From 28 June 2025, products and services in the field of information and communication technology across the EU must be made accessible. The basis for this is EU Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act, EAA), which in Germany has been implemented through the ‘Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz’ (BFSG) – the Accessibility Strengthening Act.
The aim is to ensure that people with disabilities can participate equally in social life – including in the retail sector. This applies to both digital services online and physical systems such as payment terminals, cash machines, ticket and check-in machines. All newly placed devices on the market from mid-2025 onwards must comply with accessibility requirements.
What exactly applies in retail?
According to the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), the service of “purchasing goods” itself does not fall under the BFSG. Therefore, in Germany self-checkout systems are not directly affected – but the payment terminals connected to them are. These so-called EFT terminals must be designed to be accessible, for example via two sensory channels (e.g. touch and audio).
Payment provider Verifone has already introduced the first BFSG-compliant terminals that guide users through the payment process with acoustic instructions. Existing devices are granted a transition period until 2030.
Ten types of disabilities in focus
The BFSG Regulation addresses ten types of disabilities, including visual, hearing or speech impairments, colour blindness, motor limitations and cognitive disabilities. For each of these groups, suitable assistive technologies are defined – such as voice output, tactile key controls with haptic feedback or high-contrast displays.
Retailers need to think holistically
Even though self-checkouts are not yet directly covered, Dr Rainer Eckert calls for a comprehensive approach to accessibility. Not only the payment terminal but the entire product scanning process must be designed to be accessible. This includes, for example, voice control, enlarged displays and logically structured user interfaces.
ITAB, in cooperation with manufacturers of assistive technologies, is currently developing the first fully accessible self-checkout solutions, which will be presented at EuroCIS 2025. Other suppliers such as Pan Oston are also working on systems that offer alternative operating options via physical buttons or audio guidance.
Online retail: Accessibility becomes mandatory
The BFSG also applies to e-commerce. From June 2025, online shops must be designed so that they can be used by everyone – including payment functions. This includes:
- Accessible navigation,
- Alternative text for images,
- Adjustable font sizes,
- High-contrast colour schemes, and
- Compatibility with screen readers.
The EHI Retail Institute advises retailers to review and adapt their websites in good time to ensure compliance. Online retail is particularly important for older and mobility-impaired people, as it enables them to shop independently.
Proactive action pays off
Accessibility is not a one-off task but a continuous process. It not only improves access for people with disabilities but also enhances overall user-friendliness and customer satisfaction.
Dr Eckert and other industry experts agree:
The EAA respectively the German law BFSG should not be viewed as a bureaucratic obstacle but as an opportunity for innovation and inclusion. Companies that act early will reach new customer groups, strengthen their brand and contribute to greater social participation.
Source: stores + shops, Issue 06/2024, EHI Retail Institute
Author: Winfried Lambertz
Article title: “Handel steht in der Pflicht – Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz”
Language: German
Article reproduced with the kind permission of the EHI.