design-system and frontend foundations (contrast, semantics, keyboard navigation, form errors, focus states).
Embed accessibility into delivery with QA checks, review criteria, and editor/developer training.
Important note: this article is practical guidance and not legal advice. Assess your concrete obligations with legal counsel for your specific business model.