Many small businesses receive “threatening emails” that warn of drastic consequences under the new Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG) and are often aimed at pushing quick sales of expensive solutions.
Don't let emails like these unsettle you!
The law, which takes effect on June 28, 2025, provides for Microenterprises Provides for exceptions to the full accessibility requirement, particularly with regard to services.
How is a “microenterprise” defined?
For the purposes of the Accessibility Act, micro-enterprises are defined as businesses with:
- Fewer than 10 employees AND
- Annual revenue of no more than 2 million euros OR with total annual assets of no more than 2 million euros
While it's always a good idea to make your website easily accessible to all Internet users, for many small businesses No need to panic or for immediate spending on overpriced accessibility solutions, some of which are also questionable.
Instead, check with official sources and carefully assess whether the measures being promoted are even relevant to your business.
| Institution / Source | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) | BMAS's central information page on the Act to Strengthen Accessibility (BFSG), including links to the text of the law and the associated regulation. | BMAS Website |
| Federal Office for Accessibility | Comprehensive information, FAQs, and advisory services regarding the BFSG and general accessibility. The FAQs on the BFSG are especially recommended. | Federal Agency Website FAQs About the BFSG |
| German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) | Provides information and guidance for businesses on implementing the BFSG. | DIHK Website |
| European Commission – European Accessibility Act (EAA) | The European directive on which the German BFSG is based. | European Commission EAA |
| Regulation on Accessible Information Technology (BITV 2.0) | An important foundation for the technical implementation of accessibility in the digital realm. | BITV 2.0 |
Nevertheless…
Even though there is no full obligation, we at MaiNetCare also believe that it very it is sensible and advisable to, Implement basic accessibility measures.
Your website is typically designed to increase your visibility and, as a result, promote your products or services to potential customers. Why would you want to exclude potential customers just because of poor animations, bad programming, confusing navigation, or terrible color schemes?
An accessible website increases visibility in search engines, improves user-friendliness, and provides a competitive advantage.
