EAA compliance in Germany
EAA compliance requirements for Germany
National legislation
National law
Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG)
Reference
BGBl. I 2021, p. 2970
Enforcement authority
Bundesnetzagentur (telecommunications, e-commerce) and BFIT-Bund (Überwachungsstelle des Bundes für Barrierefreiheit von Informationstechnik)
Contact: bundesnetzagentur.de / bfit-bund.de
Penalties
Fines of up to €100,000 for non-compliance. The Bundesnetzagentur can also order products to be withdrawn from the market or services to be modified. Repeat offences or intentional non-compliance can lead to higher penalties.
Sectors in scope
E-commerce, banking and financial services, telecommunications, transport and ticketing, audiovisual media, e-books, consumer electronics, and self-service terminals (ATMs, ticketing machines, check-in kiosks).
Key deadlines
The BFSG has been in force since 28 June 2025 for new products and services placed on the market. Existing services have a transition period until 28 June 2030. Products already on the market before June 2025 may continue to be used under certain conditions.
Germany-specific requirements
Germany's federal structure means enforcement involves both federal and state (Land) authorities. The Bundesnetzagentur handles market surveillance for most product categories, while the BFIT-Bund focuses on digital accessibility monitoring. Germany also has strong existing accessibility legislation through the Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BGG) for public sector websites, which now works alongside the BFSG for private sector obligations.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the EAA fines in Germany?
The BFSG provides for fines of up to €100,000. The Bundesnetzagentur can also order non-compliant products to be withdrawn from the market and require services to be made accessible within a specified timeframe.
Who enforces the EAA in Germany?
The Bundesnetzagentur is the primary market surveillance authority for most product and service categories covered by the BFSG. The BFIT-Bund monitors digital accessibility specifically. State-level authorities may also be involved depending on the sector.
Does the EAA apply to German businesses selling outside the EU?
The BFSG applies to products and services placed on the German and EU market. If a German business only sells outside the EU, the BFSG does not apply to those specific transactions - but any products or services offered within the EU must comply.
How does the BFSG relate to the BGG?
The BGG (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz) covers public sector accessibility obligations. The BFSG extends accessibility requirements to the private sector. Both laws are now in force simultaneously, with the BFSG specifically implementing the EAA for commercial products and services.
Related resources
Last reviewed: April 2026. Regulatory details are reviewed quarterly for accuracy.