Is my website affected by the BFSG?
The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) has applied since 28 June 2025. When your website must be accessible – and when the micro-enterprise exemption applies.
The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG), Germany’s Accessibility Strengthening Act, has applied since 28 June 2025. Since then, many website operators have been asking themselves: does my site now have to be accessible – and what happens if I do nothing? The good news first: by no means every website is affected. Whether yours is one of them can be established clearly.
When the BFSG applies – and when it doesn’t
The Act covers electronic services provided to consumers (B2C) – above all websites with a shop, booking or contract-conclusion function. A purely informational site with no purchase option, by contrast, is not covered. The first question, then, is: can something be bought or bindingly booked on your site?
The micro-enterprise exemption
Even where your site would in principle be covered, there is an important exemption: micro-enterprises are fully exempt (section 16(2) BFSG). The cumulative requirement is fewer than 10 employees and no more than EUR 2 million in annual turnover or balance-sheet total. Where the exemption applies, every further obligation falls away.
Be careful with a list of defects
A common mistake: listing every accessibility barrier found in full on the website itself. That is a form of self-incrimination that competitors can use as grounds for a cease-and-desist notice under section 3a of the Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG). The correct approach is a general accessibility statement with a contact option – this satisfies the information duty without exposing individual, actionable defects.
How I proceed for you
I first clarify, in binding terms, whether you are affected at all (the review often ends right there). If the BFSG does apply, your web designer – whoever that may be – handles the technical implementation, and I draft the legally required accessibility statement and protect you in the event of a dispute. You will find an overview of services and fixed prices on the BFSG & Accessibility page; more on IT and contract law under Contract Law.
Not sure whether your website is affected? I can clarify this for you – quickly and with certainty.
This article provides general information and is no substitute for legal advice in an individual case. Last updated: 2026-07-08.
Christian Czirnich, Rechtsanwalt (attorney at law), Kirchseeon near Munich
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