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Étiquette : Acte européen sur l'accessibilité

Graphic showing the Quertum logo, the title ‘German Accessibility Act: What Business Can Expect from BFSG?’, and a silhouette of Germany in black, red, and yellow with an accessibility symbol in the center, set against a dark blue gradient background with green outlined shapes.

EU Accessibility Act in Germany: What Business Can Expect from BFSG?

Écrit par Kateryna Klynovska le . Publié dans EEA.

In our previous article, we explored the main pillars and risks of non-compliance with the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882). Now, let’s turn to Germany — where the Accessibility Act becomes national law under the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG).

Germany’s national implementation of the EAA came into force on 28 June 2025. The BFSG law is designed to bring key products and services in line with accessibility standards, without expanding beyond the EU baseline like Poland does. While it follows the directive closely, the German Act introduces specific rules around exemptions, enforcement, and transitional periods that businesses should pay attention to.

What Sets the German Act Apart? 

Germany has largely aligned its implementation with the requirements of the EU Accessibility Act, introducing specific provisions around enforcement and transitional rules. The national law closely mirrors the directive’s scope and technical standards, relying on WCAG 2.1 Level AA et EN 301 549 as key accessibility benchmarks. The BFSG applies to a defined list of consumer-facing products and services, particularly in the digital, banking, telecom, and retail sectors.

What Products and Services should Be Accessible under German Accessibility Act?

The BFSG applies to a wide range of products and digital services offered to consumers. These include:

Products covered:

  1. Consumer computer hardware and operating systems
  2. Self-service terminals:
    • Payment terminals, ATMs, ticketing and check-in machines
    • Interactive terminals (excluding those integrated into vehicles or transport systems)
  3. Consumer telecom and media devices with interactive or computing capabilities
  4. E-book readers

Services covered:

  1. Consumer telecommunications services (excluding machine-to-machine transmission)
  2. Elements of passenger transport (air, bus, rail, waterborne), excluding local/regional services
  3. Websites and mobile apps
  4. E-tickets and real-time travel information (via interactive screens in the EU)
  5. Interactive self-service terminals for transport services (within the EU)
  6. Consumer banking services
  7. E-books and related software
  8. E-commerce platforms and services

The law applies to both manufacturers of the listed products and service providers offering them to consumers in the EU market, whether operating within Germany or serving German consumers cross-border. It focuses on areas where digital accessibility has the most direct consumer impact, particularly in everyday commercial transactions and public-facing technologies.

How the European Accessibility Act Affects Businesses in Germany?

Germany’s BFSG transposes the EAA almost directly and not beyond, introducing harmonized technical standards but tailoring its rules for enforcement and timelines. For businesses in banking, insurance, telecom, public sector, e-commerce, and transport, this means:

  • All digital content must meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility criteria (including accessible PDFs).
  • Products and services must function seamlessly with assistive technologies.
  • Physical product labels and instructions must meet defined legibility standards.
  • Online documentation must be publicly accessible and in an accessible format.
  • Businesses must be able to demonstrate compliance efforts through technical documentation, testing reports, and accessibility declarations.

What are Exemptions for German Accessibility Act?

Under Article 4(4) of the European Accessibility Act, the BFSG excludes several areas from its scope:

  • Products and services designed solely for professional or business-to-business use — not intended for consumer markets.
  • The built environment connected to services, such as physical buildings or facilities, which remains outside the BFSG’s remit.
  • Urban, suburban, and regional public transport services — although some elements still fall under accessibility obligations. For example, self-service terminals for ticketing or check-in must comply, while the associated websites and mobile apps are usually regulated under the Public Sector Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102).

The BFSG also avoids certain broader equality objectives found in other German laws, such as specific protections for women with disabilities or the expanded anti-discrimination grounds listed in § 1 of the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG).

Exemption for Microenterprises

Microenterprises — defined as having fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total under €2 million — are exempt from the BFSG’s mandatory requirements.

This exemption narrows the law’s reach for the smallest businesses, while leaving SMEs and large enterprises fully accountable for compliance.

