Accessible labeling is more topical than ever – Companies will soon have to design some of their products and services to be accessible. The legal framework for this in the European Union is the Directive of the European Parliament and Council of 17 April 2019 on accessibility requirements for products and services, also known as the “European Accessibility Act” (EAA).
In Germany, the EAA was implemented in the Act on Strengthening Accessibility (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz – BFSG). It will take effect on 28 June 2025. After that date, all products and services listed in the law must be accessible.
By summer 2022, there will be a legislative decree detailing the specific accessibility requirements. Companies will have to make the following products accessible:
- Computers, notebooks, tablets, smartphones, mobile phones
- Cash machines, driving licenses and check-in systems
- TVs with internet access
- E-book readers
- Routers
NaviLens as a barcode solution for the visually impaired and blind
Visually impaired and blind people are hardly capable of reading the tiny writing on product packaging that contains information on allergens or best-by dates.
The alternative NaviLens solution has existed for some time. Unlike other printed codes, it consists of high-contrast colourful squares on a black background. Users don’t need to be able to locate the code to scan it. Smartphones can find the code on packaging from 3 metres away when they are pointed at the product. The information on ingredients, allergens, or recycling can be read aloud to customers, or they can also use accessibility tools on the smartphone to read the information.
Tactile Braille marking as an alternative for the blind
Tactile Braille marking is another option. The Braille alphabet is written with 6 dots arranged in 2 neighbouring vertical rows of 3 dots each. It has been legally required on drugs packaging since 1 September 2006. 
Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament as part of European law of medicinal products mandates tactile drug marking in Braille on folding cartons.
Raised elements such as Braille dots can be created on adhesive labels using screen printing or offset printing.
Special labels with tactile marking
Special labels stick to difficult surfaces, stay put in tough environments and have special features such as tactile marking. Weber Marking Systems offers a wide variety of materials and adhesives with special safety features and properties.
Order our free sample packs:
