Fiscalization

Fiscalization is a system designed to avoid retailer fraud in the retail sector. It involves using special cash registers or software to accurately report sales, helping prevent tax evasion. Fiscalization laws about cash registers have been introduced in various countries to control the grey economy by ensuring that all retail transactions are properly recorded and taxed, thereby reducing the possibility of fraud.

Fiscalization law mostly covers:

• how the electronic cash register should work (functions),
• how the related retail processes should be designed,
• which data should be saved and how,
• which reports for the authorities should be created,
• how and when should reporting be done

Fiscalization is, in many cases, linked to other laws, such as laws related to accounting, taxation, consumer protection, data protection and privacy.

It's common for fiscalization law to be confused with fiscal law. Fiscal law and fiscalization are different things in finance and taxes. Fiscal law is about the rules a government makes for handling its money and taxes. This includes how to collect taxes and manage spending. Fiscalization is more specific, focusing on how to stop tax evasion, especially in retail.

Basic philosophy

In case of fiscalization laws, every government is basically following the same philosophy:

• the tax-related data of every transaction should be stored safely in a manner in which data manipulation is not possible after the transaction is closed
• reporting to the tax authority about stored tax related data should be possible any time and without any data manipulation

Based on this philosophy, different governments are defining different regulations that must be implemented in the different areas of the retailer's environment.

For example, fiscal law in Portugal is specifying that VAT-related data are regularly sent to the authority. Based on the data most implementations are done in the ERP system of the retailer (in the Back Office/Accounting). On the other side countries like Serbia have fiscal laws which force the usage of the fiscal printer. The fiscal printer stores the VAT-related data and sends it to the fiscal authority via an included special network device. This kind of fiscalization is mostly implemented in the cash register application.

In some other countries (e.g. Austria), the transaction data must be signed by a special signature device and the data has to be saved in a special journal database. Typically, these kind of fiscal laws are implemented in the POS application and in the back office.

History

Fiscalization, along with VAT, was introduced to fight against the grey economy. The first country to introduce fiscal law in regards to the use of specific fiscal devices was Italy, and second one was Greece. Italy introduced this fiscal law in 1983. Introducing fiscal law—particularly about cash registers—came from the need to avoid retailer's frauds. According to fiscal law, an appropriate fiscal receipt has to be printed and given to the customer.

Challenges of modern retailing in the fiscal context

Different aspects of fiscalization are creating big challenges

The implementation of the fiscal laws in a particular country is already by itself a complex issue. But if we put it in the context of the modern retailing then it becomes an even more demanding and challenging topic.

As of today, modern retailing means that:

• Retail concepts are mixed. One retailer has several different store formats. Every format has some or even many different retail processes and every retail process can be influenced by the fiscal law
• Many different payment methods are used (e.g. paper money, credit cards, vouchers), each of which are usually treated differently by the fiscal law.
• Multichannel retailing is all around. Transactions can be created anytime, anywhere and mostly with different systems (e.g. POS systems, retailer websites, mobile apps).
• Marketing campaigns are very complex. To attract the customer, retailers are getting very creative. They are creating complex promotions with complex discounts. They are, in many cases, strongly influenced by the fiscal law.
• Retailers are becoming more international. At the same time, they are unifying their processes and technology. Yet the fiscal law by country is forcing the usage of certain technologies.

Technical approaches of fiscalization

The technical implementation of the fiscal law always follows one or more of the following technical aspects:

• hardware-based fiscal implementation
• software-based fiscal implementation
• special fiscal requirements with different implementations

In addition, the technical implementation itself is also forced by the fiscal law.

Hardware-based fiscal implementation

Some fiscal laws define the use of special hardware devices.

These are usually:

• fiscal printers – receipt printers with special fiscal memory where fiscal data is stored
• fiscal communication modules – devices that are used to send fiscal data to the fiscal authority
• fiscal memory boards – circuit boards that can be included in or connected to the POS, ECR, or printer
• signature devices – devices that produce digital signatures which are used to secure the fiscal transaction

Most of the fiscal countries in the world today are following the path of hardware-based implementation.

Software-based fiscal implementation

This can be a more modern way of implementing the law.