Controlled Exemptions for Legacy Systems and Contracts

Germany has also introduced targeted transitional provisions to avoid immediate disruption:

  • Service contracts signed before 28 June 2025 can continue without modification until they end, but no later than 27 June 2030.
  • Self-service terminals (e.g., ATMs, ticket machines, kiosks) installed before 28 June 2025 may remain in operation for up to 15 years from installation, provided they met applicable standards at the time.
  • Existing devices and software are not subject to retroactive changes — but any new deployment after June 2025 must meet BFSG requirements immediately.

These measures create phased compliance pressure: companies have more time to address older assets, but cannot delay upgrades indefinitely.

Considerations for Medical and Digital Health Products

Medical devices themselves are generally excluded from the BFSG. However, exceptions apply if:

  • The device’s software is accessed via a covered product, such as a smartphone or tablet.
  • An online platform sells medical devices or provides related services directly to consumers — such as registration, appointment booking, or e-commerce transactions.

In these cases, the digital interface must meet BFSG accessibility requirements.

Other Notable Exemptions

The BFSG also recognises situations where accessibility obligations do not apply, including:

  • Third-party content not funded, developed, or controlled by the economic operator.
  • Certain local and regional public transport services, unless other German or EU laws impose accessibility requirements.
  • Medical devices, unless accessed through a covered consumer-facing interface, in which case the interface must still comply.

Disclosure Rules for Digital and Physical Accessibility

While the BFSG mandates accessibility, it references “essential requirements” in EU law and harmonized standards rather than prescribing every technical detail.The BFSG applies to a wide range of products and digital services offered to consumers. Two standards are central for proving compliance:

  • EN 301 549 – Harmonized European ICT accessibility standard.
  • WCAG 2.1 AA – International benchmark for digital accessibility, incorporated into EN 301 549.

These standards define measurable requirements for:

For Physical Products:

  • Labels and instructions must have adequate font size, colour contrast, and spacing.
  • Information must be available in multiple sensory forms — supporting users with visual, auditory, or cognitive disabilities.

For Digital Documentation (including PDFs):

  • Documentation must be available online in accessible PDF format meeting WCAG and EN 301 549.
  • The link (URL) to the accessible version must be clearly printed on packaging or product materials.
  • Content must be fully compatible with assistive technologies such as:
    • Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA)
    • Braille displays
    • AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) systems

What are Penalties for BFSG Incompliance?

Germany has introduced clear enforcement mechanisms. Non-compliance can result in administrative fines of up to €100,000, as well as potential market restrictions or product bans. Enforcement will be overseen by designated national authorities – such as market surveillance bodies and state-level regulators (Länder) – who may monitor compliance and act on violations under general fair trading rules.

Businesses should also be aware that failure to comply could invite legal challenges or reputational risks, especially in sectors with high public visibility.

What is a Transitional Periods for Accessibility Act in Germany?

The BFSG enters into force on 28 June 2025, with the following transitional arrangements:

  • Existing service contracts signed before 28 June 2025 can remain unchanged until they end, but no later than 27 June 2030, including streaming subscriptions and similar services
  • Service providers may continue using older products, such as tablets, smartphones or e-book readers, that were lawfully in use before 28 June 2025, until 27 June 2030
  • Self-service terminals installed before 28 June 2025 may remain in use for up to 15 years from their installation date, provided they complied with the rules in force at the time

For example, a telecom provider offering self-service kiosks for SIM registration installed in 2022 can continue using them until 2030, while a new installation after 2025 must meet accessibility requirements from day one. Similarly, online service contracts signed before June 2025 need not be retroactively updated for compliance.

These transitional measures are intended to give businesses time to phase in upgrades without disrupting service continuity.

How Quertum supports your Accessibility Journey and Compliance with EAA?

Navigating accessibility requirements under the European Accessibility Act (EAA) doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Quertum helps you make sense of technical standards like WCAG, PDF/UAet EN 301 549 — and puts them into action, across your real-world documents and systems.

