New legal requirements for digital accessibility will affect many private companies starting in 2025

While federal agencies and public bodies have long been required to make their digital services accessible, the German Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG) now extends these requirements to numerous private companies and services.

These obligations, based on the German Accessible Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0), cover various sectors such as online retail, operating systems, banking services, electronic communications, access to audiovisual media, e-books, and passenger transport services.

Act now! These legal obligations will take effect on June 28, 2025. Analyze your digital services, train your development teams, plan appropriate measures, and implement solutions to ensure compliance in time.

Do you have any questions?

We look forward to hearing from you if you have any questions on these topics.

 

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Aim of the law

The law aims to permit “equal and non-discriminatory participation of people with disabilities, impairments, and older individuals” (Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs). Private operators are required to make everyday digital touchpoints—such as banking or ticket machines, as well as web services—accessible. 

Does the change in the law affect what I offer?

Public sector

Yes, both federal and state authorities as well as municipalities. 

Private sector

Yes, starting June 28, 2025, if: 

  • The service targets end customers (B2C)
  • The company employs more than 10 people
  • OR annual revenue exceeds €2 million
  • AND the service is provided via electronic commerce
  • AND the service is aimed at end consumers 

What do I need to do?

Public sector

  • Comply with EN 301 549.
  • Use state-of-the-art technology.
  • Offer the highest possible level of accessibility.
  • Provide key information in plain language and sign language.
  • Enable users to report accessibility issues.
  • Conduct an annual accessibility review and publish its results in an accessibility statement.

Private sector

  • Comply with EN 301 549.
  • Use state-of-the-art technology.
  • Offer the highest possible level of accessibility.

Who benefits from accessible digital services?

In Germany, 7.9 million people live with disabilities. 97% acquired their disability during their lifetime, meaning they were born without it. Disability can affect anyone—through illness, accident, or simply aging.

Accessible digital services offer huge benefits for people with disabilities, enabling them to participate in society. But limitations can also be temporary or situational: a broken arm may mean someone cannot use a mouse for a while; sunlight on a screen can make digital content hard to read. We all experience limitations when using digital services from time to time—so accessibility benefits everyone.

Even without limitations, accessible design improves user experience. Content is clearer, and can be understood more quickly and easily; keyboard navigation can even boost performance in complex applications. 

Why SVA?

  • Free initial assessment: We offer a free review and initial evaluation of your site or application.
  • Expertise and experience: With years of experience in designing and implementing accessible websites and applications, we provide profound expertise across industries such as public services, finance, and automotive.
  • Integrated approach: We integrate and optimize all aspects of your digital presence for maximum effectiveness and user satisfaction.

What we offer

  1. Free review and initial evaluation of your site(s)/application(s))
  2. Quote for an accessibility audit according to EN 301 549 (+ execution if commissioned)
    Costs depend on the complexity and number of sites to be tested 
    Complexity is divided into four levels:
    Level 1: Simple HTML 
    Level 2: Extensive sites, sites with dynamic content elements 
    Level 3: Extensive or complex sites with various dynamic content elements 
    Level 4: Complex sites/applications with multi-step processes or very large dynamic content
  3. Quote for correcting identified issues (+ execution if commissioned)

Packages can be booked independently.

Accessibility audit according to EN 301 549

The accessibility audit according to EN 301 549 checks whether websites meet accessibility requirements. The test identifies potential barriers and provides recommendations for improvement. A positive result means the website is accessible and offers equal access to all users. 

Our services

Software Development

The Software Development competence center specializes in the custom development of innovative solutions for customers (C#, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, Go, C++, PowerShell) – regardless of the sector or the size of the company.

Any Questions?

If you would like to know more about this subject, I am happy to assist you.

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Oliver Schwamb
Oliver Schwamb
Senior Consultant