The background is that the law defines how something has to be done but not which device should be used. This model is more liberal, and it can be expected that in the near future more countries will follow this approach.

Today, there are several different scenarios:

• send each transaction to the fiscal authority in real-time, to get a digital signature from the authority and to include it in the transaction.
• store every transaction in the database where every entry has a sequence number and a digital signature
• save data in a special format in special fiscal journal (database)
• digitally sign every transaction by a special algorithm

Special fiscal requirements

In some cases, in addition to these technical implementations, there are some additional technical approaches. They are mostly related to:

• data security and protection
• archiving
• reporting
• special business processes (mostly in specialized retailing e.g. petrol stations)

Sources of information

All legal systems deal with the same basic issues, but jurisdictions categorize and identify their legal topics in different ways. This means that legal systems differ between countries. Not every country has fiscal laws, and not all countries are fiscal.

Tax law involves regulations that concern value-added tax, corporate tax, and income tax. For example, tax laws in some countries may contain fiscal requirements. It depends on the specific country laws, the organization of the countries, and the distribution of responsibilities.

Fiscalization is mandatory in fiscal countries and every company that works with fiscal devices (retailers, suppliers of POS software) is obliged to fiscalize due to the impact on business elements (sales transactions, sales of diplomats, invoice, discounts, payment correction ...).

Fiscal laws change sometimes, so oversight is needed, which is hard because sources vary from country to country. Different institutions are in charge of fiscalization and how the procedure will look like. Problems with obtaining information often are:

• Different languages and speech areas that can create misunderstandings,
• A culture that is nurtured and differs from country to country,
• Not knowing where to look and who is a responsible person, because authorities in each country have differently distributed responsibilities.

Some of the sources that may help are Tax administration offices of the specific countries, different Ministries responsible for fiscalization aspects in-country, consulting fiscal companies, local layers, or some other relevant sources of information (such as fiscal portal).

Fiscalization law by country

Every country has its own laws, so it is the same as fiscal laws. The main challenge is to find a source of information and official documents.

