Accessibility Reinforcement Act...what?

Foreword

From June 28, 2025, this means for many companies: Web accessibility is no longer a "nice-to-have", but a MUST. And before you start worrying: don't panic - not every company is affected. Only B2C companies have an obligation here. But what does this actually mean for your website, web store or web app? What exactly does accessible design look like? And why is it worth getting your online presence up to scratch now? Here are the facts!

Yes, you read that right. From June 28, 2025, accessibility for many websites and digital offerings will not just be wishful thinking, but a legal obligation. But before panic sets in: the new Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) does not affect every website, but is primarily relevant for B2C companies.

Accessibility? - What does that even mean?

Did you know that almost 10% of people in Germany have a severe disability? That's millions of people for whom many websites are simply inaccessible. And what exactly does accessibility mean in this context? Quite simply: digital accessibility for everyone. This includes, for example:

• Strong contrasts for better readability
• Alternative texts for images so that screen readers can explain the content
• Videos with subtitles or audio descriptions
• Navigation via keyboard - for users who cannot use a mouse.

It's about designing websites so that people with different abilities can use them. And this is exactly where the BFSG comes in.

What is the BFSG?

The BFSG is the German implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and pursues a clear goal: more digital participation. People with disabilities should not be left out when it comes to accessing digital products and services. This will strengthen inclusion - and make your online presence accessible to everyone. In a nutshell: from 2025, many websites and apps in the B2C sector will be subject to clear rules on how accessibility must be implemented.

Which companies are affected?

The law is aimed at the B2C sector. In concrete terms, this means that if your online store, booking site or digital service is aimed at end customers, then the BFSG applies to you. If you operate exclusively in the B2B sector, you can breathe a sigh of relief - you are not affected for the time being. There are also exceptions for micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover of less than two million euros.

What does "barrier-free" look like in practice?

The FSIO is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which prescribe three levels:

• Level A - The basic requirements that every website must fulfill.
• Level AA - The standard for the private sector (yes, that's you).
• Level AAA - The absolute maximum, but optional.

Websites and apps must therefore be designed in such a way that they can be used and understood by everyone. The most important points once again:

• Clear contrasts and large font: For optimum readability on all devices.
• Texts for screen readers: An absolute must for people with visual impairments.
• Navigation via keyboard: Not everyone can or wants to use a mouse.
• Alt texts for images: This means that people with visual impairments can also understand the content.
• Videos with subtitles or audio descriptions

Why is it all worthwhile?

Sure, the BFSG will make it mandatory from 2025, but accessibility also has clear advantages:

• Extended target group: More users can use your offer. Sounds good, doesn't it?
• Better user experience: Accessible sites are often more intuitive for everyone.
• SEO boost: Search engines often rank accessible pages better because they are structured and user-friendly.
• Positive image: Show that you are a modern company that takes inclusion seriously.

Timetable and consequences

The countdown is on: The deadline for the BFSG is June 28, 2025, by which time your website must be accessible at the latest - and this also applies to existing content, which must be adapted by mid-2030. And what happens if you ignore this? Well, it will be expensive. The market surveillance authorities will check compliance, and violations can result in fines of up to 100,000 euros. That's a lot - and certainly one more reason to take the whole thing seriously!

Conclusion: Accessibility is more than just the law - it's your opportunity!

Accessibility is not just a law, but also an opportunity to make your website accessible to a wider audience. And the positive effects? An accessible website often scores highly in terms of user experience and also sends a strong signal for inclusion. The BFSG may seem like a must - but we see it as an opportunity to make your company fit for all users. If you're thinking: "Sounds important, but how do we go about it?" - that's exactly what we're here for. At Wagemut , we help you to understand and implement the requirements of the BFSG. Let's work together to ensure that your website is accessible to everyone from 2025.

Want more information or get started right away? Get in touch - we'll be happy to advise you and find the best way to an accessible website!

Source reference:

• https://voll.digital/wissen/barrierefreiheit-website-pflicht
• https://bfsg-gesetz.de/
• https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Externe-Veroeffentlichungen/bmas-leitlinien-bfsg.pdf?__blob=publicationFile
• https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/DE/Fachwissen/Produkte-und-Dienstleistungen/Barrierefreiheitsstaerkungsgesetz/FAQ/faq_node.html