Relevant laws and guidelines

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Digital accessibility has become increasingly important in recent years and is regulated by a variety of laws and guidelines at the national and international levels. These regulations are intended to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to digital content and services.

Important laws and guidelines:

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): These are the internationally c level executive list recognized guidelines for accessible web design. They provide detailed technical requirements to ensure that websites and web applications are accessible to everyone.
European Accessibility Act (EAA): The EAA is an EU directive that requires accessibility in a wide range of products and services, including digital ones.
The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG): This is a German law that implements the European Accessibility Act (EAA) into national law. It entered into force on July 22, 2021, and will become mandatory from June 2025.
State laws: Many federal states have their own accessibility laws, which often link to the WCAG or the EAA and the BFSG.
The binding requirements of the EAA will gradually enter into force in Germany, with the most important deadline being June 28, 2025. From this date, numerous new products and services must meet accessibility requirements. Existing websites and online shops where products or services can be purchased or contracts can be concluded must be adapted by this date.

Examples of new products that must comply with the requirements include self-service and payment terminals, ATMs, smart TVs, smartphones, and game consoles. Companies that don't sell products but offer services that can be booked online must make their websites accessible. Examples in the digital sector include online shops where products are purchased, online booking, and news websites with a subscription option. Transition periods apply for some cases, depending on the product.