Accessibility in online shops is becoming a mandatory requirement for many shops. The new Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG) will come into force in Germany on June 28, 2025. This means that, for the first time, operators of online shops and e-commerce platforms will be legally obliged to make their digital offerings accessible. The aim is to enable all people—especially people with disabilities—to participate fully in digital commerce.
Who is affected by the law?
The BFSG applies to all online shops and digital service providers that target consumers (B2C). The only exceptions are micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than two million euros. B2B shops are generally not affected, unless they also serve end consumers, where accessibility in online shops is less relevant.
What do store operators need to consider with regard to accessibility in online stores?
The accessibility requirements for online shops are extensive and particularly affect the following areas:
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- Information obligation: A reference to accessibility is required in the GTC or in another clearly visible place in the online store.
- Usability: All functions – from the shopping cart to the checkout – must be usable without restrictions, even for people with motor or cognitive impairments.
- Content: Product information, operating instructions and instructions must be provided in an understandable and accessible form, including alternative texts for images and subtitles for videos, in order to ensure accessibility in online stores.
- Technical implementation: The website must be accessible for all user groups, e.g. through keyboard control, screen reader compatibility and sufficient contrast.
- Accessibility statement: A publicly accessible accessibility statement must be published, including a contact option for reporting barriers.
What is the threat of non-compliance with accessibility in online stores?
Anyone who fails to implement the accessibility requirements for online shops in good time risks fines of up to €100,000, warnings, and legal consequences from consumer or competition associations.
How can scope01 provide support?
As an experienced e-commerce agency, scope01 supports companies in implementing and optimizing accessibility in online shops. The team provides assistance with:-
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- Analysis and advice on legal requirements,
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- Selection of accessible Shopware themes as a starting point for the layout of the online store
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- Customization of themes and individual layouts for optimal accessibility
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- Advice on the accessible content of an online store
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- Testing after completion of the optimization
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- Shopware update
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- technical implementation in accordance with WCAG 2.1 AA and EN 301 549/BFSGV,
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- Integration of the accessibility declaration and contact options,
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- continuous review and optimization of accessibility.
With the support of scope01, shop operators are optimally prepared for the new legal requirements and at the same time create a better shopping experience for all user groups. In addition, optimizing the layout can also have positive effects on the performance and search engine optimization of the online shop. Finally, we always recommend an ongoing legal review of the online store, which cannot be provided by scope01.
Free initial analysis
Simply send us your store URL and we will provide you with a free initial analysis of how you can improve accessibility in your online store within a few days.
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