The BFSG in 2026: obligations, deadlines and the risk of costly fines

For a long time it was debated—now it is a bitter reality for many website operators: the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) is in full force. Since the deadline in June 2025, companies have been legally required to make their digital offerings accessible to people with disabilities. Those who missed the deadline are under significant pressure to act in 2026, as market surveillance authorities are now beginning to review compliance.

What companies must have implemented by now

The e-commerce obligation for B2C providers

Nearly every online shop that sells products or services to end consumers falls under the BFSG. The law requires the entire purchasing process—from product selection and the shopping cart to checkout—to be accessible without barriers. This also includes the accessibility of documents (such as invoices or terms and conditions) as well as customer support.

Technical standards according to WCAG 2.1 AA

To comply with the law, websites must meet the technical criteria of WCAG 2.1 at Level AA. This includes, among other things: sufficient color contrast, full keyboard operability, error-free screen reader support, and avoiding flashing content that could trigger seizures.

Deadlines 2025/2026: Where do we stand today?

The expired deadline (June 28, 2025)

New products and services introduced after this date must be accessible from day one. There are no longer any excuses for newly launched WordPress sites or e-commerce systems that contain barriers.

Transition periods for existing systems

For certain services that already existed before the deadline, there are transition arrangements under strict conditions. However, these will end no later than 2030, with many interim steps required to be completed as early as 2026. Anyone still relying on “grandfathering” risks losing this status immediately when making major updates.

What penalties and risks apply if requirements are not met?

Fines imposed by market surveillance authorities

The BFSG is not a “toothless tiger.” Authorities can impose fines of up to €100,000 for violations. These penalties are not limited to large corporations—small and medium-sized businesses can also be severely affected.

Orders to suspend operations

In the most extreme cases, authorities have the power to prohibit the operation of a service or the sale of a product until accessibility is restored. For an online shop, such a shutdown would mean a complete loss of revenue.

Cease-and-desist letters from associations and competitors

In addition to government penalties, civil law consequences may apply. Recognized associations and competitors can issue cease-and-desist letters for violations of the BFSG. Since accessibility is now a legally defined quality feature, the absence of these measures is increasingly viewed as a competitive disadvantage and a legal violation.

MH-Accessibility Pro: Fast relief from sanctions

Immediate support through the accessibility widget

If your website has structural deficiencies, our plugin is the fastest way to meet key requirements immediately. Features such as the dyslexia module or the animation stop help reduce cognitive and visual barriers at the push of a button.

Documentation compliance with the statement generator

The BFSG requires an official accessibility statement. With MH-Accessibility Pro, you can generate this document automatically and in a legally compliant manner. This allows you to immediately demonstrate to authorities and customers that you take inclusion seriously and are actively working to improve accessibility.

Conclusion: Waiting is no longer an option in 2026

The era of lenient transition periods is over. Companies that still lack a strategy for digital accessibility in 2026 are putting their very existence at risk. Act now to avoid fines—while also making your website accessible to millions of people.

Is your website safe from cease-and-desist letters? Check your compliance now and upgrade with MH-Accessibility Pro. Pricing