BFSG · Accessibility
The BFSG:
Accessibility is mandatory — even for waste disposal companies with an online shop
Since June 28, 2025, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) has been in effect. Any recycling or disposal company selling online services to private customers must make their website accessible. The grace period is over: Market surveillance is checking, and the first penalty proceedings are underway.
Overview
- What?
- Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), German implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EU Directive 2019/882)
- Since when?
- June 28, 2025 — no difference between new and existing websites
- Who is affected?
- Companies with digital B2C offerings: Online shops, booking paths, customer portals
- Standard
- EN 301 549, in practice WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- In case of violations
Concern
Concerns the BFSG
Your waste disposal company?
The boundary is not at "Website yes/no", but at the function. A pure business card website without ordering capability is usually not covered. However, as soon as there is an ordering process, a booking form, or a checkout for consumers, the law applies — and container orders by private households are classic B2C business.
You are usually affected when
You are less likely to be affected if
Requirements
What does it mean
"Barrier-free" in concrete terms?
The BFSG refers to EN 301 549, which is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. The requirements follow four principles.
- —Text alternatives for images and graphics (e.g., container sizes, types of waste)
- —Adequate color contrast — at least 4.5:1 for normal text
- —Subtitles for videos
- —Content that can be zoomed and wrapped without losing anything
- —Full operability via keyboard, without mouse
- —Visible Focus Indicator
- —Adequate time for entries — important during checkout and forms
- —No content that can trigger seizures (flashing, flickering)
- —Clear, consistent navigation
- —Clear error messages in forms — not just red borders
- —Clearly labeled input fields, e.g., for address and payment data
- —Clean, semantic HTML code
- —Compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies
- —Correct ARIA labels for interactive elements (datepicker, price calculator, configurators)
Additionally, the BFSG requires
One Accessibility Statement on the website — easily accessible, e.g., in the footer next to the imprint and data protection — with information on compliance and a feedback option. You must respond to reported barriers; you should document entries and responses to be able to prove them during an audit.
Consequences
What happens in case of violations
The market surveillance authorities of the states have been actively working since 2026. The process typically begins with an inspection and a request to rectify deficiencies. If this is not done, the following consequences may occur:
- →Fines up to 100,000 euros for serious violations (§ 37 BFSG), up to 10,000 euros in other cases
- →Orders for improvement up to the prohibition of the offer
- →Warnings from consumer associations and competitors
By the way: So-called accessibility overlays (subsequently displayed "accessibility widgets") are not considered a sufficient solution by experts. Accessibility must be embedded in code, design, and content.
Side effect: positive
Why accessibility is also worthwhile for business
~10 %
the population
living with a severe disability — significantly more benefit from accessible offerings: the elderly, people with temporary limitations, users with poor reception or small displays.
Search Engine Optimization
Advantage included
Many things that screen readers need (semantic HTML, alt texts, clear structure) also help search engines. Accessible pages tend to rank better.
↑
Better Conversion
Clearly labeled forms and understandable error messages reduce checkout abandonment — for all users.
This is how it works
The BFSG Implementation
with Desent Solutions
Free Analysis
We check the website and shop against WCAG 2.1 AA (with a view to WCAG 2.2): automated tests plus manual sampling — keyboard operation, screen reader, contrasts, forms. You will receive a free report with a prioritized list of actions and an effort estimate.
Fix findings directly in the code
Semantic HTML, ARIA attributes, focus management, contrast adjustments in the design system, accessible forms, and checkout processes.
Accessibility Statement
We create the required statement and set up the feedback mechanism — easily accessible, e.g., in the footer next to the imprint and data protection.
Protection in the Workplace
Accessibility is not a one-time project. We integrate automated accessibility checks into the QA process — just like our automated SEO and quality tests for clients like Berlin Recycling.
Yes. The law does not differentiate between new and old websites. Even B2C offerings that are already live must meet the requirements.
Free Analysis
Where is your website located?
We check it — free of charge.
You receive a clear report on the current state with a prioritized list of actions — no sales pitch as a prerequisite, no obligation. You decide how to proceed.
Note: This article is for general information purposes and does not replace legal advice.