BFSG - All about objectives, rights and obligations in the retail sector
On June 28, 2025, the time has come: the Barrier-Free Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) comes into force. The aim of the BFSG is to promote inclusion in public life, but also in the digital space. People with a disability or mental impairment are to be given easier and, above all, equal access to services and information. Barriers to the use of products or online offerings should also be removed. What does this mean in concrete terms? What rights and obligations do you have as a retailer and how can you best fulfill all requirements? This article will explain.
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When does the BFSG come into force?
The Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG) was already passed in 2021. However, the law does not actually come into force until June 28, 2025. It therefore defines accessibility requirements for products, services and services that are brought into circulation after this date.
What are the objectives of the BFSG?
The full name of the BFSG is:
Act implementing Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council on accessibility requirements for products and services and amending other laws.
As the name suggests, the BFSG is intended to transpose the requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) into German law. The primary aim of the BFSG is to create and ensure comprehensive accessibility. This means that people with a disability should have the same opportunities for social and economic participation .
Which areas are affected by the BFSG?
The Accessibility Reinforcement Act applies to every sector of the economy and every industry. Examples are
- the retail trade
- the financial sector
- the telecommunications industry
- public transport
- Digital content and services
The retail sector in particular is an enormously diverse industry. Here, the BFSG must be implemented by very different companies - from the baker to the florist. florists through to farm shops and decoration stores.
What impact will the BFSG have on the retail sector?
As a retail entrepreneur, you are probably already using digital tools and technologies. The legislator is also focusing on these with the BFSG. Take e-commerce, for example: Do you run a web store or offer customer advice or online appointment bookings via your website? Then your website must be accessible in future. In detail, this means: you need simple and comprehensible web texts, an integrated zoom function, a design that is as user-friendly as possible and high-contrast colors. Your website should also be able to be used with the keyboard alone if necessary. But that's not all. Self-service systems such as self-service terminals must also be accessible in the future.
Self-service terminals: What will the BFSG change?
Self-service terminals like the ones we offer at LocaFox have many advantages. They increase your efficiency, are intuitive to use and are popular with many customers. To ensure that as many people as possible - with and without disabilities - can use the self-service terminals barrier-free in future, the BFSG sets out specific requirements. Here are the most important requirements at a glance:
- Multiple sensory channels: The system must offer multiple sensory channels through which users can access information. These should be visual, auditory and haptic channels. The system must also be controllable without fine motor skills.
- Flexible presentation: If information is presented visually, users must be able to adjust the size, brightness and contrast of the visualization themselves. At the same time, the design must minimize the risk of photosensitive seizures. It must also be possible to adjust the volume of audio elements or the playback speed.
- Ease of use: The self-service system must be easy to use and allow the user sufficient time for interaction. If biometric identification is required, it must be possible to use several alternative methods.
Sounds complicated and time-consuming at first, doesn't it? The good news is that you don't have to worry about updating your self-service terminal yourself. We will be happy to do this for you and, of course, provide you with legally compliant checkout systems as well as BFSG-compliant self-service terminals.
BFSG: Are there any transitional periods?
Similar to the GDPR at the time, the BFSG and its impact on the retail sector is also the subject of intense debate. However, you don't need to rush into anything here. Services with existing products may continue to be offered until June 27, 2030. And non-accessible self-service terminals? These may continue to be used until the end of their economic life, but until 2040 at the latest.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with the BFSG?
Anyone who does not consistently implement the Accessibility Reinforcement Act must expect sanctions. Anything is possible, from a ban on the sale of certain products to warnings and severe fines. To prevent this from happening, you should talk to us in good time about your current situation and how we can help you implement the Barrier-Free Accessibility Reinforcement Act in your company.
Which self-checkout terminals are exempt from the BFSG requirements?
Certain self-checkout terminals (SCOs) are not subject to the requirements of the Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) or are exempt from it. The most important categories are
- Microenterprises (up to 10 employees & ≤ €2 million turnover)
Companies that are classified as microenterprises are generally exempt from the requirements of the BFSG. However, this exemption does not apply if they bring products such as self-checkout terminals onto the market themselves. Nevertheless, even micro-enterprises can voluntarily take accessibility measures to make their systems future-proof and customer-friendly. - Self-checkout terminals already installed (transition period until 2040)
Self-checkout terminals that were put into operation before June 28, 2025 do not have to be adapted to the new requirements or replaced until June 28, 2040 at the latest. During this transitional period, they are not obliged to comply with the accessibility standards immediately. - Self-checkout terminals that are not intended for consumers
Terminals that are used exclusively by trained staff are not subject to the legal regulations on accessibility. SCOs that are only intended for internal company use or for specialist users do not necessarily have to be converted either. - Terminals that do not belong to the legally defined product groups
The BFSG refers in particular to self-service kiosks, payment terminals and ATMs. Specially adapted industrial or logistics terminals that are not intended for end customers may therefore not fall under the statutory regulations.
Recommendationfor dealers & operators:
Evenif there is no immediate obligation in many cases, companies should check their self-checkout systems for accessibility standards at an early stage. Proactive adaptation can not only create legal certainty, but also improve user-friendliness and increase customer satisfaction.
BFSG: When should I start with the implementation?
Asalready mentioned, there are generous transition periods. Nevertheless, you shouldn't wait too long, but rather deal with this important issue early on. Always remember that the BFSG is not an onerous obligation, but makes it easier for all people - your potential customers - to participate and be included. So if you invest in BFSG-compliant self-service terminals or an accessible online store now, you have a clear competitive advantage over your competitors and are legally on the safe side!
Do youhave questions about the Barrier-Free Accessibility Act or would you like to find out more about modern self-service terminals from LocaFox? Give us a call or send us a message. We will be happy to advise you personally.
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