Guide

EAA/BFSG 2025: Is Your Website Accessible?

Mandatory since June 2025. Violations cost up to €100,000. This guide explains what you need to do.

Since June 2025 Up to €100,000 fines WCAG 2.1 AA Standard Affects B2C websites
What is the BFSG? The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) implements the EU Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act / EAA) into German law. It requires businesses to make digital products and services accessible — including websites and online shops.

Scope

Who does the EAA/BFSG affect?

The law affects all companies offering products or services to consumers (B2C). Here are the key groups:

  • B2C companies offering products or services online
  • Online shops (e-commerce)
  • Service websites with booking or contact functionality
  • Banking services, telecommunications, transport services
  • Purely B2B companies (but caution: if the website also addresses consumers, it applies)
  • Micro-enterprises (<10 employees AND <€2M revenue for services)
Warning: Many companies believe they are not affected — and they are wrong. Even a public contact page with a form can be considered a "service to consumers". When in doubt: get it checked.

Quick Test

What is your EAA/BFSG risk level?

1. Do you sell online to consumers (B2C)?
2. Does your website have forms, booking functions or a shop?
3. More than 10 employees OR more than €2M revenue?

Requirements

What does the EAA/BFSG specifically require?

The technical standard is WCAG 2.1 Level AA. The key requirements for your website:

Contrast

Minimum 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text. So people with visual impairments can read everything.

Keyboard Navigation

All functions must be reachable without a mouse. Menus, forms, links — everything navigable via Tab and Enter.

Alt Text

Every image needs a descriptive alt text. Screen readers read this text aloud — without it, the image remains invisible.

Forms

Every input field needs a visible label. Placeholder text alone is not enough — it disappears when typing.

Heading Structure

Correct hierarchy: H1 → H2 → H3. No skipping levels. Screen readers navigate via headings — clean structure is mandatory.

Touch Targets

Interactive elements at least 24×24px. On mobile devices, buttons and links must be comfortably tappable.

Focus Indicators

Visibly mark where the keyboard focus is. Without focus styles, keyboard users navigate blindly.

Language

The lang attribute on the HTML element. Screen readers need language info for correct pronunciation.

Consequences

What happens with violations?

The EAA/BFSG is no paper tiger. Enforcement is clearly regulated:

  • Market surveillance authorities can impose fines up to €100,000
  • Cease-and-desist letters from consumer protection associations are possible
  • Competitors can issue warnings under the UWG (Unfair Competition Act)
  • Reputational damage: "Not accessible" is increasingly criticized publicly
  • Exclusion from public contracts and funding programs
Important: Authorities have announced they will actively audit after a transition period. The question is not IF, but WHEN.

Self-Test

Checklist: Is your website EAA/BFSG compliant?

Go through these points. Every missing checkmark is a potential violation:

  • All images have alt text
  • Color contrast at least 4.5:1
  • Website fully navigable by keyboard
  • Forms have visible labels
  • Heading hierarchy correct (no H1→H3 jump)
  • Touch targets at least 24×24px
  • Skip-to-content link present
  • Language defined in HTML element
  • Focus styles visible
  • Videos have subtitles
Not sure? JERVIS checks all these points automatically — in 15 minutes. With concrete recommendations for every violation.

Solution

How JERVIS helps with EAA/BFSG compliance

JERVIS automatically checks your website against all WCAG 2.1 AA criteria. You get a clear roadmap to compliance.

Automatic WCAG Testing

All WCAG 2.1 AA criteria are systematically tested: contrast, alt text, keyboard, labels, focus, structure — every page, every element.

Concrete Recommendations

No cryptic error codes, but clear instructions: what is the problem, where exactly is it, and how to fix it.

EAA/BFSG Compliance Report

A documented proof of your current status. Shows tested criteria, results and open items — also usable for authorities.

Monthly Re-Scans with Autopilot

Accessibility is not a one-time project. Every change to your website can create new violations. Autopilot catches them immediately.

Accessibility Module in Detail → Start Free Check →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the EAA/BFSG

Does the EAA/BFSG apply to my website?
If you offer products or services to consumers (B2C) online, yes. Micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees AND under €2M annual revenue are exempt — but only for services. When in doubt: better to get it checked.
What does it cost to make a website accessible?
That depends on your starting point. Many measures are simple to implement: add alt text, adjust contrast, add labels. A JERVIS audit shows in 15 minutes where you stand and what to do.
Is a one-time check enough?
No. Accessibility must be considered with every website change. A new image without alt text, a form without a label — and compliance is gone. That is why JERVIS offers monthly re-scans with Autopilot.
Is there a transition period?
The deadline has passed. The BFSG has been in effect since June 28, 2025. Companies that are not yet compliant must act now — every day without accessibility is a risk.
What is the difference between BFSG and WCAG?
The BFSG is the German law (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz) implementing the European Accessibility Act. WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the technical standard the law defines as a requirement. JERVIS checks both: the legal requirements and the technical implementation per WCAG.

Check now: Is your website EAA/BFSG compliant?

A JERVIS audit shows in 15 minutes where you stand — with concrete recommendations for every barrier.

Start Free Check → All JERVIS Modules →