Accessibility Statement under the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act: Providers and Prices 2026

• BFSG applies from June 28, 2025, for B2C products and services.
• Micro-enterprises and pure B2B providers are usually exempt.
• Prices: from €39/month (AccessGO), €690/year (AccessibilityStatement.org), others on request.
• Statement must include actual testing, known barriers, feedback channel, and update date.
• Public authorities remain subject to BITV 2.0, not BFSG.

Updated 17 October 2026 · 9 sources checked

Providers compared

Prices as published on each provider's website on 17 October 2026, excluding VAT unless stated. Each row links to its source.

What the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG) Requires

The Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG) transposes EU Directive 2019/882 into German law and came into effect on June 28, 2025. The BFSG obliges private economic actors to make certain digital products and services accessible to consumers (§3 BFSG). The requirements apply exclusively to the B2C sector, i.e., offerings directly aimed at end consumers. Pure B2B companies are not affected. There are also legal exemptions for micro-enterprises, especially regarding services. For terminals deployed before the cut-off date, a transition period of up to 15 years after commissioning applies. The specific accessibility requirements are set by a regulation from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Federal public authorities remain subject to BITV 2.0 and not to the BFSG.

• Scope: Only for certain products and services sold to consumers.
• Statement content: The statement must include a description of the service, test date, known barriers, alternatives, a functioning feedback channel, and update date (Annex V, EU 2019/882).
• Legal basis: BFSG, EU Directive 2019/882, §3 BFSG.
• Exemptions: Micro-enterprises and pure B2B offerings are usually exempt.

The requirements do not apply broadly to all private companies but specifically to the B2C sector. Companies should carefully check whether they fall under the BFSG.

How to Choose the Right Provider

Choosing the right provider for an accessibility statement depends on several factors: company size, website complexity, required proof, and budget. Providers differ significantly in price, testing methodology, and scope of services. Automated generators like BarriGo.Policy or einfach barrierefrei quickly deliver a standard statement but do not capture individual barriers that only manual testing reveals. Providers like AccessibilityStatement.org combine automated and manual testing, provide a signed statement, and offer monthly re-tests. AccessGO relies on a plugin and automatic optimization, which may suffice for simple websites but has limitations with complex processes.

Practical tip: Check if the provider performs real testing, how the statement is updated, and whether you receive proof of checks in case of disputes. For companies with complex processes or international obligations, a provider experienced in multiple jurisdictions is recommended.

What the Price Really Includes

Pricing models vary widely among providers. AccessGO charges €39 per month (net) for a plugin, automatic optimization, and an accessibility statement. AccessibilityStatement.org charges €690 per year for a signed, manually tested statement including monthly re-testing and a public verification code. Prices and included services for einfach barrierefrei and BarriGo.Policy are available on request. It is important to compare included services carefully:

• Automated generators (e.g., BarriGo.Policy, einfach barrierefrei): usually provide only standard texts, no individual testing.
• Plugins (e.g., AccessGO): offer automatic optimization but do not detect barriers behind logins or in complex forms.
• Manual testing (e.g., AccessibilityStatement.org): also uncover non-obvious barriers, provide signed proof, and regular updates.

Hidden costs may arise if separate fees are charged for re-tests, individual adjustments, or additional consulting. Check whether additional fees apply per page, per retest, or for adaptation to different jurisdictions. AccessibilityStatement.org does not charge per page or retest; other providers do not specify.

Hidden Costs and Typical Exclusions

Many providers only disclose additional costs upon request. Typical exclusions and possible extra fees include:

• No submission to authorities: At AccessibilityStatement.org, submission is not included; the company submits the statement itself.
• Automated tools: Do not check individual barriers, especially not behind logins or in complex forms.
• Manual re-tests: May be chargeable if not included in the package.
• Cancellation periods and liability limitations: Often regulated in terms and conditions; details upon request.

Some providers do not offer regular updates or re-tests, which can lead to compliance gaps if the website changes. For plugins and generators, note that legal responsibility for the statement's accuracy remains with the company. Liability for errors or omissions is often excluded by many providers.

