When one answer is not enough
Some questions need more room than an FAQ offers. On sanctions and legal enforcement, the article on BFSG enforcement and legal risks goes into depth. On the frequently asked overlay question there is the article on accessibility overlays. And anyone wanting to know what changed with the current version can read the article on the new WCAG 2.2 criteria.
- What is the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG)? The BFSG transposes EU Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act) into German law and, since June 28, 2025, requires businesses to make their digital products and services…
- Is my company affected by the BFSG? If you offer products or services online to consumers (B2C), you are usually affected. The most important relief concerns micro-enterprises providing services: those with fewer…
- What penalties apply for BFSG violations? The competent market surveillance authorities can impose fines of up to 100,000 euros (BFSG, Section 37). Before it comes to that, however, authorities usually first request that…
- Are there transition periods for existing websites? Yes, the BFSG provides a limited transition rule. Services already provided before June 28, 2025 may, under certain conditions, continue in their existing form until June 28…
- Does my newsletter need to be accessible? A purely promotional marketing newsletter does not directly fall under the BFSG. Transactional emails are different: order confirmations, shipping notifications, invoices or…
- Do I need formal certification? No, the BFSG prescribes no state certification or official approval. There is no government seal you must present to authorities. What matters is that you can document conformance…