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Accessibility according to the BFSG: What companies need to know now
What does the BFSG regulate and when does it come into effect?
Since June 28, 2025, the Barrier-Free Access Act (BFSG) has required companies to make their digital offerings accessible. This applies to all private-sector providers of digital products and services with more than 10 employees or annual revenue exceeding €2 million.
These include, among others:
- Websites and web applications
- Customer portals, booking systems, and online shops
- Apps, e-learning platforms, and digital contract management systems
The law applies to new digital services from June 2025. Existing applications must be adapted as soon as changes or enhancements are made.
Why is accessibility an urgent issue?
Many websites are still not accessible to people with disabilities. Anyone who can only use a website with a mouse, does not provide alternative text for images, or neglects color contrasts is excluding millions of people. This has long been an ethical problem. Now it is becoming a legal one.
The implications for companies can be serious:
- Five-figure fines
- Prohibition of using non-accessible websites
- Loss of trust due to complaints, poor reviews, or legal disputes
Accessibility is no longer a marginal issue, but an important factor for legal certainty, brand trust, and user experience.
Want to make your website accessible?
We provide you with expert support right through to successful implementation.
What does the law specifically require?
The BFSG is based on WCAG 2.1 AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). These define four key principles that companies should follow when designing their websites to be accessible:
- Perceivability: Content must be accessible via screen readers, for example.
- Operability: All functions must be controllable via keyboard.
- Comprehensibility: Clear language and consistent structure are mandatory.
- Robustness: The site must be compatible with assistive software.
These principles help to make websites legally compliant and user-friendly.
Best practice: How the DGK is making its web applications accessible
The German Society of Cardiology (DGK) provides a good example of the successful implementation of the BFSG requirements. It operates several web-based applications, including a guideline manager and a certification database. Together with trinidat, these offerings were revised to comply with the BFSG.
The following measures, among others, were implemented during the course of the project:
- Alt text for all relevant images, including images with text content
- Keyboard operability of all navigation elements, including visible focus states
- Clear naming of links and buttons, supported by tooltips where necessary
- Contrasts, heading hierarchies, and structured code in accordance with WCAG 2.1 AA
- Avoidance of hidden barriers, e.g., by removing autofocus and invisible focus elements
Special attention was also paid to clear language and logical user guidance. As a result, accessibility was not only fulfilled in accordance with legal requirements, but was also actively used to improve user-friendliness.
Does your company require accessible web services?
Design websites and applications in compliance with BFSG using trinidat.
Technical requirements: What websites will have to deliver in the future
The following points are examples of what to look out for in accessible websites:
- Images require descriptive alt text. Purely decorative images must be identified as such.
- Navigation and forms must be fully operable via keyboard, with visible focus indicators.
- Headings should be structured logically (e.g., no jumps from h1 to h3).
- Colors must not be the only means of conveying information (e.g., error message ≠ only red).
- Links that open new windows or tabs must make this clear to users.
- Labels for input fields are mandatory. Either visually or via ARIA attributes.
These requirements require technical expertise – but can be implemented efficiently with the right partner.
How trinidat supports you
To help you design your web application in a secure, sustainable, and legally compliant manner, trinidat offers a proven service package tailored to your specific requirements:
- Analysis of existing applications with regard to accessibility
- Advice on necessary adjustments
- Redesign, reengineering, and interface optimization
- Testing & quality assurance with certified tools
- Training for your teams and knowledge transfer for sustainable implementation
trinidat provides you with technical and legal support until successful implementation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the BFSG
What does accessibility mean for a website?
Accessibility means that all people—including those with disabilities—can use digital services without restriction. This applies, for example, to keyboard navigation, use with screen readers, and understandable forms.
When does the BFSG apply to my company?
The regulations apply to all new digital products from June 28, 2025. Existing applications must be adapted as soon as they are modified or expanded.
Is my company affected by the BFSG?
Yes, if your company has more than 10 employees or generates annual revenue of more than €2 million. This applies regardless of whether you develop digital products or “only” operate them.
How much does it cost to make a website accessible?
That depends on the scope and technical structure. trinidat offers customized analyses and modular services—transparent and tailored to your needs.
What are the most common errors?
Typical barriers include missing alt text, poor keyboard accessibility, poor contrast, unstructured HTML code, and inaccessible forms.
Is it sufficient to comply with the WCAG?
The WCAG 2.1 AA are considered the minimum standard. They form the basis for legal requirements and certifications – including in tenders.
Who is liable for violations of the BFSG?
The company itself. Regardless of the technical service provider. The responsibility for legally compliant digital products lies with the provider.
Become barrier-free now
The BFSG makes digital accessibility a legal requirement. Acting in good time minimizes risks, improves usability, and demonstrates digital responsibility. Have your website checked – before others do.
Does your company need a barrier-free website?
Talk to us – we will find the right approach for your requirements!