The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG), the German Accessibility Strengthening Act, requires companies in Germany to offer certain products and digital services in an accessible way.
It has applied since 28 June 2025 and transposes the European Accessibility Act into German law.
What Is the BFSG (German Barrier-Free Accessibility Act)?
The BFSG is a federal law that secures equal access to everyday products and services for people with disabilities and for older people.
It is aimed not only at public bodies but explicitly at private businesses.
Anyone who manufactures, imports, distributes or offers covered products or services must meet its accessibility requirements.
Who is Affected by the BFSG?
Manufacturers, importers, distributors and service providers whose offers are aimed at consumers are affected.
Micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of no more than two million euros are exempt for services, but not for products.
Is Your Product Affected by the BFSG? Here’s What’s Covered
- Computers, notebooks, tablets and smartphones including their operating systems
- Self-service terminals such as cash machines, ticket machines and check-in kiosks
- E-book readers as well as routers and other telecommunications equipment
- Smart TVs and devices for audiovisual media services
What Types of Services Fall Under the BFSG?
- Online shops and other e-commerce services
- Consumer banking services such as online banking
- Telephone and messaging services as well as e-books
- Websites and apps in passenger transport, for example for bookings and travel information
Accessibility Requirements According to the BFSG
Offers must be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust.
In practice, companies follow the European standard EN 301 549, which refers to WCAG 2.1 at level AA for websites and apps.
This includes sufficient contrast, keyboard operation, text alternatives for images and forms that work with screen readers.
What Does the BFSG Require from Companies
Service providers must explain in their terms or in another easily accessible place how their service meets the requirements.
Manufacturers carry out a conformity assessment, issue a declaration of conformity and mark their products with the CE mark.
Distributors check that these documents exist before they sell a product.
What Fines Are Imposed for Violations of the BFSG?
The market surveillance authorities of the federal states monitor compliance.
They can demand that defects are fixed and can have products or services withdrawn from the market.
Violations can be fined up to 100,000 euros, and competitors and associations may also send formal warnings.
Strengthening Accessibility in Germany: The Role of the BFSG
The BFSG turns digital accessibility from a voluntary extra into an obligation.
Companies that plan early reach more customers and lower their legal risk.
One building block is spam protection without picture puzzles: CDPCaptcha checks in the background and never asks visitors to solve a task they have to see or hear.