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From 2025, website accessibility will become mandatory for numerous companies. Legal requirements such as the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) and European directives define clear requirements, deadlines and audit mechanisms. The obligation affects not only public bodies, but increasingly also private companies across various sectors and sizes.
This page provides clear guidance on the legal obligations, the affected groups and the key deadlines. Learn how the accessibility obligation is structured and which practical steps are required for an accessible website. Compliance with these requirements is a key building block for an inclusive digital future.
Website accessibility in Germany and the EU is governed by several laws and directives. Key foundations are the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), EU Directive 2019/882 and the Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0). These requirements define what websites must meet to enable all users—especially people with disabilities—to access digital information and services on an equal basis.
In the context of digital accessibility, the website obligation has a special status. While the BFSG and the EU directive address numerous digital products and services, specific technical and content requirements apply to websites. The rules clearly distinguish between websites and other digital offerings such as mobile apps, software solutions or hardware products. For website operators, it is therefore important to know the relevant sections of the law and their scope of application.
| Law/Directive | Relevance for websites |
|---|---|
| BFSG (Accessibility Strengthening Act) | From 2025, regulates the obligation to design commercial websites in Germany to be accessible |
| EU Directive 2019/882 | Requirements for digital accessibility at European level; basis for national laws |
| BITV 2.0 | Specifies requirements for the accessibility of websites of public bodies in Germany |
The obligation to provide an accessible website is based on the fundamental idea of enabling equal access to digital information and services for everyone. The focus is on promoting inclusion and social participation. Accessibility is not an end in itself, but an essential contribution to ensuring that people with different disabilities can use the internet without restrictions.
The core principles of the accessibility obligation include accessibility and usability for all user groups. This applies, for example, to people with visual, hearing or motor impairments as well as to individuals with cognitive impairments. Implementing these principles ensures that digital services are designed to be understandable, operable and perceivable. This secures digital participation for a broad segment of the population and prevents discrimination.
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International and national standards are key to assessing the accessibility of websites. The focus is on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at conformance level AA. They define specific success criteria used to verify the accessibility and usability of digital content. Legal regulations such as the BFSG and BITV 2.0 explicitly refer to these technical standards and set minimum requirements that must be met.
Verification is carried out using detailed test criteria that cover both functional and design aspects. While legal requirements set the framework and minimum standards, technical standards such as WCAG provide the concrete basis for assessment. The main difference is that laws mandate compliance, whereas technical standards describe how these requirements can be implemented in practice.
| Assessment system | Description and relevance |
|---|---|
| WCAG 2.1 AA | Internationally recognised standard with defined success criteria for accessible websites |
| Test criteria under BITV 2.0 | Specification of WCAG for the German legal framework; basis for audits |
| Legal minimum requirements (e.g. BFSG) | Mandatory requirements that are based on technical standards |
The accessibility of websites is reviewed according to defined procedures that take both technical and functional aspects into account. Testing bodies and market surveillance authorities play a central role: they conduct audits, assess compliance with legal requirements and document the results. The range of methods includes automated tests, manual checks and user testing with people with disabilities.
As part of the review, companies are required to document the accessibility status in a traceable manner. The documentation obligation includes, among other things, audit reports, evidence of implementation and, where applicable, action plans for identified deficiencies. A structured review process creates transparency, enables targeted improvements and supports compliance with legal requirements.
| Testing procedure | Characteristics and area of use |
|---|---|
| Automated tests | Quick identification of technical barriers, limited to machine-testable criteria |
| Manual review | Assessment of complex requirements, e.g. operability and comprehensibility |
| User tests | Involving people with disabilities for a realistic assessment |
| Audit by testing bodies | Official review and preparation of verifiable evidence for authorities |
Practical implementation of the accessibility obligation for websites includes a wide range of concrete measures. Website operators should analyse the legal requirements early and integrate them into existing or new web projects. Key steps include conducting an initial assessment, identifying barriers, and planning and implementing targeted improvements. It is advisable to view accessibility as an ongoing process and to review it regularly.
Specialised tools for automated analysis as well as supporting software solutions that facilitate implementation can be helpful. Accessibility integration should not be seen as a one-off task, but as an integral part of web development. Involving experts and training internal teams helps to achieve sustainable results.
| Measure/Tool | Practical benefit and area of application |
|---|---|
| Automated testing tools (e.g. axe, WAVE) | Quick identification of technical barriers in the source code |
| Manual checks and user feedback | Identifying issues that automated tools do not cover |
| Training for developers and editors | Building expertise for sustainable accessibility implementation |
| Integrating accessibility into content management systems | Enables low-barrier maintenance and further development of content |
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The accessibility obligation for websites is part of a complex legal framework and is clearly distinct from other legal requirements such as the GDPR or the Telemedia Act. While data protection and information obligations are separate regulatory areas, the accessibility obligation specifically focuses on the accessibility and usability of digital services for people with disabilities. For companies, it is important to recognise overlaps and differences between these standards and to clearly separate them in practice.