Country	Type	Description
Albania	Software	The new fiscal law is in force since 2019. The usage of a certified software solution that supports real-time communication with the tax authorities is mandatory. Receipts must be issued to the customers and they must include the mandatory elements, as prescribed by the law.
Austria	Hardware/Software	At the beginning of 2016, Austria which introduced a new fiscal law introduced the use of a Fiscal Journal (FJ). A Fiscal Journal should be saved at each POS system, in a central database, or in the cloud. The Fiscal Journal, according to Austrian fiscal law has to be written in real-time (at the same time when receipt is created). In 2017 an obligation to use a security device to digitally sign every transaction was added.
Belgium	Hardware/Software	Belgium's fiscalization system applies to the HoReCa sector, requiring businesses with on-premise sales above EUR 25,000 to use the certified GKS system, which includes a POS system, a Fiscal Data Module (FDM) for secure transaction storage, and a Virtual Smart Card (VSC). Currently, transaction data is stored locally in the FDM and inspected on-site, but with GKS 2.0, real-time data transfer to FPS Finance will be introduced, along with QR codes, e-receipts, and improved transaction speed. Certification remains mandatory for all fiscal devices, and under GKS 2.0, transaction data will be stored in the FPS Finance Cloud, reducing the need for on-site inspections.
Bulgaria	Hardware	In 2018, new fiscal law has been presented, introducing new regulation related to the fiscal devices. Some of the important new requirements are: USN number generated by POS software at the beginning of the transaction, use of QR code on the receipt layout, special voucher handling, special rules for e-shops, etc. There are also some important issues related to the certification process itself.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Hardware	According to the fiscal law of the country, each retail store is obliged to record every single transaction over fiscal devices. Communication with the tax Authority occurs via GPRS.
Croatia	Software	fiscalization which includes the stipulation that fiscally relevant transactions have to be sent to the fiscal authority through the internet for authorization.
Czech Republic	Non-fiscal	The fiscalization in Czech Republic used to be software-based and included those fiscal relevant transactions had to be sent to the fiscal authority through the Internet to be authorized. This system entered into force in December 2016, was later suspended in 2020 due to pandemic, and was finally cancelled in 2023.
Denmark	Software	Denmark's software-based fiscalization system, introduced in 2019, mandates digital sales registration and compliance for specific industries without requiring real-time transaction reporting to tax authorities. From January 1, 2025, businesses using unregistered ERP systems must ensure their transaction data can be exported in SAF-T format, while all fiscalized businesses must maintain an electronic journal (EJ) for transaction storage. The Danish Tax Administration (SKAT) enforces compliance through audits, imposing fines starting at DKK 10,000 (EUR 1,300) for non-compliance, ensuring secure transaction recording without mandatory certification.
France	Software	POS software used by retailers is subject to certification. There are some legally defined requirements when it comes to important functionalities of the cash register system. There are four basic conditions as the main goals of the set requirements which are: inalterability, security, storage, archiving. The certification is done by accredited certification bodies and there is also an option of self-certification.
Germany	Hardware/Software	The introduction of the fiscalization system started in 2016, while the system took its current shape at the beginning of 2020.
Greece	Hardware	Greece has implemented fiscalization since 1988, continuously updating regulations to integrate new technologies, including the mandatory QR code on receipts (2021) and real-time data reporting to the myDATA platform. Between 2023 and 2024, businesses were required to interconnect card payments with fiscal receipts and use certified fiscal devices, which store transaction data, maintain an electronic journal, and communicate with tax authorities in real time. From 2024, all transactions must be reported instantly to Greek tax authorities, with non-compliance leading to fines and legal consequences.
Hungary	Hardware	Fiscal regulation is conceptualized on fiscal device usage. However, the whole fiscal solution including the fiscal printer and the POS application must be certified by the authorities. Strict handling of integration of the POS software with the printer (error handling, mandatory functionalities) is also included in the requirements defined by the law.
Italy	Hardware	Fiscal Law in Italy is introduced to prevent any fraud by data changing and for automatic delivery of fiscal data. The usage of RT printer or RT server is mandatory and RT printer and RT server communicates with Tax authority.
Lithuania	Hardware	Lithuania's hardware-based fiscalization system, introduced in January 2023, enhances security by requiring cryptographic signing of receipts and certified POS systems with secure modules. While transaction data is transmitted periodically rather than in real-time, businesses must adopt either Secure Module Cash Registers (offline storage) or Virtual Module Cash Registers (online reporting). Full compliance with upgraded fiscal devices is mandatory for all taxpayers by July 2025 to ensure improved security and tax transparency.
Montenegro	Software	The new fiscal law is in force since 2019. The usage of an electronic cash register (ENU) that enables real-time communication with the tax authorities, through the fiscal server, is mandatory. This fiscalization system requires several registration processes to be conducted.
Norway	Software	Norway's fiscal regulations for cash register systems, fully enforced since January 1, 2019, mandate accurate recording and electronic documentation of all cash sales through a software-based fiscalization model to enhance tax compliance. The Cash Register System Act defines POS system requirements, prohibits certain functions, and requires system providers to submit a conformity declaration before selling or leasing a system. Key obligations include digital signing of transactions, SAF-T format data exports, daily Z-reports, mandatory POS printers, and compliance oversight by the Directorate of Taxes.
Poland	Hardware	From 2019, Poland is introducing a new type of fiscalization which implies that fiscal relevant transactions have to be sent to the fiscal authority through Internet for authorization. Accordingly, major novelty is the introduction of the on-line cash registers.
Portugal	Software	The fiscalization system in Portugal is software-based systems, there are no predefined types of hardware components. Some kind of a printer should always be available for operation. The POS application used by the taxpayer must be certified by the General Directorate for Taxation of Portugal and the communication with the authorities is a must in Portugal.
Republic of Srpska	Hardware/Software	The 2024 fiscal law modernizes the fiscalization system, aligning it closely with Serbia’s framework by introducing electronic fiscal devices. Businesses must use certified POS applications and register through the Tax Authority (TA) portal, with real-time transaction reporting and mandatory internet connectivity for data transmission. Key features include QR-coded receipts, offline mode limited to five days, and strict certification requirements for POS software and Local PFR devices, ensuring enhanced tax compliance and digital security.
Romania	Hardware	The last change of the Fiscal law regulation dates from November 2017. According to the fiscal legislative, communication and data exchange with ANAF, done by fiscal printer, is even more specifically defined. At the moment, in practise, there is still no automatic communication with ANAF.
Serbia	Software	The new fiscal law is in force since 2022. The usage of a certified software solution that supports real-time communication with the tax authorities is mandatory. The use of four main fiscalization elements (ESIR, PFR, BE, SUF) is required.
Slovakia	Hardware	New fiscal law in Slovak Republic, as a concept of an online subtype of fiscalization, Has been introduced in 2019. The new type of fiscalization system introduced the obligation for every cash register to be connected to the tax authority.
Slovenia	Software	According to fiscal law, it is required to communicate all transactions paid with cash or cash-like payment media with the Tax Authority via the internet. Slovenia adopted this type of fiscal law at the beginning of 2016, and it is very similar to Croatian law.
Turkey	Hardware/Software	Turkey's fiscalization system integrates certified hardware and software, requiring online communication with the Tax Authority (GIB). Since 2018, New Generation Cash Registers (YN OKC) have been mandatory, with options like all-in-one devices for small taxpayers, fiscal printers for POS integration, and software-based e-invoicing for high-revenue businesses. The 2022 E-Document System enables full digital fiscalization, replacing cash registers if requirements are met, while certification remains mandatory but exclusive to Turkish companies.