Whether you’re in banking, insurance, telecom, or the public sector, we help ensure your communication channels are compliant, user-friendly, and ready for the new legal landscape in Germany and across the EU.

With Quertum, you get:

✅ Document audits you can act on
We don’t just flag issues — we tell you what they mean and how to fix them. From PDF templates to legacy systems, we identify the gaps and help you close them fast.

✅ Accessibility retrofitting that fits your stack
We integrate with your existing Document Management Systems & Customer Communication Management systems and your workflows — no need to rebuild from scratch.

✅ Compliance that scales with your DMS & CCM
Accessibility is not a one-time project. We help you set up repeatable, scalable processes to ensure ongoing compliance — across teams, channels, and output.

From legal interpretations to tech implementation, our cross-functional team supports you in translating regulations into practical solutions — without the jargon. Start your accessibility journey with confidence.

Résumé

Germany’s implementation of the European Accessibility Act offers clarity and consistency, staying faithful to the original directive while acknowledging industry realities through exemptions and phase-ins. For businesses operating in Germany or serving German consumers, the upcoming enforcement date presents both a legal obligation and an opportunity to embed accessibility into product design, customer experiences, and digital infrastructure.

Taking action now means not just avoiding penalties, but building more inclusive services that meet evolving customer expectations.

Next steps for businesses:

  • Audit your current digital products and services
  • Identify contracts, platforms, and hardware in use before June 2025
  • Begin planning for technical upgrades, staff training, and documentation
  • Monitor upcoming guidance from German authorities

Loi européenne sur l'accessibilité en Pologne : Détails que les entreprises doivent connaître

Écrit par Kateryna Klynovska le . Publié dans EEA.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is reshaping how businesses in Europe design and deliver digital services. In our previous article, we shared the main pillars and risks of being incompliant with the European Accessibility Act. Let’s go beyond the common European directive and dive deeper with state-centred approaches.

In this article, we share all you need to know to operate in an EAA-compliant way in Poland, despite being a local or global company.

How European Accessibility Act Affects Poland Business?

Poland’s national implementation of the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) goes well beyond the EU baseline — introducing stricter obligations, more detailed formatting rules, and a robust enforcement framework. Businesses operating in Poland must prepare not only for compliance with the directive, but also with a more prescriptive and locally integrated legal environment.

What EAA or PAD (Polski Akt Dostępności) in Poland Requires?

  • Digital content must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA (e.g., readable PDFs, accessible websites)
  • Products and services must work with assistive technologies
  • Clear labelling and instructions with adequate font size, spacing, and contrast
  • Online documentation must be publicly available and accessible
  • Businesses must show evidence of accessibility efforts (technical documentation, testing, declarations)

Exemption for Microenterprises

While the EU directive gives Member States the option to exempt microenterprises, Poland applies this exemption across the board. 

This means:

  • Businesses with fewer than 10 employees;
  • Either less than €2 million in turnover or balance sheet total.

This narrows the scope considerably for very small businesses, while placing greater responsibility on SMEs and large enterprises. 

Controlled Exemptions for Mapping and Navigation

While the EU directive allows certain exemptions for mapping and navigation systems, the Polish Act narrows these significantly. 

Interactive maps and geoportals are only exempt if:

  • The data present is already available in a digitally accessible formatet
  • The service complies with Poland’s separate Digital Accessibility Act (2019), which governs public sector websites and apps.

This layered approach ensures that accessibility gaps aren’t created through overly broad expectations. The relevant provisions are found in Article 4(2)(a).

Other Exemptions 

The Act also outlines specific cases where accessibility obligations do not apply. These include:

  • Third-party content not funded, developed, or controlled by the economic operator;
  • Public transport services and local administrative services at the municipal, metropolitan, county, and county-municipal levels, unless otherwise required under other Polish or EU regulations.

These limited exemptions recognize practical constraints while maintaining the overall intent of the law — ensuring accessibility is the rule, not the exception.

