Accessible for Everyone - What the BFSG Means for Your Online Shop
What Is the BFSG?
The German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) implements the European Accessibility Act (EAA) into German law. It requires companies to make certain digital products and services accessible - including online shops.
The technical implementation is based on the international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 - Level AA, a globally recognized standard for web accessibility.
More information is available from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Federal Accessibility Office.
Who Is Affected?
The BFSG applies to all B2C online shops - but only if both of the following conditions are met:
- More than 10 full-time equivalent employees
- More than €2 million in annual turnover
These thresholds are based on EU Recommendation 2003/361/EC. Companies that don’t meet both criteria or only operate in B2B are not required to comply.
Why Even Non-Obligated Shops Should Take Action
Even if your shop isn’t obligated, there are many reasons for an accessible website:
- Better usability for everyone: Accessibility improves user-friendliness for all users.
- Higher conversion rates: A more accessible shop increases the chances of purchases.
- Inclusive brand image: Shows your company is forward-thinking and socially responsible. Accessibility may be a key factor in tenders or partnerships.
- SEO advantages: Many accessibility improvements (e.g., semantically clean HTML, alt texts) enhance visibility on Google.
What Accessibility Means for E-Commerce
Accessibility involves technology, content, and design. Here are some key requirements:
- Alt texts for images (required for screen readers)
- Sufficient color contrast, clear visual structure, and easily readable fonts
- Keyboard operability (no mouse needed)
- Easy-to-understand language, also for users with cognitive impairments
- No auto-advancing content without user interaction (e.g., automatic slideshows)
- Clearly labeled links (“Go to cart” instead of “Click here”) or additional link title attributes
- Accessibility statement, permanently and visibly linked on the website (e.g., in the footer)
- 👉 Trusted Shops offers a suitable template in their Legal Text Generator.
This list is not exhaustive. What’s required depends on your shop, audience, and tech setup.
Complete accessibility is hardly achievable in practice. The goal is a shop with as few barriers as possible - and improvement is an ongoing process.
Magento & Accessibility - A Current Assessment
Magento out of the box does not provide a particularly good foundation for accessibility, as it was never developed with that focus.
Magento 1
- Outdated software, no longer maintained
- Many incompatible modules
- Accessibility only achievable with very high effort or not at all
Magento 2
- More modern but still not WCAG-compliant by default
- Themes and modules often lack accessibility
- Many areas require manual adjustments
- Achieving accessibility requires significant effort
Hyvä
- From version series 1.3.x onwards developed with accessibility in mind
- If you’re already using Hyvä, but an older version, consider upgrading
- Offers a much better starting point
- Third-party modules and customizations still need review
What Shop Owners Should Do Now
- Check BFSG relevance (employee count, revenue, B2C/B2B)
- Create and link your accessibility statement
- Review CMS content: alt texts, link texts, plain language
- Analyze design - adjust if necessary
- Continuously monitor content – accessibility is not a one-time project
How We Can Support You
As an agency, we are happy to help with:
- Analysis of your shop regarding accessibility
- Technical implementation (e.g., keyboard navigation, contrasts, structure)
- Design adjustments according to your requirements
- Integration of the accessibility statement
- Support and maintenance to keep future extensions accessible
What Happens If You Ignore It?
- Legal risks: Fines, warnings, or lawsuits are possible
- Reputational damage: Accessibility is increasingly perceived as a quality feature and sign of social responsibility
But: Not everything has to be perfect by June 28, 2025. It’s enough to meet key requirements and communicate future improvements transparently in your accessibility statement.
Conclusion
The BFSG is more than a legal obligation - it’s an opportunity for future-oriented, inclusive online stores. Taking action early means long-term benefits - legally, financially, and socially.
Need help or have questions? Get in touch. Let’s make your shop accessible for everyone!