The Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG): Why a certificate is a good idea

Germany is renowned for its attention to detail and thoroughness. Certificates are an indispensable tool for demonstrating quality and safety. They instil confidence in consumers and provide guidance for businesses. Having evolved over time, certificates have become established in almost every sector – from cars and toys to financial services. It is therefore no surprise that a clear, verifiable framework will soon be required in the field of accessibility as well.

The challenge of accessibility: what the BFSG requires

From mid-2025, the BFSG will require companies to design their products and services to be accessible. Whilst this may sound at first like yet another bureaucratic hurdle, it is in fact an urgent necessity. Millions of people with disabilities benefit from improved accessibility – whether on websites, in apps or with physical products. At the same time, companies face a problem: accessibility is complex and requires specialist knowledge that is often not available in-house.

1. Accessible product design:

   Products such as cash machines, banking terminals, ticket machines, computers, smartphones, tablets and e-book readers must be designed in such a way that people with disabilities can use them without assistance.

2. Accessible services:

   Services such as e-commerce, banking services, electronic communications services, inter-regional passenger information and electronic ticketing services must be made accessible.

3. Uniform requirements:

   The Act sets out technical and functional requirements that products and services must meet. This is intended to ensure that accessibility is implemented not only in theory but also in practice.

4. Strengthening market surveillance:

   Measures are being introduced to monitor and enforce the accessibility requirements. Organisations must be able to demonstrate compliance with the requirements.

Why independent expertise matters

What does ‘accessible’ mean? This is not just about technical requirements, but also about a holistic view of the user experience (UX) that includes people with different needs. To achieve this, barriers must first be identified as such.

Interestingly, the BFSG does not require mandatory external certification. In theory, companies could self-certify that their products are accessible. However, this approach carries risks: without expert knowledge, important requirements could be overlooked – which, in the worst case, could lead to fines or product recalls.

A test report that merely lists what is non-compliant is of little use to companies. It is therefore advisable to seek independent expert advice to ensure that products and services are designed correctly from the outset.

More than just legal compliance: an improved user experience for all

An accessible product does not merely mean that it meets the requirements of the BFSG. It also brings benefits for all users – from more intuitive operating concepts to a better user experience. This turns accessibility into a competitive advantage that goes beyond mere compliance with legal requirements.

Materna has launched a quality mark that goes far beyond a simple audit: rather than merely assessing current compliance, Materna supports companies throughout their entire journey towards accessibility – from the initial idea to the finished product. The certification process comprises four steps: assessment, consultation, awareness-raising and, finally, certification. Further information and a quick check can be found on our website dedicated to digital accessibility.

Conclusion: Certificates build trust

Companies that have not yet addressed accessibility should tackle the issue without delay, as the deadline for implementing the law is drawing nearer. External consultants with a proven track record in accessibility are valuable partners on the journey towards accessible services. Companies should ensure that accessibility becomes an integral part of the development process right from the start. With the Materna accessibility certificate, companies can be confident that their products meet the requirements of the BFSG whilst also delivering genuine added value for their users. After all, ultimately it is not just about complying with regulations – it is about shaping an inclusive future.