Accessible websites: What is that?

Barrier-free websites are websites that are designed in such a way that every person – regardless of physical limitations – can use them without restrictions.

Above all, barrier-free websites are supposed to support people with disabilities (e.g. with hearing, visual, motor, or cognitive limitations) in using websites equally.

After a four-year transition period, on June 28, 2025, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) will come into force in Germany, which regulates requirements for the accessibility of certain products, services, and especially websites.

From this date, all products and services mentioned in the law must be designed to be barrier-free. Manufacturers, importers, and providers of these products and services are obliged to comply with the law.

Among the products and services affected from June 28, 2025, are among others:

• Computers

• Phones

• Tablets

• E-book readers

• Televisions with internet access

• Self-service terminals

• Communication services

• Banking services

• Online booking systems

• Passenger transport and courier services

• E-commerce services (online shops)

• Websites and apps (if they contain interactions with users, e.g.: online shops, registration, contract conclusion, contact forms, newsletter subscription, chatbots, etc.)

However, there are exceptions.

According to § 2 No. 17 BFSG, the following are not obligated to meet accessibility requirements:

The requirements for the accessibility of websites apply when the following conditions are met simultaneously:

1. The company is not a microenterprise (more than 10 employees and more than 2,000,000 euros in annual revenue).
2. The website enables direct interaction with users (e.g. purchase/sale, contact form, booking, chatbot, etc.).

This means that, for example, small beauty salons with an online booking form or small online shops are not obliged to make their websites accessible.

A very helpful document with a clear and understandable explanation of the new Accessibility Act as well as many examples can be found at the following link: Guidelines for Accessibility.

Websites covered by the law must comply with the EN 301 549 and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards.

• Such websites must publish an accessible "Accessibility Statement" on a separate page. This statement contains information on how accessibility is ensured and which areas of your website or online shop are (still) not accessible.
• The website must necessarily contain a contact option through which users can report barriers.
• The accessibility statement must be placed in an easily findable location on the website.

What happens if you ignore the obligation to ensure accessibility?

If the market surveillance authority finds that your website is not accessible, you will first be given the opportunity to establish accessibility. If you do not respond, the authority may suspend your e-commerce activities until the requirements are met.

In addition, fines amounting to several thousand euros may be imposed.

The market surveillance authority can act on its own initiative or based on a report from consumers or associations.

Regardless of whether you are legally obliged to ensure accessibility – especially if you are unsure – we recommend aligning your website with the WCAG standards.

• Websites that comply with these standards are often better optimized for search engines – thanks to structured content and correctly semantic HTML code.
• In addition, more people benefit from an accessible use of your website.

Especially since the requirements for accessible websites are not particularly complicated and can be easily implemented by experienced developers.

That is why we take accessibility requirements into account to the maximum extent when creating websites – regardless of whether they are mandatory or not.

Read which specific requirements apply in our next article:
What are the requirements for accessible websites?