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Accessibility in E-Commerce: Are You Ready for the New Law?
As of 28 June 2025, the Accessibility Act (BaFG) will come into force. This new law has far-reaching implications for digital offerings, especially for e-commerce platforms, websites, and online services.
Below, we would like to provide you with an overview of the most important changes in order to prepare you optimally for the new requirements.
What changes as a result of the BaFG?
- Online shops and digital services must be designed to be accessible so that they are available to all users, including people with disabilities.
- Requirements for usability, readability, and the use of assistive technologies must be met.
- Content and functions must be designed so that they can be used without undue difficulty or external assistance.
Who is affected?
The law affects companies in the e-commerce sector provided they meet certain criteria:
- Companies with an annual turnover of more than 2 million euros or
- Companies with more than 10 employees
Smaller companies are exempt from the obligation in certain cases, but should check whether they could be affected by the requirements in the medium to long term.
Which implementation obligations arise?
- Technical adjustments to the website (e.g., improving navigation, adjusting contrasts, providing alternative text for images)
- Ensuring compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies
- Accessible design of ordering processes and customer communication
- Regular review and adjustment of accessibility
Our service: Accessibility check by syreta
To give you an initial assessment, we at syreta offer a professional review of your website for accessibility.
Our service includes:
- An analysis of your current website or online shop with regard to the legal requirements
- A detailed assessment of the necessary adjustments
- An individual schedule for implementation
This check can be commissioned from syreta for a fee. It serves as guidance, as the law allows leeway in implementation.
Why should you act now?
- Early adjustments prevent bottlenecks and increase planning certainty
- Avoidance of warnings or sanctions through implementation by the deadline
- Improving usability and thus the conversion rate of your online shop
- Positive brand image through inclusion and a better user experience
If you are interested in our accessibility check or have further questions about implementing the BaFG, we will be happy to assist you.
Contact us today using the form below and secure an initial check of your website!
Are you interested in having your website checked?
A short message to us is enough!
FAQ - Accessibility Act (BAFG)
1. What is the Accessibility Act (BAFG)?
The Accessibility Act (BAFG) is the national implementation of the European Accessibility Act. It requires companies to provide certain digital products and services in an accessible manner in order to enable equal access for all people.
2. From when does the Accessibility Act apply?
The BAFG enters into force on 28 June 2025. From that point onwards, newly offered as well as existing affected digital offerings must meet the statutory accessibility requirements.
3. Which companies are affected by the BAFG?
Affected are primarily companies that offer digital services or products to consumers—such as websites, webshops, booking platforms, customer portals, or apps. Exceptions apply only to a limited extent, e.g., for micro-enterprises.
4. Which digital services must be accessible?
Covered by the BAFG include, among other things:
- Websites and webshops
- Mobile apps
- Digital booking and payment systems
- Customer service and self-service portals
What is decisive is whether the offering is publicly accessible and commercially relevant.
5. What does “accessible” mean in the digital context?
Digital accessibility means that content is usable for all people - regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. This includes, among other things, good readability, keyboard operability, screen reader compatibility, and understandable content in accordance with WCAG guidelines.
6. Which standards must be met?
The requirements are based on WCAG 2.1 (Level AA). These internationally recognized guidelines define technical, content-related, and design criteria for accessible digital services.
7. Are there penalties for non-compliance with the BAFG?
Yes. In the event of violations of the Accessibility Act, administrative fines, administrative measures, and in serious cases even restrictions of the offering may be imposed. In addition, there is an increased legal and reputational risk.
9. What are the benefits of digital accessibility beyond the law?
In addition to legal certainty, companies benefit from:
- better user-friendliness
- greater reach
- better SEO and GEO performance
- positive brand perception
- higher conversion rate
Accessibility is therefore also a clear economic advantage.
10. How can I check whether my website is BAFG-compliant?
The first step is a professional accessibility check. Technical, content-related, and structural barriers are analyzed and concrete recommendations for action are derived - including prioritization and an implementation plan.