Accessibility in e-commerce: What store operators need to do now

Berlin, February 18, 2025 - The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) comes into force in June 2025 and presents online retailers with new challenges. The e-commerce agency mitho® provides information on the effects, necessary adjustments and practical recommendations. This will enable store operators to implement the new legal requirements efficiently.

Accessibility becomes mandatory - here's what it's all about

From June 28, 2025, online retailers must ensure that their digital offerings are accessible. This applies in particular to retailers who sell products and services to consumers. The basis for this is the BFSG, which transposes EU Directive 2019/882 into German law. The aim is to give people with disabilities equal access to digital services. This not only benefits affected user groups, but also the operators themselves: Accessible websites improve overall user-friendliness, increase reach and can have a positive impact on Google rankings.

Requirements and implementation strategies at a glance

The new requirements include, among other things

* Alternative texts for images: Screen reader compatible descriptions must be provided.
* Keyboard operability: Users must not be dependent on mouse control.
* Clear and understandable content: Complex text should be easy to read.
* Contrasts and font sizes: Content must be optimized for people with visual impairments.
* Structured navigation: Logically structured menus facilitate orientation.
* Subtitles and transcriptions: Multimedia content should be accessible for people with hearing impairments.

In some cases, these measures require considerable adjustments to existing online stores. Companies that do not comply with the new regulations risk warnings and fines. To avoid this risk, store operators should take action at an early stage.

Sensitivity to inclusion ensures new standards

Apart from the legal obligation, accessibility also brings economic benefits. Studies show that optimized user guidance reduces the bounce rate and increases the conversion rate. In addition, an accessible store opens up new target groups and improves the company's reputation. Customer-friendly and accessible online stores are increasingly becoming the new standard in times of growing awareness of inclusion.

Active advice and support from mitho®

"Many store operators are not yet aware of the implications of the BFSG. Those who act now can prepare in good time and secure competitive advantages," says Thorsten Raschke, Head of Development at mitho®. The Berlin-based e-commerce agency supports companies in analyzing and implementing the legal requirements in order to ensure seamless adaptation to the new guidelines. The e-commerce experts offer individual consultations, workshops and technical solutions to make stores barrier-free. This includes accessibility audits, specific recommendations for action and technical implementation in accordance with the latest web standards. "We recommend not putting the issue on the back burner. Step-by-step optimization can significantly reduce the adaptation effort," says Thorsten Raschke.

mitho®
Michaela Müller
Hohenzollerndamm 196
10717 Berlin
Deutschland
+49-30 200 03 9724
info@mitho-media.de
www.mitho-media.de

About mitho®
mitho® is a full-service agency for e-commerce and software solutions with over 20 years of experience. The agency develops customized digital solutions for medium-sized companies (B2B, B2C, D2C) as well as for agencies (A&A). The focus is on individual shopware developments, agile software development and seamless system integration. The range of services includes interface development, web design, programming and search engine optimization (SEO) - all with the aim of creating scalable and future-proof online platforms.

Further information can be found at: www.mitho-media.de

This release was published on openPR.