Germany’s New Digital Accessibility Law Puts Businesses on Notice for 2026
Germany’s Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) came into force on 28 June 2025, setting strict digital accessibility rules for businesses. From January 2026, authorities will begin enforcing compliance—with fines of up to €100,000 and potential sales bans for those who fail to meet standards. Companies now face pressure to adapt, but many remain unsure about the required documentation and testing procedures.
The new law requires digital products to comply with international WCAG guidelines (Level AA) and the European standard EN 301 549. Businesses must prove their websites, apps, and software are accessible—or risk penalties. Automated tools like WAVE can detect some barriers, but manual checks remain essential to ensure full compliance.
Some organisations have already taken action. Feicht Media helped Kramer Hair, Gemeinde Gröbenzell, and Marieluise-Feließer-Realschule relaunch their websites to meet BFSG requirements. These successful cases show that compliance is achievable, but many companies still struggle with the process. One major challenge is documentation. Inspectors will demand proof of accessibility efforts, yet businesses often lack clarity on what records to keep. A free template package is available to help create an audit-proof record of processing activities. Beyond legal risks, accessible products improve usability for all users and can even boost search engine rankings. With 10 million people in Germany living with disabilities, accessible digital offerings also open up a significant market. However, many current products fail basic accessibility tests, leaving businesses exposed to fines, lawsuits from competitors, and reputational harm.
The BFSG enforcement begins in early 2026, giving companies little time to adjust. Those who fail to comply could face steep fines and operational restrictions. Meanwhile, businesses that act now can avoid penalties, tap into a broader customer base, and improve their digital presence.
