Accessibility Act: online retailers must act from 2025

What was approved by the European Parliament in June 2021 European Accessibility Act (EAA) will be transposed into national law in 2025 and become mandatory for German online retailers and service providers. The Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) has set itself the goal of improving the participation of people with disabilities in all areas of everyday life. One important aspect of this is the accessibility of online stores.

What does this mean for online retailers?

By June 28, 2025, online retailers in Germany must make their websites and apps accessible. This means that they must make products, offers and services accessible to people with disabilities.

Which products and services are affected?

The BFSG applies to all online retailers that offer products or services to consumers. This means that all stores, regardless of their size or sector, are affected.

What requirements must be met for this?

The accessibility requirements are set out in the Accessibility Ordinance (BFGV) is defined. We have listed some important regulations for webshops and services for you in detail here:

• Usability: Navigation and control of the online store must be possible with all common input devices, including keyboards and screen readers.
• Perceptibility: Content and text on the website must be easy to read. The colors should be high-contrast.
• Comprehensibility: Information must be formulated clearly and comprehensibly. The "Simple language" function can also be integrated separately here.
• Robustness: The website must function without errors and also be compatible with assistive technologies and tools.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?

The Accessibility Act is an important step towards improving the participation in life of people with disabilities. Online retailers should therefore familiarize themselves with the requirements of the law at an early stage and implement the necessary measures. In the event of non-compliance or websites that even violate the BFSG, online retailers or operators can face fines of up to 50,000 euros. Further information on the Accessibility Act and the regulation can be found on the Website of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS).