Germany’s strict new digital accessibility law leaves businesses scrambling before 2026
Germany’s new Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) came into force on 28 June 2025. Businesses now face stricter rules for digital accessibility, with fines of up to €100,000 and potential sales bans for non-compliance. Many companies remain unsure about how to meet the requirements before the January 2026 deadline.
The law demands that digital products comply with international WCAG guidelines (Level AA) and the European standard EN 301 549. Automated tools like WAVE can identify some accessibility issues, but manual checks are still necessary. Without proper testing, many digital services fail to meet the standards, leaving businesses exposed to legal risks.
Authorities will enforce compliance through inspections, yet companies often struggle with the documentation needed. To help, the German Data Protection Conference (DSK) has released a free template package. This resource guides businesses in creating audit-proof records of processing activities, reducing compliance risks. The law also highlights a market opportunity: around 10 million people in Germany live with disabilities. By investing in accessibility, companies can improve usability for all users while strengthening their position in a growing market.
The grace period for compliance ends in January 2026. Businesses must ensure their digital offerings meet accessibility standards or risk significant penalties. Free tools and templates are available to help close documentation gaps and avoid legal consequences.
