The new Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG), [GW1] which was enacted on July 16, 2021, will come into force in Germany on June 28, 2025. This implements the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU 2019/882) of April 17, 2019, on the accessibility requirements for products and services, in short European Accessibility Act (EAA). The EAA will thus also come into force throughout Europe on June 28, 2025. The laws contain, in particular, information on accessibility requirements for certainproducts and services, including certain websites, apps, and online shops. They oblige them to be designed to be accessible under certain conditions. These include, for example, digital services such as booking systems, customer portals, and self-service terminals. With regard to products and services, the EAA, like the BFSG aims to promote the equal and non-discriminatory participation of people with disabilities, limitations, and older people. These must be accessible from June 29, 2025, unless one of the listed exemptions apply. Only micro-enterprises are excluded from implementation. By the way, the laws also appy to businesses based outside the EU that market their products and services in the EU. Breaches and non-compliance with the EAA respectively BFSG may result in sanctions and fines. If this has not already been done, a timely review and, if necessary, rapid implementation is therefore required. Contrary to the assumption that this will result in an expansion of regulations for businesses, uniform standards are now being established to clarify the previously divergent requirements for accessibility in the EU. If you need consultation regarding the obligations that apply to your business or the steps that need to be taken, we will be happy to assist you and put you in touch with our law firm if required. |