Albania

Albania (AL) uses the Albanian Lek (ALL) and operates an online fiscalization system, ensuring real-time transaction reporting to tax authorities. Businesses must register via the central billing platform at least 24 hours before opening. POS applications must be certified, but no specific hardware is required. Receipts must be issued through certified software (application, integrated system, or cloud-based) with digital certificates for transaction signing. Fiscalization requires official certificates, registered software, and a unique software solution code from NAIS. Cash-handling businesses must register a daily cash deposit, except those operating solely with cashless transactions or web shops. Key fiscal data includes the Fiscal Receipt Number, Receipt Issuer Security Number, Unique ID Code, and Operator Code. Required fiscal transactions include sales, returns, advance payments, simplified invoices, and summary invoices, ensuring VAT compliance through real-time reporting.

Austria

Austrian parliament approved a new fiscalization model which came into force January 1, 2016. This was the first part of fiscalization, which includes the creation of a Fiscal Journal (FJ) which has to be saved at each POS, central database or in the cloud. The second part of the new fiscal law is the digital signature of every cash receipt, which was implemented on April 1, 2017. Austrian fiscal regulation is based on two concepts. The first concept relates to the usage of a digital signature device for every issued receipt and the second relates to a "closed system" in which an independent audit of company processes and organization is needed. "Closed system" refers to the company that has more than 30 cash registers. But there is one difference between these two concepts - usage of a digital signature device and registration of each POS at a fiscal authority is not mandatory in a "closed system". Advantages of a "closed system" are therefore: signature device, digital certificate and POS registration at the Authority, are not needed. Furthermore, fiscal law in Austria requires that every POS has a unique identification number, and every POS has to keep transaction total counters (created by Adding up every cash turnover to the previous one and encoding that data with AES 256 algorithm). Based on tax relevant information from transaction, the POS has to create a barcode, QR Code or OCR code on the receipt. At the end of each year, the special fiscal receipt has to be printed, saved and sent to the authority and every retailer has to keep it for seven years.

Belgium

Belgium’s fiscalization system applies to the HoReCa sector, requiring businesses with on-premise sales above EUR 25,000 to use a fiscalized cash register system (GKS). Retail businesses are not subject to fiscalization.

The GKS system consists of a certified POS system, a Fiscal Data Module (FDM) for secure transaction storage, and a Virtual Smart Card (VSC), which will be removed in GKS 2.0. Transaction data is stored locally in the FDM and inspected on-site, as Belgium does not require real-time reporting to tax authorities. All fiscal devices, data modules, and POS systems must be certified, and manufacturers/importers must be registered with FPS Finance.

