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Austria's Accessibility Act (Barrierefreiheitsgesetz – BaFG), implementing Directive (EU) 2019/882 into national law, has been in force since 28 June 2025. Its main objective is to establish mandatory accessibility standards for certain products and services, ensuring that all people – especially those with disabilities – can access and use them without barriers. This introduces important obligations and practical implications for businesses, including those operating in the consumer healthcare sector.
The BaFG applies to products such as computers, notebooks, tablets, smartphones, self-service terminals (e.g. ATMs and ticket machines) and e-book readers, as well as to services such as messenger services and e-commerce services in the context of consumer contracts. As soon as a website includes interactive elements – such as contact forms, online appointment booking tools or inquiry forms – and ultimately aims to sell services to consumers, it falls within the scope of the BaFG.
As products in the healthcare and life sciences sector are frequently sold online and the BaFG specifically applies to all B2C online shops and websites, the new legal requirements are particularly relevant for online retailers of food supplements, over-the-counter medicines, medical devices and cosmetics.
However, purely informational websites without any sales intent or the ability to conclude a contract, such as blogs or news sites, are not covered by the BaFG. Likewise, the obligations do not apply to micro-enterprises offering services, or in cases where certain accessibility requirements would fundamentally alter the product or service, or impose a disproportionate burden on the business.
Essentially, services – such as the operation of an online shop – must be designed to ensure maximum accessibility, particularly for people with disabilities. The main requirements include:
These examples are general recommendations only. Whether an online shop or website meets the legal requirements must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The BaFG represents a significant step toward greater digital inclusion, while also introducing clear legal and practical obligations for businesses. In the case of online shops, these obligations primarily apply to the service provider, but may also extend to importers, retailers and manufacturers.
To ensure compliance, businesses – particularly those in the B2C sector – should proactively assess the accessibility of their digital offerings, including websites, mobile apps and customer service channels. Early action is recommended, as consumers may report non-compliance to the Social Ministry Service, leading to fines of up to EUR 80,000.
Given the lack of established case law and practical experience at this stage, companies are advised to monitor developments closely and seek legal or technical guidance where needed. A careful case-by-case assessment remains essential.
authors: Sarah Rosenthaler, Sarah Sayahpour
Sarah
Sayahpour
Associate
austria vienna