AccessibleEU Germany - Publishing for everyone. Accessibility in Europe, Germany and the publishing industry (AW-DE-02)

The standard EN 301 549 entitled “Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services” defines accessibility requirements for information and communication technology in the public sector and is considered a binding standard. Additionally, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) was incorporated into German law in July 2021 with the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG), which translates to the Accessibility Strengthening Act. The regulation for the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSGV) was passed on June 15, 2022, and it defines accessibility requirements for products and services that will be introduced into the market or provided to consumers after June 28, 2025. This includes various sectors such as online commerce, hardware, software, as well as cross-border transportation and banking services.

The Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz applies to manufacturers, retailers, and importers of specific products, as well as service providers. Small businesses (with fewer than 10 employees or less than €2 million in annual revenue) are partially exempt from the law. Failure to comply may lead to market surveillance authorities restricting or prohibiting the provision of the product or service, or ensuring that products are withdrawn or recalled. This applies not only to manufacturers but also to retailers and importers.

Details on the event:

• Target audience: Publishers, ebook authors, general public.

• When: Friday, October 20, 2023

• Format: Onsite

• Type of event: Awareness-raising

• Language: German

• Accessibility information: Captioning and sign interpretation in German

• How to participate: No registration required

• More information