Fiscal Documents Generated:

• Receipts: Sales, return, advance payment, proforma, training
• Reports: Z-Day (end of day), X-Day (mid-day)

The GKS 2.0 system will introduce real-time data transfer to FPS Finance, eliminate the VSC, implement QR codes and e-receipts, and improve transaction speed. Certification remains mandatory for cash registers, POS systems, and FDMs. With GKS 2.0, transaction data will be stored in the FPS Finance Cloud, reducing the need for on-site inspections.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The fiscal system in FBIH, established in 2011, remains hardware-based, relying on fiscal printers, cash registers (ECRs), and communication terminals. However, a major reform is underway with the Draft Law on Fiscalization of Financial Transactions, introduced in 2024 and expected to be enacted by mid-2025.

The key change introduced in the draft law is the Centralized Fiscal Platform, a government-managed system for fiscal data. Additionally, the system will transition from hardware-based fiscalization to Electronic Fiscal Systems (EFS), allowing businesses to adopt modern digital solutions. The introduction of electronic invoicing (e-invoices) aims to further streamline financial transactions.

Other important updates include new receipt and invoice requirements, such as mandatory QR codes and standardized formats to enhance data exchange. The scope of compliance is also expanding, requiring more businesses and sales channels to adhere to fiscalization regulations.

The law is currently under parliamentary review and is expected to take effect by May or June 2025. Compliance deadlines will be determined once the law is officially enacted. This reform aims to modernize tax compliance, enhance efficiency, and streamline financial transactions in FBIH.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria employs an online hardware-based fiscalization system centered around fiscal printers equipped with Tax Terminals for real-time data transmission to tax authorities. Fiscalization is mandatory for all sales of goods and services, with a few exceptions.

Key Aspects of Bulgarian Fiscalization:

• Data Flow: Fiscal printers send transaction data in XML format every 5 minutes; tax authorities must respond within 60 seconds.
• Device Certification: Fiscal printers require homologation by the Bulgarian Metrology Institute; EU-approved devices are pre-certified.
• POS Software: Certification is not mandatory, but SUPTO POS software requires a special declaration.
• Receipts: All fiscal receipts must include a USN number and QR code.
• E-commerce: Online sales have specific fiscalization rules.
• Infrastructure: A SIM card is required for tax communication.

Bulgaria anticipates the adoption of the Euro in 2026, potentially affecting fiscalization rules. Retailers must comply with sales registration, fiscal receipt issuance, and periodic reporting, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.

Croatia

The fiscalization system requires that all transactions paid with cash or cash-like payment media have to be sent to the Tax Authority via the internet for authorization. There is two-way real-time communication between the taxpayer and the tax authority.

The fiscal law in the Republic of Croatia, as a concept of controlling businesses and their turnover, became a reality on January 1, 2013. Although Italy was the first country to introduce a law for the use of specific fiscal devices fiscal devices (which happened in 1983), Croatia is one of the first countries in the world with a type of fiscalization that requires fiscal-relevant transactions to be sent to the Fiscal Authority, that is, Tax Authority, via the Internet for authorization. Implementation of the new type of fiscalization in Croatia was done in a very short period of time. The technical specification was prepared in October 2012, and the new law was implemented only three months later. Software manufacturers were not very optimistic about this new fiscalization concept, especially because of the short period of time for implementation. Regardless, the new fiscal law was officially implemented on January 1, 2013.

According to the law:

1. Each receipt has to be printed;
2. Each receipt has to be sent to the Tax Authority;
3. Communication is done via an Internet connection;
4. The tax authority server returns data such as amounts, income taxes, unique cashier number (OIB), and payment information.

Czech Republic

The fiscalization system in Czech Republic used to require that all transactions paid with cash or cash-like payment media be sent to the Tax Authority via the internet for authorization. This system was introduced in December 2016 but was alter suspended in 2020 due to pandemic. During this suspension period, Czech government concluded that this system in no longer serving its purpose, and thus decided to cancel it in 2023. Therefore, from January 1, 2023, taxpayers are no longer obliged to send sales data to tax Authority for authorization. Moreover, the EET Portal is completely abolished.

Denmark

Denmark has a software-based fiscalization system that applies to specific businesses. Unlike other countries, Denmark does not require real-time transaction reporting to tax authorities but focuses on digital sales registration and internal compliance.

