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

What does the Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG) mean?    

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

Impact on the retail sector    

1. Websites and mobile apps: Retailers need to adapt their online platforms to meet accessibility requirements. This means making 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. These must be installed in such a way that they meet the requirements of DIN EN 301549:2022-06. This means that the devices must be installed in such a way that they can also be easily operated by people in wheelchairs or with motor impairments. Especially after June 28, 2025, it is important that replacement devices - for example in the event of a defect - also meet these requirements.
3. Self-service terminals: The requirements for self-service kiosks have also increased. Here, it must be ensured that they can also be easily operated by people with sensory or motor impairments. This includes the integration of tactile peripherals so that blind or visually impaired people can use the devices.

Support from the ANKER Group    

For retailers facing the challenge of making their physical point-of-sale (POS) systems barrier-free, the ANKER Group offers valuable support. With over 100 years of experience in the field of POS systems and payment solutions, ANKER has the expertise to support retailers in implementing the new legal requirements.    

• Installation of payment terminals in accordance with DIN EN 301549:2022-06: ANKER offers customized solutions for the correct installation of payment terminals at the point of sale. This ensures that the terminals are installed in such a way that they can also be used safely and conveniently by people with disabilities - an important point that is not only relevant for new installations, but also for replacement devices after the 2025 deadline.
• Self-service terminals with barrier-free operating concepts: ANKER also develops operating concepts for self-service terminals that meet accessibility requirements. This includes the integration of tactile control elements and other peripheral devices that enable intuitive and barrier-free use of the terminals. This ensures that retailers can equip their terminals in accordance with legal requirements.

Challenges for the retail sector    

Adapting to the new legal requirements poses challenges for many retailers:    

• Costs for conversion measures: The adaptation of payment terminals and self-service systems in particular will require investments that are difficult for smaller retailers to afford.
• Time pressure: The remaining time until June 28, 2025 may still seem sufficient, but the extensive measures require early planning and gradual implementation.

Conclusion: support for the retail sector    

Despite the additional burdens that come with the Accessibility Enhancement Act and the European Accessibility Act, retailers must implement the requirements from June 28, 2025. It is clear that these laws have a positive social purpose - to facilitate access to services for people with disabilities. However, implementation remains a challenge for many retailers that is difficult to overcome without external support.    

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

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