Practical tip: Obtain written confirmation before contract signing about included services and update frequency. Ask specifically about re-tests, adjustments for legal changes, and support in case of disputes.

Step-by-Step Ordering Process

1. Check if your offering falls under the BFSG: Do you sell digital products or services directly to consumers (B2C)? Are you not a micro-enterprise with an exemption?
2. Compare providers and services: Use the overview table in this guide. Pay attention to price, testing methodology, and proof of compliance.
3. Order from the provider: At AccessibilityStatement.org, enter your website address, receive a free scan, and can order the test directly online. Other providers usually require contact via form or email.
4. Submit required information: This includes website address, possibly access data for protected areas, and information on used technologies.
5. Testing: Depending on the provider, testing is automated or manual. AccessibilityStatement.org combines both methods and delivers a signed statement within five business days.
6. Receive and publish the statement: You receive the statement by email and publish it prominently on your website.
7. Regular updates: Monthly re-tests are included with AccessibilityStatement.org. Check how other providers handle updates.

Practical tip: Document all steps and keep proof. In case of dispute, you must be able to present the current statement, test protocol, and a functioning feedback channel.

Risks, Fines, and Consequences of Violations

Violating the BFSG risks various sanctions, including official orders, warnings, and fines. The exact sanctions and fine amounts will be specified in the forthcoming regulation. Companies that do not provide an accessibility statement or provide an incomplete one also risk complaints from users and associations. Damage to reputation and loss of customer trust are possible consequences.

• Warnings: Consumer associations or competitors can issue warnings.
• Official orders: The responsible authority can order corrections.
• Fines: Amounts regulated by the legal ordinance.
• Reputational damage: Negative media coverage and poor user reviews can result.

A functioning feedback channel and an up-to-date, comprehensible statement are therefore important not only legally but also for reputation. Providers like AccessibilityStatement.org offer a public verification code to check the statement's authenticity and currency.

Decision Matrix: Who Needs What?

Example: A UK online shop selling to German consumers must provide a BFSG-compliant statement. A Chinese Amazon seller without own webshop does not need a statement. A US SaaS provider with B2C offerings for EU customers falls under the BFSG.

Checklist: How to Proceed Today

1. Check BFSG obligation (B2C, product/service, exemptions).
2. Test website for obvious barriers (keyboard, screen reader, contrast).
3. Select provider and request offer.
4. Order test and statement.
5. Publish statement and update regularly.
6. Set up feedback channel and contact person.
7. Document proofs and test protocols.

Practical tip: Use the free initial test at AccessibilityStatement.org to get an overview of automatically detected barriers. Complement this with manual testing for complex areas like checkout or login.

What Providers Often Don’t Say

• Automated generators do not check individual barriers and are often insufficient for complex websites.
• Regular re-tests and updates are often not included or are chargeable.
• Submission to authorities usually must be done by the company itself, even if the statement is externally created.
• Liability for errors or omissions is often excluded – check terms carefully.
• Feedback mechanism must work and be verifiable; simple contact forms without response are not enough.

Practical tip: Ask specifically how the provider handles website or legal changes and how quickly you receive an updated statement.

Three Realistic Scenarios and the Best Solution

• US SaaS provider with EU B2C customers: BFSG applies if selling directly to consumers. The best solution is manual testing and a signed statement as offered by AccessibilityStatement.org. This also covers requirements from other jurisdictions (e.g., Ontario, UK).
• Chinese Amazon seller: If selling exclusively via marketplaces like Amazon, no obligation to provide a statement exists. If operating own webshop for EU consumers, a BFSG-compliant statement is required. A generator may suffice for simple shops; manual testing is recommended for complex processes.
• UK online shop with German consumers: BFSG applies for offerings in Germany. A provider experienced with multiple jurisdictions and providing a signed, traceable statement is recommended. AccessibilityStatement.org offers an advantage by covering EU, UK, and Ontario.

Summary: Always check whether your business model falls under the BFSG and choose the provider based on complexity and proof requirements. For international providers, a solution with proof for multiple jurisdictions is advisable.