A Guide to BFSG Compliance for E-Commerce Companies

Introduction

The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) represents a significant step towards digital inclusion. This law requires digital products and services, including e-commerce platforms, to be accessible. By complying with the BFSG, e-commerce companies can improve the user experience, open up new markets and fulfill both their ethical and legal obligations.

Why BFSG is important for e-commerce

Legal Compliance : Failure to comply may result in significant fines and legal consequences.
Ethical responsibility : It is a moral obligation to provide access to products and services to all customers, regardless of their abilities.
Improved user experience : Accessible design benefits all users and increases customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Expanded market opportunities : An accessible e-commerce platform enables access to a wider audience, including people with disabilities.

Important requirements for accessibility in e-commerce

User-friendly interface :some text
- Clear and intuitive navigation
- Logical page structure
- Consistent layout and design
Keyboard accessibility :some text
- All functions should be accessible via the keyboard
- The order of the tabs should be logical and predictable
- The keyboard focus should be visually highlighted
Alternative Texte:some text
- Provide descriptive alternative text for images and other non-text content
- Use clear and concise language
color contrast :some text
- Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background
- Comply with WCAG guidelines for color contrast ratios
Timeouts and error handling :some text
- Implement appropriate time limits for tasks
- Provide clear and informative error messages
Compatibility with assistive technologies :some text
- Ensure compatibility with screen readers, magnification programs and other assistive technologies
- Testing the website with various assistive technologies

Practical tips for e-commerce companies

Perform accessibility check :some text
- Use automated tools to identify potential problems.
- Conduct manual testing to evaluate the user experience with assistive technologies.
- Involve people with disabilities in the testing process.
Prioritize accessibility :some text
- Integrate accessibility as a core part of the web development process.
- Establish clear responsibilities for accessibility within the team.
Comply with WCAG guidelines :some text
- Implement the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 or 2.2.
- Use WCAG as a reference for accessibility measures.
Use accessible HTML and CSS :some text
- Use semantic HTML elements.
- Write clean and well-structured code.
- Avoid complex CSS styles that can interfere with assistive technologies.
Perform regular tests :some text
- Conduct regular accessibility checks to identify and fix issues.
- Use different devices and browsers to ensure compatibility.
Team training :some text
- Train employees on accessibility best practices.
- Offer training on the use of assistive technologies.
Monitor and optimize :some text
- Continuously monitor website accessibility.
- Stay informed about new standards and guidelines.
- Use user feedback to improve.

BFSG implementation in Shopware and Magento

Shopware 6 & 5

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Take advantage of the built-in accessibility features: Shopware offers features such as customizable keyboard navigation, alternative text for images and contrast settings.
Install accessibility plugins: Use third-party plugins for additional enhancements such as screen reader compatibility and WCAG compliance.
Test your Shopware store regularly: Use automated tools and manual tests to fix accessibility issues.

Magento

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Take advantage of built-in accessibility features: Magento offers features such as alternative text for images, keyboard navigation, and contrast settings.
Install accessibility plugins: Various Magento plugins improve screen reader compatibility and WCAG compliance.
Test your Magento store regularly: Conduct regular audits and tests to ensure BFSG compliance.

How Deepware Can Help You

Deepware helps companies achieve BFSG compliance. From accessibility audits to customized solutions for your Shopware or Magento platform, our experts will guide you every step of the way. Contact us to ensure your e-commerce platform is inclusive, compliant and optimized for all users.

Additional tips

Use color contrast checkers : Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker help ensure WCAG-compliant color contrast.
Test your website with different screen readers and browsers : Identify and resolve potential barriers for users with disabilities.
Get feedback from people with disabilities : Use their experiences to improve the accessibility of your website.

Conclusion

By complying with the BFSG and implementing the practical tips outlined in this guide, e-commerce companies can create accessible shopping experiences that benefit everyone. Accessibility is not only a legal obligation, but also a moral imperative. By prioritizing accessibility, companies strengthen their brand reputation, expand their target audience, and contribute to a more inclusive digital world.

A Guide to BFSG Compliance for E-Commerce Companies