Support with the implementation of the Barrier-Free Reinforcement Act

(BFSG)

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:

  • 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 electronic business transactions, such as online shops, contact forms or appointment booking systems.

  • 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:

  • Micro-enterprises 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 bring products into circulation 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 generally customary manner, without particular difficulty and, in principle, without outside assistance. 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surveillance authorities can restrict or prohibit the provision of the product or service or ensure that products are withdrawn or recalled.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 implementing accessible websites:

  • Accessibility checker: This tool checks your content for accessibility and ensures that it complies with current standards. EGOCMS Help

  • Integration checker: The integrity checker already supports editors when entering content and checks, for example, the order of headings and indicates problems. EGOCMS Help

  • Design flexibility: Accessible designs can be easily implemented thanks to the free design options of the HTML templates. EGOCMS

  • Input of alternative texts: The live editor allows the direct input of alternative texts for images and summaries of tables, which improves accessibility for users with visual impairments. EGOCMS

  • Accessible video player (AblePlayer): Optionally, the AblePlayer, a video player designed for accessibility and offering numerous useful functions, can be used in the front end. EGOCMS

These EGOCMS functions support you in designing your website in accordance with the requirements of the Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG).

Basic check

EGOTEC AG's basic accessibility check includes a comprehensive review of the central pages of a website in accordance with the requirements of the German Disability Equality Act (BGG), BITV 2.0 and WCAG 2.2 (Level A and AA). Automated test tools such as the EGOCMS Barrier Checker and Lighthouse are used as well as random manual checks. The test lasts a total of 24 hours and includes the immediate correction of minor deviations. Once the analysis has been completed, a test report is created that can be published on the website. However, a binding assurance of accessibility is only given after a comprehensive check, while the basic check merely confirms that it has been carried out. The process is divided into three phases: Preparation, conducting the audit and finalisation with reporting.

Further information on the basic check.

Complete audit

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:

  1. the website is analysed in the first sprint
  2. This is followed by automated and manual tests for barriers such as contrast, screen reader compatibility and PDF accessibility
  3. The results are then evaluated and prioritised
  4. then the identified barriers are eliminated
  5. and a follow-up test is carried out at the end
  6. 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.

References