Austria's Accessibility Act: does it affect my site?
Short answer: Austria's Accessibility Act (Barrierefreiheitsgesetz, BaFG) has applied since 28 June 2025. It mainly covers websites and apps through which consumers buy, book or subscribe. Micro-enterprises that provide services are exempt – but building accessibly still pays off.
By Team A2 Digital Works · Vienna · 20 October 2026
Since summer 2025, many businesses in Vienna and across Austria have heard: "Your website has to be accessible now." That is not true for everyone – but it applies to more businesses than many expect. We have summarised the official information from the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO), the federal business service portal (USP) and the Ministry of Social Affairs. This is not legal advice, but it gives you a clear overview.
Since when does the Accessibility Act apply in Austria?
Austria's Barrierefreiheitsgesetz (BaFG) has applied since 28 June 2025. It implements the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) and covers products and services placed on the market or provided after that date, mainly in business-to-consumer (B2C) dealings.
WKO summarises the transition rules: service contracts concluded before 28 June 2025 may continue until they expire, but for no more than five years. Products a service provider was already lawfully using may be used until 27 June 2030.
Does the Accessibility Act affect my website?
Mainly if consumers conclude contracts through your website or app: online shops, online bookings, digital subscriptions or memberships. WKO and the Austrian business service portal do not name purely informational sites without online contracts as covered; if in doubt, have your case checked.
The law refers to "services in electronic commerce under a consumer contract". WKO lists examples such as:
- online shops and e-commerce apps
- online booking portals (appointments, tickets, rooms)
- digital publications
- websites selling digital memberships or subscriptions
Other areas include banking services, e-books, communication services and parts of passenger transport. A website that only presents a business and offers a contact form is not among these examples.
Is there an exemption for small businesses?
Yes. Under § 6(1) BaFG, micro-enterprises that provide services are exempt. A micro-enterprise has fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than EUR 2 million. The exemption does not apply to manufacturers, importers or distributors of products.
| Your business | What applies according to WKO |
|---|---|
| Micro-enterprise providing a service (e.g. a hair salon with online booking) | exempt |
| Micro-enterprise making, importing or selling products | no exemption, but simplified requirements |
| 10+ employees or over EUR 2 million, with an online shop for consumers | requirements apply |
| Pure B2B website without consumer contracts | not among the examples, check your case |
The Ministry of Social Affairs has published dedicated guidelines for micro-enterprises together with WKO and the Austrian Disability Council; they are linked on the ministry's page.
What does the law actually require?
USP lists functional requirements: information through more than one sensory channel, understandable language, adjustable font sizes, sufficient contrast and compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers. The ministry names EN 301 549 as the central standard.
For a website, that typically means:
- enough text contrast, in dark mode too
- everything usable by keyboard, with visible focus
- alt text for images, captions or transcripts for videos
- a clear heading structure and understandable forms
- animations that can be paused
What are the penalties?
Market surveillance sits with the Sozialministeriumservice. According to WKO, fines of up to EUR 80,000 are possible, with lower maximums for SMEs and micro-enterprises. For first or minor breaches, the explanatory notes stress the principle of advice before penalties.
USP also points out a less obvious risk: a website that shuts people out can damage a business's reputation, whether or not a fine is involved.
Is accessibility worth it even without an obligation?
Yes. Good contrast, clear structure, keyboard support and alt text help every visitor, including on phones and in bright light. The same clean structure also helps search engines and AI assistants understand your content.
Accessibility is not an add-on for the end of a project. It is cheapest when it is planned from the start. We did this on our own website; what we tested and where a self-assessment has limits is set out openly in our accessibility statement.
How should I go about it?
- Classify: Do customers conclude contracts through your website or app? How many employees and what turnover does your business have?
- Check what you have: go through contrast, keyboard use, forms, images and videos – ideally with an automated test and a manual pass.
- Plan: critical parts first (checkout, booking, forms), then the rest.
- Document: an accessibility statement shows honestly what is in place and what is still missing.
See what a new or reworked website costs on our pricing page, and read more in our guide website design in Vienna. We are happy to check whether funding might apply to your project.
Book a call
Want to know where your website stands? Book a call – we will look at your site together and tell you honestly what is needed and what is not. For legal questions about your specific case, please contact WKO or a lawyer.
Note: This article is general information based on the sources listed and is not legal advice.
Sources
- WKO: Informationen zum Barrierefreiheitsgesetz, as of 28 Jan 2026, accessed 20 Oct 2026
- Unternehmensserviceportal: Barrierefreiheitsgesetz (BaFG), as of 16 Jul 2025, accessed 20 Oct 2026
- Ministry of Social Affairs: Barrierefreiheitsgesetz, accessed 20 Oct 2026
Frequently asked questions
Since when does the Accessibility Act apply in Austria?
Austria's Barrierefreiheitsgesetz (BaFG) has applied since 28 June 2025. It implements the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) and covers products and services placed on the market or provided after that date, mainly in business-to-consumer (B2C) dealings.
Does the Accessibility Act affect my website?
Mainly if consumers conclude contracts through your website or app: online shops, online bookings, digital subscriptions or memberships. WKO and the Austrian business service portal do not name purely informational sites without online contracts as covered; if in doubt, have your case checked.
Is there an exemption for small businesses?
Yes. Under § 6(1) BaFG, micro-enterprises that provide services are exempt. A micro-enterprise has fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than EUR 2 million. The exemption does not apply to manufacturers, importers or distributors of products.
What are the penalties?
Market surveillance sits with the Sozialministeriumservice. According to WKO, fines of up to EUR 80,000 are possible, with lower maximums for SMEs and micro-enterprises. For first or minor breaches, the explanatory notes stress the principle of advice before penalties.
Is accessibility worth it even without an obligation?
Yes. Good contrast, clear structure, keyboard support and alt text help every visitor, including on phones and in bright light. The same clean structure also helps search engines and AI assistants understand your content.
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