From 28 June 2025, the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) will come into force in Germany, which prescribes the accessibility of websites and mobile applications for certain companies. This law implements the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
Affected companies:
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Service providers
: Companies that offer services to consumers are obliged to make their digital offerings accessible.
This includes, in particular, websites and mobile applications that are used for e-commerce, such as online shops, contact forms or appointment booking systems.
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Manufacturers
, retailers and importers: Companies that place certain products on the market must ensure that they are accessible. This includes hardware systems, self-service terminals and consumer terminals with interactive features.
Exceptions:
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Small companies
- in the service sector: Companies that employ fewer than 10 people and have either an annual turnover of no more than 2 million euros or an annual balance sheet total of no more than 2 million euros are partially exempt from the requirements of the BFSG. However, this exemption does not apply to micro-enterprises that place products on the market in accordance with the BFSG.
Accessibility requirements:
The websites and mobile applications concerned must be designed in such a way that they can be found, accessed and used by people with disabilities in the usual way, without particular difficulty and, in principle, without outside help. This includes a clear structure, understandable language, sufficient contrast and the provision of alternative texts for images.
Consequences of non-compliance:
Companies that do not fulfil the requirements of the BFSG must expect sanctions. The market surveillance authorities can restrict or prohibit the provision of the product or service or ensure that products are withdrawn or recalled. This applies not only to manufacturers, but also to distributors and importers.
Implementation support from EGOTEC and EGOCMS
EGOCMS offers several functions that can support you in the implementation of accessible websites:
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Accessibility
Checker: This tool checks your content for accessibility and ensures that it complies with current standards.
Design
flexibility: Accessible designs can be easily implemented thanks to the free design options of the HTML templates.
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Entry
of alternative texts: The live editor enables the direct input of alternative texts for images and summaries of tables, which improves accessibility for users with visual impairments.
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Accessible
video player (AblePlayer): Optionally, the AblePlayer, a video player designed for accessibility and offering numerous useful functions, can be used in the frontend. EgoCMS
These EGOCMS functions support you in designing your website in accordance with the requirements of the German Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG).
Concept
The accessibility of the website is ensured in a structured process: Firstly, an inventory of the content and functions is carried out, followed by automated and manual tests based on the WCAG 2.1 and BITV 2.0 guidelines. Critical areas such as contrast, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation and accessible PDF documents are analysed. The identified barriers are then prioritised and rectified in close collaboration with developers and editors. A final review, supplemented by tests with affected user groups, ensures quality. Regular reviews, training and a feedback system are established to ensure long-term compliance with the standards.
Further information in the overall concept
Timetable
The schedule for accessibility comprises six phases over 10-14 weeks:
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in the
- first sprint, the website is analysed this is followed
- by automated and manual tests for barriers such as contrast, screen reader compatibility and PDF accessibility then
- the results are evaluated and prioritised then
- the identified barriers are fixed and
- at the end a post-test is carried out in the long term,
- regular reviews, training and a feedback system ensure sustainable compliance with accessibility standards
Further information in the detailed schedule
Certificate
There is no legal obligation to obtain certificates. However, certification by recognised bodies can be useful in order to document compliance with accessibility requirements and increase user confidence.