Does the BFSG Apply to My German Online Shop?

In most cases, yes. The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) is Germany’s transposition of the European Accessibility Act, Directive (EU) 2019/882, which has applied since 28 June 2025. It covers consumer-facing electronic commerce services — which is exactly what an online shop selling to consumers is. If German consumers can browse and buy through your website, the BFSG framework applies to you.

The main exception: microenterprises

The key carve-out is for the smallest service providers. Your shop is exempt from the service obligations if it is a microenterprise — meaning it employs fewer than 10 people and has an annual turnover or balance-sheet total of no more than €2 million. Both parts of the test matter, and the exemption applies to service providers such as e-commerce shops.

If you exceed either threshold, you are not a microenterprise for this purpose and the BFSG obligations apply.

How to check your position

• Count your staff — is it fewer than 10 people?
• Check your turnover or balance-sheet total — is it €2 million or less?
• If both are true, you likely fall within the microenterprise exemption; if not, plan to meet the requirements.

Even if you are exempt today, remember that the exemption is tied to your size. As your business grows past the thresholds, the obligations apply — so building an accessible store early avoids a costly retrofit later. The standard to aim for is EN 301 549, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 level AA.

For the full picture, see our complete accessibility guide, the accessibility law page, and our Germany country page.

This answer is educational and does not constitute legal advice.