Disclosure Rules for Physical and Digital Accessibility

The Polish Accessibility Act does more than require accessibility — it defines how accessibility must be implemented. However, it stops short of listing exact technical specifications. Instead, it refers broadly to “essential accessibility requirements defined in EU law and harmonized standards.”

To navigate this ambiguity, we recommend aligning with the two primary standards recognized across the EU for demonstrating compliance:

  • EN 301 549 – the harmonized European standard for ICT accessibility
  • WCAG 2.1 – the global benchmark for digital content accessibility (incorporated within EN 301 549)

These standards outline specific, testable criteria across both physical and digital domains:

For Physical Products

  • Labels and instructions must meet defined criteria for font size, color contrastet text spacing, ensuring legibility for users with visual impairments.
  • Information must be perceivable through multiple sensory channels, supporting accessibility for people with visual, auditory, or cognitive disabilities.

For Digital Documentation

  • Documentation must be made available online in an accessible format, compliant with WCAG and EN 301 549.
  • Le web address (URL) for this digital content must be clearly printed on the physical product or its packaging.
  • All content must be compatible with assistive technologies, including:
    • Screen readers (e.g., NVDA, JAWS)
    • Braille displays
    • Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems

By proactively meeting these harmonized standards, organizations can demonstrate good-faith compliance with the Polish Accessibility Act and reduce their exposure to regulatory risk.

Tightly Defined Legal Terms

Where the EU directive leaves room for interpretation, the Polish legislation introduces precise legal definitions for key accessibility terms. These include: 

  • User interface accessibility – ensuring digital tools are operable, understandable, and robust for all users
  • Real-time communication – defined to include voice, video, and text channels that enable seamless, synchronous interaction 
  • Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) – explicitly referenced, supporting individuals with speech or language impairments
  • Interoperability with assistive technologies – a requirement for ensuring systems work across platforms and devices, not just within proprietary environments

This increased specificity supports legal certainty and simplifies implementation for both product developers and compliance teams.

Multi-Institutional Enforcement Model

Enforcement in Poland will not rely on a single regulator. Instead, it is distributed across multiple institutions to ensure cross-sector compliance:

  • Le Ministry of Regional Development serves as the coordinating body
  • PFRON (State Fund for Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons) supports monitoring and expertise
  • Local governments et universities are involved in outreach and technical assistance
  • NGOs focused on accessibility provide oversight and advocacy
  • Customs and market surveillance authorities handle inspections and enforcement in import/export and retail contexts
A visual diagram showing key institutions involved in enforcing the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in Poland. At the center, an icon of a police officer and a person stands beneath a security gate, symbolizing oversight. Surrounding them are five labeled segments:"Ministry of Regional Development" (oversees and coordinates enforcement nationally),"PFRON" (provides technical expertise and disability insights),"Local Governments and Universities" (implement EAA principles locally),"NGOs" (act as watchdogs and user advocates),"Customs and Market Surveillance" (ensure market compliance).Each segment includes a corresponding icon. Background is a gradient of dark blue and purple.

Monitoring begins in June 2026, following the mandatory compliance date of 28 June 2025.

Integration Across Over 10 Domestic Laws

To create a consistent and enforceable framework, Poland has embedded the a wide range of existing legislation, including: 

This cross-law integration makes accessibility a mandatory design principle — not a compliance afterthought. It introduces measurable expectations for both product and service delivery, reinforces risk exposure in regulated environments and aligns national policy with EU enforcement strategy. This integration supports systemic change and positions accessibility as a core requirement, not a side consideration.

Résumé

Poland’s approach to accessibility is comprehensive and future-facing. For companies operating in Poland, or exporting to it, compliance with the Polish Accessibility Act requires more than checking boxes. It demands deliberate design choices, legal awareness, and operational readiness. Starting early will reduce risk and help businesses deliver inclusive experiences that meet both regulatory and customer expectations. 

Logo d'accessibilité sur le côté gauche. Vérificateur de l'accessibilité de l'application PAC sur le côté droit.

