Status: June 2025
1. Scope
This statement applies to all websites of the ECE Centers (including the gift card online shop) and related center apps that are published under the domains of ECE Marketplaces GmbH & Co. KG.
2. Compliance status
The center websites and center apps, including the gift card online shop, are partially compliant with the German Accessible Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0) in conjunction with Directive (EU) 2016/2102. The relevant standard is the harmonized European standard EN 301 549 in its current version, which refers to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1, levels A and AA).
3. Creation and update
This statement was created on June 2, 2025 and last updated on June 12, 2025.
4. Accessible content
Center websites / center apps
- Responsive design: Automatically adapts to various devices (desktop, tablet, smartphone on Android/iOS)
- Text scaling: Can be adjusted via keyboard shortcuts or zoom function.
- Screen reader compatibility: Compatible with browser- or app-based screen readers.
- Focus design: Visible keyboard focus on interactive elements.
- Link and button labels: Self-explanatory; no generic “click here” phrases.
- Alt texts: Most images include descriptive alternative text.
- Accessible navigation: Page structure supports linear reading.
- Technical standards: HTML5, CSS3, and accessibility-friendly use of JavaScript; Swift and Kotlin for app development.
Gift card online shop
- Responsive design: Automatically adapts to the screen size of different devices.
- Text scaling: Zooming is possible via keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl/Cmd +/–) or a zoom icon.
- Screen reader compatibility: Content is structured linearly and accessible via screen readers.
- Tab navigation: Interactive elements such as buttons and links can be accessed via keyboard.
- Focus indication: Interactive elements are clearly marked when selected.
- Forms: Accessibility-conscious framework with ARIA roles and mechanisms for screen reader feedback.
- Alt texts: Images include descriptive alternative texts.
- Color contrast: Sufficient contrast for text and buttons.
- Structured reading order: The checkout process is logically structured.
- Heading structure: Headings follow a logical and technical structure to support screen reader navigation.
- Descriptive link and button texts: Purpose and function are clearly conveyed.
5. Partially accessible content
Center websites / center apps
- ARIA roles: Partially implemented; expansion is in preparation.
- Videos: Technically accessible embedding possible; editorial implementation is in progress.
- Image archive: Older image content is being supplemented as needed.
- Forms: Optimized by the editorial team; some backend forms are not yet fully labeled.
Gift card online shop
- Forms: Structured by the editorial team; however, some ARIA labels and accessible error messages are still missing.
These limitations are being addressed as part of ongoing development efforts.
6. Non-accessible content
Center websites / center apps
- Teaser modules and buttons: Inconsistent presentation due to technical limitations; alignment is planned in the next design update.
- Forms: Some fields and error messages are not screen reader compatible or lack ARIA labels.
- PDF documents: Not fully tagged, and therefore not consistently readable by screen readers.
- Location map: This external service is currently not accessible; the provider is working on a solution.
- B2B section: Structure and documents are currently being revised for accessible reuse.
Gift card online shop
- Form error messages: Currently shown visually but not communicated to screen readers (e.g. missing ARIA live regions).
- Balance inquiry: Captcha is currently not accessible.
These limitations are being addressed as part of ongoing development efforts.
7. Planned accessibility improvements (gift card online shop)
The following improvements are planned or already in progress:
- Conversion of PDF documents into accessible, tagged formats
- Integration of live feedback for screen readers during form validation
- Evaluation of accessible captcha alternatives (e.g. server-side validation without user interaction) via the provider
- Transactional emails (e.g. order and shipping confirmations) are currently not fully accessible and will be revised separately.
8. Evaluation methods
- Internal self-assessment based on WCAG 2.1
- Use of technical evaluation tools (e.g. WAVE, Axe, Lighthouse)
- Editorial guidelines for creating accessible content
9. Contact
Please report any accessibility issues or suggestions:
E-mail:[email protected]
Telephone: +49 (0) 40 80 80 100 – 50
Postal address:
ECE Marketplaces GmbH & Co. KG
Heegbarg 30
22391 Hamburg