The German Accessibility Improvement Act (Barrierefreiheits­stärkungsgesetz, BFSG) aims to promote the equal and non-discriminatory participation of people with disabilities, other limitations and elderly people in society. The law requires businesses to make their products and services easily accessible for everyone.

The BFSG transposes an EU directive, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), into national law.

Simultaneously, another German law, the Telecommunications Digital Services Data Protection Act (TDDDG), or the German Consent Management Ordinance, aims to update Cookie Consent processes, reduce the prevalence of intrusive banners, and enhance user control over personal data.​

What Is the Accessibility Strengthening Act?

The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG, full text in German) transposes the European Accessibility Act (EAA) into German law, extending accessibility requirements beyond public institutions to the private sector. This includes e-commerce shops, banking services, and digital communication services.

The Act mandates that digital services, including websites and apps, be easily accessible to all users, including people with disabilities and other limitations.

The Accessibility Improvement Act comes into force on 28 June 2025.

The law emphasizes the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards, meaning that websites and apps must be digitally accessible, i.e. “discernible, operable, understandable and robust”.

1. Perceivable 
   Websites and apps must present information in ways that are accessible to all users, regardless of disability.
2. Operable 
   There should be a possibility to use various input and interface methods, such as keyboards, for the navigation on a website or app.  
3. Understandable 
   Content and operations must be clear and understandable for all people, including people with disabilities.
4. Robust 
   Content should be compatible with current and future user tools and have the option to incorporate assistive technologies.

Adhering to WCAG 2.2 guidelines ensures that your website and consent mechanisms comply with the BFSG and enhance user trust.​

Non-compliance with the BFSG can lead to fines ranging from €10,000 to €100,000, product recalls, or service restrictions.

The responsible market surveillance authority enforces the Act. This authority will check compliance with the BFSG on customers’ requests or carry out random checks.

Who Has to Comply with the BFSG Requirements?

The Accessibility Improvement Act applies to:

• German manufacturers
• Retailers and importers of products in Germany
• Providers of services that are used by German consumers, that either have more than ten employees and an annual turnover of more than two million euros.
• B2B products and services, i.e., that are used exclusively by companies and not end consumers, are excluded from the BFSG.

BFSG Requirements for Consent Management

Cookie banners often make the first point of interaction between users and websites or apps. Cookie banners must now be designed with accessibility in mind.

Common issues with the BFSG requirements include:​

• Visual impediments 
  Low contrast or small fonts on a banner can deter readability for visually impaired users. Increase contrast and fonts to an adequate level to be readable by visually impaired users.
• Keyboard navigation challenges 
  Users unable to use a mouse may find it difficult to interact with banners that rely only on mouse movements. Create a banner that could be navigated using a keyword.
• Screen reader incompatibility 
  Poorly labeled banners can confuse users who rely on screen readers. Make sure your banner is well-marked or has special tags to be accessible by screen readers.

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How to Comply with the BFSG?

To comply with the upcoming regulations, take these actions:

• Conduct accessibility audits 
  Evaluate your digital platforms for compliance with WCAG standards.
• Use compliant consent mechanisms 
  Ensure cookie banners are accessible with different input methods, have navigable interfaces, and clear language, sufficient contrast and fonts.
• Use recognized consent services 
  Choose Consent Management Platforms (CMPs) that offer customizable cookie banners and allow users to set and manage their preferences efficiently.
• Train your team 
  Educate staff on accessibility best practices and the importance of inclusive design.​

How Can CookieScript Help to Comply with the BFSG?

Choose a professional Consent Management Platform (CMP) to comply with the BFSG, TDDDG, and other privacy laws.

CookieScript CMP provides one of the most configurable cookie banners on the market. It offers the following features and functionalities for Cookie Consent management:

• Privacy-laws compliant Cookie Banner
• Cookie banner behavior customization 
• Cookie banner design customization  
• Cookie banner custom colors 
• Cookie Policy
• Cookie Scanner

CookieScript CMP also offers automation solutions and integrations, including:

• Integrations with CMS platforms like WordPress, Shopify, Drupal, PrestaShop, etc.
• Google Consent Mode v2 integration
• CookieScript API
• IAB TCF v2.2 integration
• Certification by Google.

In 2025, CookieScript received the fourth badge in a row as the leader on G2, a peer review site, and became the best CMP on the market for a whole year! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Accessibility Strengthening Act?

The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) mandates that digital services, including websites and apps, be easily accessible to all users, including people with disabilities and other limitations. The BFSG comes into force on 28 June 2025. It transposes the European Accessibility Act (EAA) into German law, extending accessibility requirements beyond public institutions to the private sector. CookieScript CMP offers a highly customizable Cookie Banner that complies with the BFSG.

What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards?

There are four WCAG 2.1 standards. Websites and apps must be perceivable (all users should be able to perceive the website, regardless of disability), operable (there should be a possibility to use various input and interface methods), understandable (content and operations must be clear and understandable for all people) and robust (content should be compatible with current and future user tools and have the option to incorporate assistive technologies).

How to Comply with the German Accessibility Strengthening Act?

To comply with the BFSG, take these actions: conduct accessibility audits, use compliant consent mechanisms that provide accessible cookie banners with clear language, sufficient contrast and fonts, use recognized Consent Management Platforms, and train your team. CookieScript CMP offers one of the most configurable cookie banners on the market. In 2024, users ranked CookieScript CMP on G2 as the best CMP. 

Is WCAG mandatory in the EU?

To comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), businesses must meet accessibility requirements that align with internationally recognized standards like WCAG 2.1 Level AA for digital accessibility. Starting form 28 June 2025, the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) requires websites, apps, and other digital interfaces to align with the WCAG standards. CookieScript CMP offers one of the most configurable cookie banners on the market that allows businesses to align with the WCAG standards.