Votre entreprise est-elle prête pour la loi européenne sur l'accessibilité de 2025 ?

Écrit par Kateryna Klynovska le . Publié dans EEA.

L'Acte européen d'accessibilité (AEA) est en train de remodeler le paysage numérique de l'UE. L'EAA vise essentiellement à éliminer les obstacles et à faire en sorte qu'un large éventail de produits et de services soit accessible à tous, y compris aux millions de personnes handicapées de l'Union européenne (UE). Cela va au-delà de la simple utilisation d'un outil de vérification de l'accessibilité ; cela nécessite de intégrer l'accessibilité dans votre réflexion sur la conceptionLes exigences de l'EAA, bien que complètes, peuvent parfois être perçues comme étant définies de manière trop large. L'une des principales difficultés réside dans le fait que les exigences de l'EAA, bien que complètes, peuvent parfois être perçues comme étant définies de manière trop large. C'est pourquoi, de nombreuses organisations ne réalisent pas que l'EAA s'applique également aux documents, y compris les PDFqui constituent un élément essentiel de leurs flux de communication. 

Alors que les États membres de l'UE étaient tenus de transposer l'EAA dans leur législation nationale avant juin 2022, la date critique est 28 juin 2025C'est à cette date que la pleine application de la législation commencera. Ce jour marque le moment où les exigences de l'EAA deviendront juridiquement contraignantes pour un grand nombre d'entreprises opérant au sein de l'UE. La possibilité de retarder la prise de mesures sérieuses s'est effectivement refermée. La procrastination comporte désormais des risques importantsIl s'agit là d'une question importante, non seulement d'un point de vue juridique, mais aussi en termes de portée sur le marché et de perception de la marque.

Dans toute l'Europe, l'EAA n'est plus un ensemble de lignes directrices "agréables à avoir", mais bien un ensemble de lignes directrices "utiles". est désormais inscrit sur chaque site web, application mobile et PDF envoyé par votre entreprise.. Ley 11/2023 de l'Espagne Elle cite explicitement les documents électroniques, obligeant tous les fichiers PDF sortants à respecter la norme de marquage PDF/UA. L'Allemagne Barrierefreiheitsstsärkungsgesetz permet aux autorités de surveillance du marché d'imposer des sanctions de 100 000 euros, voire d'interdire un produit ou un service jusqu'à ce qu'il soit accessible. Suède commencera à infliger des sanctions pouvant aller jusqu'à 10 millions de SEK (~870 000 €) en cas d'inaccessibilité des interfaces bancaires ou de commerce électronique lorsque sa nouvelle loi entrera en vigueur le 28 juin 2025. De même, en Finlande, Traficom peut désormais infliger des amendes allant jusqu'à 150 000 euros - et les augmenter quotidiennement - jusqu'à ce que les défauts soient corrigés. L'ensemble de ces mesures montre clairement que le non-respect de l'accessibilité n'est plus un oubli technique, mais un risque financier grave pour toutes les entreprises opérant au sein de l'UE. 

Vous négligez l'accessibilité numérique ? Vous ignorez 15% du marché mondial

Même si votre organisation estime qu'elle ne relève pas directement de l'EAA, le fait de négliger l'accessibilité dans vos processus de communication constitue un oubli stratégique important. Dans le monde interconnecté d'aujourd'hui, l'inclusivité n'est pas simplement un impératif moral, c'est un puissant moteur commercial. Pensez à l'énorme potentiel que représente le fait d'atteindre les quelque 15% de la population mondiale souffrant d'un handicap. - un segment de marché important souvent exclu involontairement par une communication inaccessible.

En rendant vos sites web, vos documents PDF, votre contenu sur les médias sociaux et vos canaux de service à la clientèle accessibles de manière proactive, vous ouvrez une multitude de possibilités. 