The system was introduced in 2019, with mandatory adoption for certain industries starting January 1, 2024. From January 1, 2025, businesses using unregistered ERP systems must ensure their data can be exported in SAF-T format.

Businesses subject to fiscalization must maintain an electronic journal (EJ) where all transactions are stored in SAF-T format. POS systems must print receipts, handle various payment methods, and digitally sign transactions using an OCES certificate issued by the Agency for Digital Government.

The Danish Tax Administration (SKAT) conducts audits, and non-compliance results in fines starting at DKK 10,000 (EUR 1,300), with higher penalties for repeated violations. Denmark’s system ensures secure transaction recording without requiring certification or real-time reporting, but businesses must ensure compliance to avoid penalties.

France

Fiscal law in France is introduced to prevent any kind of fraud, for example changing the data and software modification. The fiscalization requirements are centered around the certification process, signing and sequencing of transaction data, keeping transaction totals, fiscal reports and specific storing and backup of transaction data. There are 2 certification models:

1. Certification by two agencies authorized for certification by the tax authority: Infocert and LNE
2. self-certification

While self-certification is cheaper and does not rely on external factor, certification by accredited agencies provides a higher level of confidence in fulfillment of legal requirements with detailed instructions and support for retailers and POS providers.

Furthermore, all transactions, such as receipts, invoices, orders, daily, monthly and annual reports, as well as, technical event log (JET) must be signed with electronic signature. That means that it is really hard to make some changes of transactions. To change one transaction, you would have to change previous one, and one before that and so on. All transactions are sequenced and chained per transaction type which creates 6 distinct transaction chains. As a result, specific system functions and operations – operations such as log in, log out, reset, error that must be recorded in technical event log – JET, if implemented.

Transactions are saved, signed, chained and logged in the technical event log in real time. Also, there are periodical reports – daily, monthly and yearly with grand totals. For example, the grand perpetual total is never reset and it starts incrementing transaction values from the moment the POS is used for the first time. It saves transaction values in two increments absolute and total value.

The transaction data saved in the system has to be archived on external memory at least once a year.

Ghana

Ghana’s fiscalization system, known as E-VAT, applies to all VAT-registered taxpayers and operates through a real-time online software platform. Every transaction is instantly reported to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), ensuring transparency and compliance. There are no specific hardware requirements, but POS systems must be certified and integrated with GRA’s system.

Key Aspects of Fiscalization:

• Legislation: Based on the VAT Act (Act No.870) and amendments, including the VAT (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act 1072) and Act 2022 (Act 1082).
• Implementation Schedule:
  • Large taxpayers: October 2022 – Q1 2023
  • Medium taxpayers: Early 2023 – end of 2023
  • Small taxpayers: Second half of 2023 – end of 2024
• Communication with GRA: Real-time online data transfer; businesses can issue receipts offline for up to 24 hours before automatic syncing.
• E-VAT Implementation Solutions:
  1. Free solution for businesses without an invoicing system.
  2. ERP/POS system integration via API.
  3. Third-party certified software for invoicing.

Fiscal receipts include a digital signature, QR code, timestamp, and unique serial number for security. VAT rates include 15% (standard), 3% (special VAT scheme), and 0% (exempt or zero-rated transactions). Full fiscalization is expected by end of 2024.

Germany

The initial step towards ensuring the stability of the cash register data was the law on the protection against manipulation of digital basic records (so-called "Kassengesetz"), which was introduced at the end of 2016. Subsequently, several changes in the law, which additionally regulate the complete fiscal environment, followed:

1. regulation from 01.01.2017. - all transaction data have to be saved complete, in chronological order, unchanged (original values) and in such a way that later manipulation of the data is not possible,
2. new audit rules from 01.01.2018.
3. rule to use a 'Technical Security System' (in German: Technische Sicherheitseinrichtung, TSE). Usage of a TSS is mandatory for every retailer from 31.12.2022.

All fiscalization regulation adopted since 2016 played a role in shaping the current fiscalization system, and retailers have to abide by them.

On January 1, 2020, a rule that every POS system has to be integrated with a TSS was introduced, with gradual integration period. Every POS and accompanying TSS have to be registered with the tax authority. The structure, functions, and security attributes of a TSS were defined by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). The TSS consists of:

1. