Austrian Accessibility Act: Measures Introduced to Enhance Digital Accessibility

Jul 11, 2025 Benn-Ibler Rechtsanwälte

It’s now official: The Austrian Accessibility Act (Barrierefreiheitsgesetz, hereinafter BaFG) took effect on 28 June 2025. The BaFG implements the requirements of EU Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act; EAA) and establishes guidelines for ensuring accessibility across different areas of digital products and services. In other words, the BaFG sets out the framework for enhanced digital accessibility.

Who is affected by the law?

The new law is designed to address the needs of individuals with disabilities or limitations. The BaFG generally applies to companies that offer digital products or services to consumers, such as online shops and online ticketing platforms. All manufacturers, distributors, and importers of these products and services are required to adhere to accessibility standards. However, micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 2 million are exempt from these requirements. This applies specifically in digital environments where access is not restricted.

Products involved

The law affects a range of hardware systems, including personal computers, computers, smartphones, and tablets, as well as operating systems designed for universal consumer computers. Additionally, it applies to specified self-service terminals such as payment terminals, ATMs, ticket machines, consumer devices, interactive information terminals (for example, interactive display screens), and e-book readers.

Services involved

The scope of the law includes electronic communication services (such as voice and video telephony, and online messenger services), digital elements of passenger transport in air, bus, rail, and maritime travel, as well as electronic commerce services like online banking and online platforms.

From the transitional phase to the imposition of penalties

A transition period of five years has been established to enable service providers to accommodate the new requirements. During this timeframe, products introduced to the market before 28 June 2025 for use in providing services are not required to meet the accessibility standards set forth in the new law. The Austrian Social Ministry Service will serve as the designated administrative authority for the imposition of penalties. Beyond the measures previously outlined, violations of legal requirements may result in fines of up to EUR 80,000.OGH

BGBI. I Nr. 76/2023 (12.07.2023)