The German Accessibility Act, or BFSG, has applied since 28 June 2025. It requires many companies to make certain digital services accessible. Many are unsure whether it affects them. This guide gives an overview.
Who the BFSG affects
The law applies to certain products and services aimed at consumers. For websites, the following are mainly relevant:
- Online shops and other services through which contracts are concluded with consumers
- Booking services, for example for travel or events
- Banking services, telecommunications and passenger transport
Pure B2B services that are not aimed at consumers are generally not affected.
The exemption for micro-enterprises
Micro-enterprises are exempt for services. This means companies with fewer than ten employees and annual turnover or an annual balance sheet total of no more than two million euros. This exemption does not apply to products.
As of November 2026. This guide does not replace legal advice. If in doubt, have your IHK (chamber of commerce), for example, check whether your service falls under the BFSG.
What makes a website accessible
The benchmark is the WCAG criteria, the international guidelines for accessible web content. Key points:
- Sufficient contrast between text and background
- Keyboard operability, with visible focus
- Alt text for images
- Logical headings and a clear structure
- Subtitles for videos
- Understandable forms with clear labels and error messages
- Consideration for reduced motion in animations
Affected providers must also publish an accessibility statement describing how the service meets the requirements.
Accessibility pays off even without an obligation
Accessible websites are easier for everyone to use: on a phone, in bright sun, with tired eyes. Search engines understand them better, and they reach more people. For a new website, many measures cost hardly any extra effort if they are considered from the start.
FAQ
Does the BFSG affect my pure company website without a shop?
The BFSG mainly concerns certain services for consumers, such as online shops and booking services. Whether a purely informational site falls under it depends on the individual case. Accessibility pays off regardless.
Is this website accessible?
We tested lumen21.de against WCAG criteria using automated testing tools, including contrast, keyboard operation and headings. Automated tests don't catch everything, but they are a good starting point.