  • Imaginez ce qui se passerait si chaque client potentiel pouvait réellement utiliser votre site web, votre application ou vos documents sans se battre. La conception accessible permet de débloquer tout un segment du marché qui, autrement, pourrait abandonner et aller voir ailleurs. Des mesures simples, comme l'application de véritables balises d'en-tête ou le marquage correct des listes, peuvent être le pont qui les invite à entrer.
  • L'accessibilité est aussi un gage de loyauté. Lorsque les internautes constatent que vous avez pris le temps d'ajouter un texte alt descriptif aux images et aux graphiques, ils reconnaissent une marque qui se préoccupe réellement d'eux. Ce genre de respect ne passe pas inaperçu - il transforme les premiers acheteurs en défenseurs à long terme.
  • Et soyons honnêtes, sur un marché encombré, "nous sommes faciles à utiliser pour tout le monde"est un facteur de différenciation important. Les entreprises qui affichent leur engagement en faveur d'une conception inclusive attirent des clients qui souhaitent dépenser auprès d'entreprises qui partagent leurs valeurs. Des contrôles réguliers à l'aide d'un scanner d'accessibilité ou d'un outil de test des PDF montrent que vous n'êtes pas seulement en conformité aujourd'hui, mais que vous êtes prêt à affronter les normes de demain.
  • Enfin, ce qui aide les uns aide les autres. Un langage clair, une structure logique, une navigation conviviale - ce ne sont pas seulement des gains en termes d'accessibilité, ce sont des améliorations en termes de référencement et de convivialité pour chaque visiteur. Rationalisez l'ordre de lecture, facilitez le passage à la caisse, et voyez votre classement dans les moteurs de recherche et la satisfaction de vos clients s'améliorer ensemble.

Le fossé de l'accessibilité se comble, mais de manière inégale

En l'espace de deux ans seulement, la proportion d'entreprises planifiant activement l'accessibilité des PDF et des communications numériques a plus que triplé. Selon l'étude données industriellesDans les pays nordiques, 66% des entreprises interrogées disposent désormais d'une feuille de route pour la mise en conformité avec les normes PDF/UA, ce qui témoigne d'une nette évolution vers une conception inclusive. Dans le même temps, de nombreux sites web publics, en particulier dans les pays nordiques, obtiennent déjà des résultats exceptionnels en matière d'accessibilité. Lignes directrices pour l'accessibilité des contenus web (WCAG) montrant ainsi ce qu'il est possible de faire lorsque l'accessibilité est considérée comme une priorité stratégique.

Pourtant, la distance entre les pionniers et le reste du marché s'accroît. Un premier 2025 Enquête AbilityNet a révélé que seulement 11% des organisations sont convaincues qu'elles respecteront l'échéance de l'EAA. Pour beaucoup, le défi n'est pas un manque d'intention, il s'agit de savoir par où commencer et comment étendre l'accessibilité à travers les documents, les canaux et les équipes. C'est là que des partenaires expérimentés comme Quertum peuvent aider - en comblant le fossé entre les exigences légales et la mise en œuvre dans le monde réel avec des audits clairs, des remédiations pratiques et un soutien à long terme. La conformité devenant une attente de base, les entreprises qui agissent maintenant ne se contenteront pas de respecter la norme, elles contribueront à l'établir.

L'urgence est réelle : passez à l'étape suivante dès maintenant

L'échéance de juin 2025 est plus proche qu'il n'y paraît. Les organisations qui reportent l'adoption de l'EAA s'exposent à des sanctions juridiques et, ce qui est tout aussi important, à la perte d'un segment de clientèle important.. Que vous en soyez à vos débuts ou que vous intensifiiez vos efforts, le moment est venu d'aller au-delà de la reconnaissance et d'intégrer l'accessibilité - au minimum Conformité PDF/UA et Normes WCAG AA - dans les processus et les communications de tous les jours. Le moment est venu d'aller au-delà de la reconnaissance et d'intégrer l'accessibilité - au minimum la conformité aux normes PDF/UA et WCAG AA - dans les processus et les communications de tous les jours. Ne vous contentez pas de rattraper votre retard, ouvrez la voie à un avenir numérique plus inclusif.