Accessibility has been mandatory since June 28, 2025

Digital accessibility is no longer a "nice-to-have." Since June 28, 2025, it's legally mandated: The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) requires companies to design digital products and services so that everyone can use them.

This affects all B2C products – from apps and websites to smartphones, banking and ticket machines. The law's goal: digital inclusion for all.

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What the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) requires

Effective June 28, 2025: New products must be barrier-free immediately – there's no transition period. For existing products, there's a grace period until 2030 for improvements.

The BFSG thus sets new standards for digital accessibility that companies must actively implement.

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Why digital accessibility affects everyone

Digitalization without inclusion is exclusion. Millions of people in Germany experience digital barriers daily: unreadable PDFs, apps without VoiceOver support, online shops without keyboard navigation.

The BFSG creates binding requirements here. It ensures that accessibility is no longer a voluntary add-on but a legal standard and a critical factor for usability, brand trust and customer satisfaction.

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What does digital accessibility mean in practice?

Digital accessibility means that all people can use digital products and services – regardless of physical, sensory or cognitive abilities.

This includes:

• Screen reader support for people with visual impairments
• Full keyboard operation without a mouse
• Subtitles and audio descriptions for videos
• High color contrast and alternative text for images
• Compatibility with assistive technologies like Braille keyboards
• Avoiding flickering content that could pose health risks

These requirements are based on international standards such as EN 301 549 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

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What happens in case of BFSG violations?

Market surveillance authorities monitor compliance with the law. Companies that violate the Accessibility Strengthening Act can expect consequences:

• Request for remediation
• Restriction or prohibition of provision
• Market recall
• Fines up to €100,000

Additionally, associations can sue on behalf of entire user groups. This makes accessibility not just an ethical issue, but also a legal risk.

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BFSG-compliant implementation with UseTree

UseTree makes digital accessibility achievable. We support companies in BFSG-compliant implementation – with experience, expertise and genuine user focus.

Our services:

• Consulting: Strategies and solutions tailored to your product and target audience
• Expert Review: Professional assessment by our accessibility experts
• BFSG Testing: Tests with people with disabilities—for real-world usability
• Concept, Implementation & Documentation: Support across all project phases
• Complete Solution: One partner for all aspects of legal compliance

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Our goal: Digital inclusion. For everyone.

Accessibility isn't bureaucratic overhead. It's a quality feature, a human right, and a future-oriented topic.

With UseTree, you develop not just legally compliant, but truly usable digital products. For genuine inclusion – from the start.

Want to make your product BFSG-compliant? We'll show you how to combine legal requirements with real user value.

Contact us.