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 defects be remedied within a deadline. If a company fails to respond, distribution of the non-conformant service or product can in severe cases be prohibited altogether.

At least as relevant is the litigation risk: consumer protection and disability associations have standing and can assert injunctive claims. On top of that comes reputational damage when an online offering is publicly criticized as inaccessible.

The best protection is a documented conformance record. With a structured WCAG audit and a sound accessibility statement, you demonstrate that you are taking your obligations seriously, which authorities consider in their assessment.