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New law ensures accessibility: What awaits 13 million!
The Accessibility Strengthening Act comes into force on June 28, 2025 and requires companies to design barrier-free spaces.
New law ensures accessibility: What awaits 13 million!
On June 28, 2025, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) will come into force in Germany. This new law requires private companies to make their products and services accessible. This step will focus on around 13 million people with disabilities or age-related limitations. The regulations of the BFSG implement the EU Directive (EU) 2019/882, which deals with ensuring accessibility for products and services within the European Economic Area. Loud DAZ Augsburg Technical devices, ATMs and ticket machines as well as digital services are affected by the new regulations.
The law requires companies to ensure that their products and services can be perceived through at least two senses. The specifications include, among other things, easy-to-read, resizable font and adjustable brightness and contrast. Structured and understandable texts, if necessary in easy language, are also required. Furthermore, alternative texts for images and graphics as well as reading functions for texts and captions must be provided. It must also be usable without a mouse.
Regulations and exceptions
The BFSG applies to all manufacturers, dealers and service providers. However, smaller service providers with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of less than 2 million euros are exempt from the regulations. In the event of violations, companies can expect official change requirements and fines of up to 100,000 euros. There is also the risk of websites and online shops being shut down as well as warnings from competitors or recognized associations.
Another central point of the BFSG is the mandatory “Declaration on Accessibility”. This must be updated annually and published on the company website and describe the requirements of the law.
Background and EU requirements
The EU Directive (EU) 2019/882 was adopted on April 17, 2019 and sets accessibility-related requirements for products and services. The text is highly relevant to the European Economic Area and is available in several languages, making it easier to implement in EU member states. Details of the directive are published in the Official Journal at Eur-Lex.
With the introduction of the BFSG, a significant step is taken towards a more inclusive society, with the legal requirements setting clear standards for accessibility that pose challenges for both companies and those affected.