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Understanding the Accessibility Act: What You Need to Know About the BFSG 2026

Legal texts are often dry and hard to understand. But behind cumbersome names like the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) lies a clear mission: the internet should be equally accessible to everyone. In 2026, the time for waiting is over – the law is in full effect. We break down what this means for your business, without requiring a law degree.

The Basics of Legal Foundations

There are three terms you will encounter frequently. Here’s a simple translation:

  • WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): The global “blueprint” for accessible websites. Almost all laws refer to this standard.
  • BFSG (Accessibility Strengthening Act): The German law that requires private companies (especially in e-commerce) to ensure accessibility.
  • BITV 2.0: The regulation that specifically applies to public authorities in Germany.

The Four Pillars of Accessibility (The POUR Principle)

Laws require that a website meets four fundamental principles. These are known as the POUR Principle. If you understand these, you understand the law:

  1. Perceivable: Information must not be available to only one sense (e.g., only sight). Example: An image requires alt text for blind users.
  2. Operable: Everyone must be able to navigate the site. Example: Users who cannot use a mouse must be able to navigate with a keyboard (keyword: focus indicator).
  3. Understandable: Content and navigation must be clear. Example: Avoid complicated jargon or confusing menus. Tools like the dyslexia mode or the reading mask can help.
  4. Robust: The site must work reliably on all devices and with assistive technologies such as screen readers.

What Does “Conformance Level AA” Mean?

Most laws (including the BFSG 2026) require Level AA. It’s the “golden middle”:

  • Level A: Minimum requirements (often insufficient).
  • Level AA: The legal standard for companies and authorities. It covers the main barriers for the majority of users.
  • Level AAA: The highest level (usually only necessary for specialized sites).

Important for 2026: Failure to meet Level AA risks fines and legal warnings. Our Accessibility-Tester provides a first assessment of your current status.

Who Enforces This?

Market surveillance authorities in the German federal states monitor compliance with the law. This includes not just technical implementation but also the accessibility statement. It must be easily accessible on your website and reflect the current status. Our Generator for accessibility statements helps you meet this requirement effortlessly.

Act Instead of Waiting: The law may sound complicated, but implementation doesn’t have to be. Start with our Digital Accessibility Checklist to see what steps are next for your website. Accessibility is not an obstacle—it’s an opportunity for greater reach and better SEO.