BFSG guidelines for accessible websites

Attention, all companies! The Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG) is coming. A tongue twister that packs a punch. Because from June 2025, many digital services will have to be accessible.

The BFSG is calling for real change. Websites, apps, online stores – everyone needs to get to work. The legislator is serious. The goal: more accessibility on the internet. For people with disabilities. For senior citizens. For all of us – because who likes illegible texts or complicated ordering processes?

This BFSG guide for accessible websites shows you what you need to know and change. We explain which websites are affected by the law, which products and services it covers – and how you can meet the requirements.

What is the BFSG?

BFSG stands for Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz. It is the German implementation of the European Accessibility Act. From June 28, 2025, it will implement the EU directives and make accessibility in apps, online stores and on certain websites mandatory. From this date, all new and publicly accessible websites affected by the BFSG must comply with accessibility standards.

The aim of the BFSG is to make accessibility the digital norm. Not just for people with disabilities, but for everyone. In future, products and services must be designed in such a way that everyone can use them – whether computers, ATMs or online stores.

Deadline in June 25: The BFSG will apply from June 28, 2025. Does your existing website have to be perfect from this date? Not necessarily. It definitely applies to new websites. There are no clear transition periods for existing websites yet. These are yet to come – in a separate ordinance.

One thing is already clear: the earlier you start, the better. The legislator doesn’t want to make life difficult for anyone. There will be transitional periods. How long? That depends on:

• Company size
• Industry
• Complexity of your website

Large company, complex site? You’ll probably get more time. Small store with a simple site? It could be quicker.

Impact on the market and business: companies have to rethink and adapt their offerings. This costs time and money, but expands the potential user base by 7.8 million severely disabled people in Germany.

Negative consequences of non-compliance: Non-compliance with these standards can have serious consequences. Companies risk not only fines, but also lawsuits for discrimination. In Germany, fines of up to 100,000 euros could be imposed for violations of the BFSG from mid-2025. It is therefore worth taking proactive action and not waiting until it is already too late.

Who is affected by the BFSG?

The BFSG is aimed at a wide range of companies and organizations that offer digital products and services in the European Union. Here is an overview of the websites covered by the FSIA:

Definitely affected

• Online stores: Whether you sell socks, software or salad bowls to consumers – your store has to be accessible. The BFSG requires that every step from browsing to payment is accessible.
• Bank websites: From online banking to credit advice, everything must be accessible. Checking account balances, making transfers, applying for loans – every customer should be able to do this independently. Secure authentication must nevertheless be guaranteed.
• Travel portals: booking flights, checking hotels, reserving rental cars – the entire travel planning process must be accessible.
• Telecom providers: Comparing tariffs, concluding contracts, requesting support – all of this must be accessible.
• E-book platforms: Digital reading should be possible for everyone. This means not only accessible websites, but also accessible e-books and reading devices. Think of adaptable font sizes, contrasts and read-aloud functions.
• Streaming providers: Netflix and the like also sell services and products directly via their websites.

Attention: also inside

• Websites with online bookings: Whether it’s a hairdressing appointment or a table reservation – every booking process must be barrier-free. This includes clear time selection, simple forms and understandable confirmations.
• Interregional passenger transportation: From bus timetables and ticket purchases to route planners – everything must be accessible. Real-time information, accessible ticket machines and accessible apps are crucial here.

Gray area

• B2B websites: Do you only sell to other businesses? You could be left out. But be careful: if your products can also be bought by end consumers, you may still be affected. If in doubt: seek legal advice.
• Pure information pages: Do you describe your services but do not sell them directly via your website? Then you’re probably not affected. But remember: accessibility improves the user experience for everyone and can have a positive impact on your SEO ranking.

Exemptions for micro-enterprises

The BFSG does not apply if your company

• has fewer than 10 employees and
• has an annual balance sheet of less than € 2 million.

You are not affected? Congratulations! But: Accessibility can still help you to expand your target groups. So think twice about whether you want to do without it.

What does accessibility on the web actually mean?

All people should be able to use the same information and functionalities as others, without discrimination or additional barriers. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) regulate how this works on the web. They define four basic principles of accessibility:

• Perceptibility: Information and user interface components must be designed in such a way that they can be perceived. Content must be available in different ways – both visually and audibly.
• Usability: User interfaces and navigation elements must also be operable without a mouse – for example by keyboard or voice control.
• Comprehensibility: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable. Texts should be formulated in such a way that everyone understands them. The website should respond in the way you expect it to.
• Robustness: Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by many user agents – for example by assistive technologies such as screen readers.

WCAG 2.2 conformity

To be considered accessible, your website must fulfill level AA. This includes the requirements of level A.

• Level A: Includes basic accessibility requirements that all accessible websites must fulfill. This includes functions such as keyboard navigation and basic visual adaptability.
• Level AA: Extends the accessibility requirements, for example with improved visual presentations, better contrasts and clearer navigation options.

Concrete application examples

Building on the basics, there are both design and technical aspects that need to be considered for the website. These include, for example

• Alternative texts for images: All images should be provided with alternative texts that describe the content of the image.
• No mini-font: Users should be able to change the text size according to their needs, typically via browser functions.
• Subtitles for videos: Videos should be subtitled and audio-transcribed to be accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Keyboard accessibility: All website functions should be operable using the keyboard.
• Contrast and legibility: Text and background should have sufficient contrast to be easy to read.
• Simple navigation: Clear and consistent navigation makes it easier for all users to find their way around the website.

