The introduction of the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) brings with it far-reaching requirements for the retail sector. Starting June 28, 2025, retailers must ensure that their products and services are designed to be accessible. This applies to both digital platforms and physical retail locations, where specific requirements apply to payment terminals and self-service kiosks. These changes require not only technical expertise but also financial and logistical resources, which pose challenges for many retailers.    

What does the Act to Strengthen Accessibility (BFSG) mean?    

The BFSG is the German implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and aims to make products and services more accessible to people with disabilities. This applies to both digital offerings (websites, apps, online stores) and physical components, such as payment terminals or self-service kiosks. Starting June 28, 2025, retailers must ensure that these devices comply with accessibility requirements.    

Impact on the Retail Sector    

1. Websites and mobile apps: Retailers must adapt their online platforms to meet accessibility requirements. This requires technical investments to ensure that all content is accessible to people with disabilities.
2. Payment Terminals: Payment terminals at the point of sale pose a particular challenge. They must be installed in a way that complies with the requirements of DIN EN 301549:2022-06. This means that the devices must be mounted so that they can be easily operated by people in wheelchairs or with motor impairments. It is particularly important after June 28, 2025, that replacement devices—for example, in the event of a malfunction—also meet these requirements.
3. Self-service terminals: The requirements for self-service kiosks have also increased. It must be ensured that these can be operated without difficulty by people with sensory or motor impairments. This includes the integration of tactile peripherals so that blind or visually impaired individuals can use the devices.

Support from the ANKER    

For retailers facing the challenge of making their physical point-of-sale (POS) systems accessible, the ANKER offers valuable support. With over 100 years of experience in point-of-sale systems and payment solutions, ANKER the expertise to help retailers comply with the new legal requirements.    

• Installation of Payment Terminals in Accordance with DIN EN 301549:2022-06: ANKER customized solutions for the proper installation of payment terminals at the point of sale. This ensures that the terminals are installed in such a way that they can be used safely and comfortably even by people with disabilities –  an important consideration not only for new installations but also for replacement devices after the 2025 deadline.
• Self-service terminals with accessible user interfaces: ANKER also ANKER user interfaces for self-service terminals that meet accessibility requirements. This includes the integration of tactile controls and other peripheral devices that enable intuitive and accessible use of the terminals. This ensures that retailers can equip their terminals in accordance with legal requirements.

Challenges for the Retail Industry    

Complying with the new legal requirements poses challenges for many retailers:    

• Costs of retrofitting: In particular, adapting payment terminals and self-service systems will require investments that smaller retailers will find difficult to cover.
• Time constraints: The time remaining until June 28, 2025, may still seem sufficient, but the extensive measures require early planning and phased implementation.

Conclusion: Support for the Retail Sector    

Despite the additional burdens associated with the Accessibility Enhancement Act and the European Accessibility Act, retailers must comply with the requirements starting June 28, 2025. It is clear that these laws serve a positive social purpose—to facilitate access to services for people with disabilities. However, for many retailers, compliance remains a challenge that is difficult to overcome without external support.    

With the ANKER , retailers have an experienced partner at their side to assist them in adapting the accessibility of payment terminals and implementing new user interface concepts for self-service solutions. Companies that act now and prepare thoroughly for the new requirements can ensure that they not only comply with the law but also guarantee accessibility for their customers. As challenging as the implementation may be—this is the inevitable path forward, and with the right support, the transition is achievable.    

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