In the German and European context, the obligation to provide an accessible website arises from the interplay of EU directives and their national implementation, for example through the BFSG. For many companies, the deadline for mandatory implementation runs until June 2025, with different transitional arrangements depending on company size and sector. Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, it is crucial to know the specific requirements and timelines in order to respond in time.
The obligation to provide an accessible website affects a broad group of companies and organisations. In principle, both public bodies and private-sector companies are included in the scope of application. Public institutions and authorities have long been subject to strict requirements, while for private companies the requirements will become binding from 2025. The specific design of the obligation varies depending on sector, field of activity and company size.
Special rules or exceptions apply to micro-enterprises and certain sectors. For example, micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total of no more than two million euros may be exempt from the obligation under certain conditions. Nevertheless, it is also advisable for these companies to keep an eye on developments, as legal requirements and expectations in the digital environment can evolve dynamically.
| Company/organisation type | Scope of application and special features |
|---|---|
| Public bodies | Comprehensive accessibility obligation, mandatory for several years |
| Private-sector companies | Obligation from 2025, regardless of sector; exceptions for micro-enterprises possible |
| Micro-enterprises | Exempt from the obligation below certain thresholds |
| Specific sectors (e.g. financial services, e-commerce) | In some cases, additional sector-specific requirements |
Clear deadlines apply for implementing the accessibility obligation. The key date for many private-sector companies is 28 June 2025. By this date, websites that fall under the legal requirements must be accessible. For existing websites and digital services, there are in some cases transitional periods that allow companies to implement necessary adjustments step by step.
Meeting these deadlines is crucial to comply with legal requirements. Failure to comply may result in review procedures by supervisory authorities and, where applicable, sanctions. It is therefore advisable to start planning and implementation early in order to complete technical, organisational and content-related measures on time.
| Key date/Deadline | Meaning and scope of application |
|---|---|
| 28 June 2025 | Mandatory date for accessibility of private websites under the BFSG |
| Transitional periods for existing websites | Enable step-by-step adaptation; details depend on company size and offering |
| Sanctions for missing the deadline | Reviews by authorities; possible fines or orders to remedy deficiencies |
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When implementing the accessibility obligation for websites, specific challenges often arise. Technical sources of error frequently result from insufficient knowledge of the relevant standards or from using systems that are not designed for accessible design. Organisational shortcomings, such as missing responsibilities or unclear processes, also lead to accessibility not being consistently considered in the project. Content-related stumbling blocks include, for example, inadequate alternative text, insufficient content structure or missing contrast.
Practical implementation examples show that navigation elements often cannot be operated via keyboard or that forms are not labelled clearly. To avoid such errors, it is recommended to involve experts early, provide regular training, and use testing procedures that cover both technical and content-related aspects.
| Challenge/Source of error | Example and tip for avoidance |
|---|---|
| Technical barriers | Non-accessible navigation; avoid using low-accessibility CMS modules |
| Organisational deficits | Lack of responsibilities; define clear responsibilities |
| Content errors | Missing alternative text for images; introduce editorial guidelines |
| Insufficient testing | No user testing; use a combination of automated and manual checks |
From 2025, all websites are affected that are operated by companies or organisations and fall under the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). This includes:
Special rules and exceptions are clearly defined in the law.
From 2025, the legal obligation to ensure website accessibility will become binding for many companies and organisations. It is based on clear legal requirements that set both technical and content-related standards for digital services. Implementation affects companies of all sizes and across many sectors, with compliance with deadlines and documentation of implementation status being particularly important.
For website operators, this means planning specific measures early on, avoiding typical sources of error, and engaging with the relevant testing and assessment standards. Using recognised criteria such as WCAG 2.1 AA makes practical implementation easier. Supporting tools, the involvement of external expertise and structured processes help to meet the legal requirements efficiently.
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Public website operators have already been required for several years to meet comprehensive accessibility requirements and are regularly audited. For private companies, the requirements apply from 2025, with in some cases different deadlines and exceptions for micro-enterprises.
Public website operators have already been required for several years to meet comprehensive accessibility requirements and are regularly audited. For private companies, the requirements apply from 2025, with in some cases different deadlines and exceptions for micro-enterprises.
In the event of violations of the accessibility obligation, official inspections may be initiated. Depending on the severity of the violation, various measures are possible, including orders to remedy deficiencies and the imposition of fines.
Website operators can document the accessibility status through audit reports, test logs and action plans. Cooperation with external service providers is possible, provided they have demonstrable expertise and experience in the field of accessibility.
External service providers support the implementation of the accessibility obligation through expert advice, technical adjustments and the preparation of evidence. It is important that all measures and results are documented in a traceable manner.
