Do I Need an Accessibility Statement for My App?

• The BFSG (§12) requires an accessibility statement for public and many private apps.
• The statement must include status, barriers, and planned measures.
• Deadline for provision was June 23, 2025.
• Violations can be penalized with fines.
• Providers vary greatly in price, scope, and testing methodology.
• Not every app needs a statement – internal tools are usually exempt.

Updated 7 November 2026 · 9 sources checked

Providers compared

Prices as published on each provider's website on 7 November 2026, excluding VAT unless stated. Each row links to its source.

What Does the Law Require? (§12 BFSG)

The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) requires public authorities and companies offering digital services to the public to provide an accessibility statement (§12 BFSG). This statement must include the current accessibility status, existing barriers, and planned measures. The deadline for initial publication was June 23, 2025. Violations can be penalized with fines (§14 BFSG). The statement must be regularly updated to reflect the current status. This is especially important as digital offerings and technologies continuously evolve. An outdated statement can lead to legal consequences.

For companies offering digital services, it is crucial to meet BFSG requirements to avoid legal consequences. This includes not only creating the statement but also implementing measures to improve accessibility. Regular audits and collaboration with specialized service providers can help ensure compliance with BFSG requirements. A well-documented statement not only provides legal protection but also promotes digital participation and inclusion.

How to Choose the Right Provider?

Choosing the right provider for an accessibility statement depends on several factors. First, determine the scope of services you need. Automated tools like AccessGO or EasyAccess offer quick and cost-effective solutions but often only detect superficial barriers. For a legally compliant, signed statement with real testing, providers like AccessibilityStatement.org or Fairtippt are recommended.

A key factor in selection is whether the provider performs manual tests. These are necessary to identify complex barriers that automated tools miss. Providers like AccessibilityStatement.org offer comprehensive testing and signed statements that meet legal requirements. Also important are included services such as regular retesting or integration of sign language and easy language.

Another aspect is geographic relevance. If your app is available in multiple jurisdictions, choose a provider experienced in those legal areas. For example, AccessibilityStatement.org covers the EU, Ontario, and UK, which is beneficial for internationally active companies. Also check cancellation terms and whether the statement must be updated when the app changes.

What Is Really Included in the Price?

Pricing for accessibility statements varies significantly among providers. AccessibilityStatement.org offers a comprehensive service for €690 per year, including manual and automated tests, a signed statement, monthly retests, and no page limits. This makes it especially suitable for companies needing a thorough and legally secure solution.

Other providers like AccessGO and EasyAccess offer cheaper, automated solutions ideal for companies seeking quick and easy implementation but which may not fully meet legal requirements. Fairtippt additionally offers testing in easy language and with target group involvement, which can be advantageous for certain organizations.

It's important to carefully review and compare included services. Some providers charge extra for retests, additional pages, or special services like sign language. AccessibilityStatement.org charges no extra fees per page or retest, saving costs long term. Check if updates are required when the app changes and if this is included in the price.

Hidden Costs and Exclusions

Many providers of accessibility statements have hidden costs not immediately apparent. These can include extra fees for retests, number of pages, or special services like sign language or easy language. AccessibilityStatement.org charges no additional fees per page or retest, ensuring transparent pricing.

Another point often not openly communicated is cancellation terms and conditions for updating the statement. When the app changes or new legal requirements arise, updates may be necessary and not always included in the original price. Also check for liability limitations that could affect your legal security.

It's important to read contract terms carefully and understand what is and isn’t included. Some providers only offer generated statements without real testing, which may not meet legal requirements. A comprehensive, manually tested statement offers more security and can be more cost-effective long term by minimizing legal risks.

Step-by-Step Process for Commissioning

1. Check need: Determine if your app is publicly accessible and falls under BFSG or similar regulations.
2. Select provider: Choose a provider that meets your requirements and request a quote.
3. Provide test data: Give the provider necessary information and access for testing.
4. Conduct tests: Provider performs automated and manual tests to assess accessibility status.
5. Create statement: Based on results, an accessibility statement is created describing status, barriers, and planned measures.
6. Sign and publish: Statement is signed by an authorized company representative and published on your app or website.
7. Regular review: Plan regular reviews and updates to ensure the statement reflects current status.

Commissioning a provider for an accessibility statement is a structured process requiring careful planning and execution. Clear communication with the provider and thorough review of contract terms are essential to ensure all requirements are met and no hidden costs arise.

Risks and Fines for Violations

Ignoring the statement obligation under §12 BFSG risks fines (§14 BFSG). Incomplete or outdated statements can also have legal consequences. Additionally, reputational damage and user complaints may occur. A current, truthful statement is therefore not only mandatory but also a sign of inclusion and customer focus.

Violations of BFSG requirements can lead to significant financial and legal consequences. Companies failing to comply may be fined depending on the severity of the violation. Furthermore, dissatisfied users can file complaints leading to further legal actions.

It is therefore crucial to take legal requirements seriously and ensure the accessibility statement reflects the app’s current status. Regular reviews and updates are necessary to minimize legal risks and promote digital participation. A comprehensive statement shows your company takes all users’ needs seriously and actively supports inclusion.

What Providers Often Don’t Say

• Automated tools miss many barriers that only manual testing reveals.
• Many providers charge by page or for retests – these costs are often not immediately visible.
• A generated statement without real testing usually does not meet legal requirements.
• Marketplace profiles (Amazon, Etsy) only require a statement if you operate your own app or website.
• The operator is always responsible for the statement’s accuracy, not the service provider.

Many providers advertise quick and low-cost solutions but often omit the limitations of these offers. Automated tools can be deployed quickly but do not detect all barriers, especially complex interactions or specific usage conditions.

Another point often not openly communicated is additional costs from retests or handling more pages. These can quickly add up and negate initial savings. Also, a generated statement without real testing may not meet legal requirements and carries legal risks.

The responsibility for accuracy and currency of the statement always lies with the app operator. Service providers can assist in creation, but final liability remains with the company. It is therefore crucial to choose a provider offering comprehensive testing and a legally compliant statement.

Three Practical Scenarios

• US SaaS company with EU customers: Must provide an accessibility statement under BFSG if the app is publicly accessible. Simplest solution: verified, signed statement (e.g., AccessibilityStatement.org).
• Chinese Amazon seller: No obligation for a statement as long as no own webshop or app for EU customers is operated.
• UK online shop with EU customers: Statement obligation under BFSG for EU, under Equality Act for UK. Solution: choose provider experienced in both jurisdictions (e.g., AccessibilityStatement.org).

These scenarios illustrate how accessibility statement requirements vary by business type and geographic market. A US SaaS company offering services in the EU must ensure its app complies with BFSG to avoid legal consequences. A verified, signed statement is the best way to ensure compliance.

A Chinese seller selling only via Amazon is not subject to the same requirements as long as they do not operate their own platform for EU customers. This shows not all companies need a statement, saving costs and effort.

A UK online shop serving EU customers must meet both BFSG and Equality Act requirements. It is important to choose a provider experienced in both jurisdictions to ensure all legal requirements are met. AccessibilityStatement.org offers solutions covering both markets, ideal for such companies.