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BFSG & Accessibility – Does It Affect Your Website?

This English translation is provided for convenience only. The legally binding version is the German Barrierefreiheitserklärung.

Since 28 June 2025, the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz, BFSG) has required many businesses to make their website accessible. Anyone affected who does nothing risks a cease-and-desist warning. I determine, with binding effect, whether you are affected at all – and guide you through the process with legal certainty.

Are you affected at all?

The BFSG covers electronic services provided to consumers– above all, websites with a shop, booking or contract function. A purely informational site with no option to purchase is not covered. And even if you were affected, micro-enterprises benefit from a completeexemption (§ 16 Abs. 2 BFSG): fewer than 10 employees and no more than €2 million in turnover. I clarify this question first – often the assessment ends here, at no further cost.

Caution: the risk of a cease-and-desist warning

Anyone who publishes a complete list of defects hands competitors a ready-made template for a cease-and-desist warning (§ 3a UWG). The correct approach is ageneral accessibility notice with a contact option – this satisfies the information duty without disclosing individual defects that could be attacked. That is exactly what I make sure of.

How I proceed on your behalf

Clear division of roles: the technical review and implementation is carried out by your web designer or agency – whichever one, I work together with any provider. I am responsible for the legal side: assessing whether the BFSG applies, preparing the legally required accessibility statement, and protecting your position in the event of a dispute. In any case, the applicability assessment may only be carried out by a lawyer (§ 3 RDG). Don't yet have a provider for the technical implementation? I am happy to recommend suitable ones.

Modules & Fees

ModuleServiceNet fee
1Applicability assessment (BFSG applicability + micro-enterprise exemption check under § 16 BFSG) — written opinion (PDF)€175
2Accessibility statement (after technical implementation by your web designer), up to 12 pages; each additional 6 pages plus €225€450
3Documentation of disproportionate burden (§ 17 BFSG), optional; up to 12 pages, each additional 6 pages plus €175€350
PackageModules 1 + 2 + 3 for one website (standard engagement)€975

All prices are net, plus VAT. Fixed flat fees for this clearly defined service. We usually start with Module 1 – if it turns out that the BFSG does not apply, or the micro-enterprise exemption applies, the further modules are not needed.

Have applicability assessed08091 617 7777

Frequently asked questions

Does the BFSG apply to my website at all?
The German Accessibility Strengthening Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz, BFSG) has applied since 28 June 2025 to electronic services provided to consumers (B2C) — in particular websites with a shop, booking or contract function. Purely informational websites with no purchase option are not covered. I assess with binding effect, in Module 1, whether your site is affected.
Am I exempt as a small business?
Possibly, yes. Micro-enterprises are completely exempt (§ 16 Abs. 2 BFSG): the cumulative requirement is fewer than 10 employees and no more than €2 million in annual turnover or balance-sheet total. If the exemption applies, no further obligations arise — and Modules 2 and 3 are not needed at all.
Do I have to list every barrier on my website?
No — quite the opposite. A complete list of defects is a form of self-incrimination that competitors can use as the basis for a cease-and-desist warning under § 3a UWG. The correct approach is a general accessibility notice with a contact option; this satisfies the information duty (§ 13 BFSG) without disclosing individual defects that could be attacked.
What does BFSG advice cost?
At fixed flat fees: the applicability assessment (Module 1) €175 net, the accessibility statement (Module 2) €450 net, the optional documentation of disproportionate burden (Module 3) €350 net. The full package for a standard website costs €975 net. We usually start with Module 1.