Warning: Deadline Has Passed
The BFSG has been in effect since June 28, 2025. Websites and online shops have no transitional period and must be accessible since that date. Businesses that haven't complied risk fines and market bans.
Summary
Germany's Accessibility Act (BFSG) has been mandatory since June 2025. Hamburg businesses in e-commerce, banking, telecom, or mobility must meet WCAG 2.1 AA. Fines up to 100,000 EUR. Senorit builds BFSG-compliant websites from 3,999 EUR.
- BFSG in effect since June 28, 2025 - no transitional period for websites
- Applies to: E-commerce, banking, telecommunications, mobility, e-books
- Required standard: WCAG 2.1 Level AA + EN 301 549
- Fines up to 100,000 EUR for non-compliance
- Senorit: Accessible websites from 3,999 EUR with WCAG guarantee
What Is the BFSG and Who Does It Affect?
The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) is Germany's implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EU 2019/882). It requires businesses to make their digital products and services accessible to people with disabilities.
As Germany's second-largest city with over 100,000 businesses, Hamburg is significantly impacted. The sectors most affected are:
E-Commerce
Risk: HighOnline shops and digital marketplaces
Banking & Finance
Risk: HighOnline banking, insurance, FinTechs
Telecommunications
Risk: HighMessaging services, VoIP, ISPs
Mobility
Risk: HighBooking portals, transit apps, car-sharing
E-Books & Media
Risk: MediumDigital publishers, streaming, podcasts
Hardware
Risk: MediumSmartphones, computers, terminals
Exemption: Micro-Enterprises
Businesses with fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover under 2M EUR are exempt. All other Hamburg businesses offering digital services to consumers must comply.
What WCAG 2.1 AA Means for Your Website
The technical standard behind the BFSG is WCAG 2.1 Level AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). It covers 50 success criteria across four pillars:
Perceivable
- Alt text for all images
- Captions for videos
- Contrast ratio minimum 4.5:1
- Text scalable to 200%
- No purely visual information
Operable
- Full keyboard navigation
- No time limits without extension option
- No flashing content over 3x/second
- Skip navigation for screen readers
- Visible focus indicators
Understandable
- Page language defined in HTML tag
- Consistent navigation across pages
- Clear form labels and error messages
- No unexpected context changes
- Input error assistance
Robust
- Valid HTML with correct ARIA attributes
- Compatible with screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver)
- Name, role, and value programmatically determinable
- Status messages for assistive technologies
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fine: 100K EUR
- Maximum fine per violation
- Penalty: Market Ban
- Authorities can remove products and services
- Risk: Reputation
- Public disclosure of violations by authorities
How Senorit Builds BFSG-Compliant Websites
Our Accessibility Stack
Semantic HTML
Correct HTML5 with native elements instead of div soup. Screen readers understand the page structure without additional ARIA hacks.
WCAG 2.1 AA from Day 1
Accessibility isn't bolted on afterwards - it's planned into design and code from the start. This saves 60-80% of the costs.
Automated Testing
axe-core, Lighthouse Accessibility Audit, and manual screen reader tests (NVDA, VoiceOver) before every deployment.
Documentation
Accessibility statement, VPAT, and technical documentation for market surveillance authorities.
BFSG-Compliant Website Packages:
- Startup: From 3,999 EUR (up to 35 pages, WCAG 2.1 AA, Accessibility Statement)
- Growth (E-Commerce): From 8,499 EUR (up to 50 pages, full BFSG compliance, accessible checkout)
- Accessibility Audit: From 799 EUR (Audit existing website + action plan)
- BFSG Retrofit: From 1,499 EUR (Make existing website WCAG-compliant)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Hamburg business need an accessible website?
Yes, if you sell digital products or services to consumers. The BFSG has been in effect since June 28, 2025 and covers e-commerce, banking, telecommunications, mobility, and more. Only micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and under 2M EUR annual turnover are exempt.
How much does an accessible website cost?
At Senorit, BFSG-compliant websites start at 3,999 EUR (Startup package with up to 35 pages). We build WCAG 2.1 AA compliance from the start - which is far cheaper than retrofitting an existing site, which typically costs 5,000-15,000 EUR.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Fines up to 100,000 EUR per violation. Additionally, market surveillance authorities can remove products and services from the market. The process is graduated: first a hearing, then a formal request, then fines.
How long does it take to build a BFSG-compliant website?
A new accessible website: 3-6 weeks. An accessibility audit of an existing website: 1-2 weeks. Retrofitting an existing site: 2-8 weeks depending on the scope of issues.
What does WCAG 2.1 AA actually mean?
WCAG 2.1 Level AA includes 50 success criteria across four areas: Perceivable (e.g., alt texts, contrast ratios), Operable (e.g., keyboard navigation), Understandable (e.g., clear language, error messages), and Robust (e.g., screen reader compatibility).
Become BFSG-Compliant Before It Gets Expensive
Free accessibility consultation for Hamburg businesses
WCAG 2.1 AA quick check of your current website
Individual recommendation: rebuild or retrofit?
Transparent price calculation within 24h
Sources & References
This article is based on the following verified sources:
- 1.
- 2. European Accessibility Act (EU 2019/882) External SourceEUR-Lex • 2019
- 3.