Step by step: BFSG guidelines for accessible websites

In theory, you now know a lot about accessibility for websites. But how do you put it into practice? Where do you start? What do you need to consider? In this chapter, we’ll show you a blueprint. You’ll need to adapt it a little so that it fits your company.

1. record inventory

• As-is analysis of current accessibility: Take out your digital magnifying glass and take a close look at your website. Accessibility tools such as WAVE or AXE are good tools for this. They reveal where there are still problems and where your site is already good. Don’t be afraid of lots of error messages – every stumbling block is an opportunity for improvement!
• Get user feedback: Get feedback from the real experts – your users with disabilities. This insider information is worth its weight in gold. Listen carefully, because here you will find out where there is a concrete and tangible need for action.

2. plan implementation

• Prioritize the tasks: Roll up your sleeves and set priorities! Take the findings from your detective work and the user feedback. What needs to be tackled immediately? What can wait? Create a list of improvements – from “Yesterday is too late” to “Nice to have”.
• Goal setting and time planning: Time to concretize. Define precise goals and a timetable. But stay realistic – it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Plan your milestones so that you can celebrate them. Every small step is a step in the right direction.

3. build competence

• Create awareness: Make accessibility a regular topic at your company! Organize information events that are as exciting as the last season of your favourite series. Or at least close to it. Show why the BFSG is not just a law, but an opportunity. Goal: Everyone in the team should understand the value of digital inclusion.
• Targeted training for specialists: Equip your web developers, content gurus and design ninjas with superpowers. After the training courses, you’ll have WCAG 2.2 professionals on your team who think about accessibility right from the start.

4. implement adjustments

• Adaptation of design & alternative texts: Showtime for your website! Use the findings from the analysis tool (from step 1) to implement the WCAG 2.2 guidelines. Improve contrasts, adjust font sizes and simplify your navigation where possible. Turn your alternative texts into miniature masterpieces (e.g. ChatGPT can help here).
• Assistive technology integration: Make your site a screen reader’s best friend. Implement technologies that improve usability for people with various disabilities, such as screen reader compatibility and voice input features. Examples: JAWS and NVDA for screen readers, Dragon NaturallySpeaking for voice control.

5. check & monitor results

• Carry out regular audits: Accessibility is not a one-time thing, but an ongoing development. Schedule regular check-ups so that you stay up to date. Keep an eye out for new trends and standards. The motto: Accessible today, even more accessible tomorrow.
• Implement a feedback system: Turn your users into co-pilots on the journey to accessibility. Set up feedback channels. Every comment, every suggestion is welcome. Use the feedback to continuously improve your site.

Digital accessibility: advantages for companies

Accessibility is not an onerous obligation imposed on you by lawmakers. It is your ticket to a larger target group, a better brand image and a better SEO ranking.

• More customers, more cash: one billion people worldwide have a disability. An accessible website opens the doors to this market. Older people and people with temporary disabilities will also thank you – with their loyalty and their purchases.
• Better image: Being socially responsible improves your reputation – both internally and externally. Because: Customers love brands with heart and brain. This shows that you have more on your mind than profits. In times when every second customer pays attention to corporate ethics, you are on the safe side.
• SEO boost included: Google likes it accessible. Why? Because it’s better – for everyone. Clear structure, simple navigation, cleanly programmed content. This not only makes people happy, but also search engine bots. Results: better ranking, more traffic, more conversions.

Tools & link collection for accessible websites

There are numerous tools on the subject of web accessibility. Some are used for analysis, others document specifications and still others help people with disabilities to use websites. Here is an overview of important tools that you should know about.

Analysis tools

• AXE: Automated tool for detecting accessibility problems. Contains suggested solutions.
• WAVE: Visual representation of accessibility problems directly in the browser context.
• Lighthouse: Google tool for accessibility, performance and SEO audits.
• accessiBe: AI-supported tool for continuous monitoring and improvement of accessibility.

Assistive tools

• JAWS: Comprehensive screen reader for Windows with advanced functions.
• NVDA: Free, open-source screen reader for Windows.
• VoiceOver: Integrated screen reader for Apple devices.
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11Speech recognition software for PC control and text input.
• Google Voice Access: Android app for voice-controlled smartphone operation.
• ZoomText: Screen magnifier with screen reader functionality for the visually impaired.

Documents

• BFSG legal text: Official wording of the Accessibility Reinforcement Act.
• WCAG 2.2 guidelines: Current version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
• WCAG 3 Draft: Preview of future developments in accessibility standards.

Further links

• Bundesfachstelle Barrierefreiheit: Official government information source for accessibility in Germany.
• WCAG checklist: Structured list of all WCAG 2.0 criteria for systematic implementation.

Conclusion & outlook

The BFSG makes accessibility mandatory for many websites. But it’s also your chance to win new customers. Your website will be legally compliant and better for all users.

What to do now:

• Legal check: Ask your lawyer. Have them check how the BFSG affects you. Better clarity now than headaches later.
• Be the early bird: June 2025 sounds a long way off? It’s not. Start planning now. Rome wasn’t built in a day either – and neither will your accessible website.
• Technology upgrade: relaunch planned? Seize the opportunity. Make your site not only accessible, but also fast and SEO-ready. Two birds, one stone.

Do you need support? We are at your side – from the first analysis to the last click. Together, we’ll make your website fit for the future.

You can send us a message here.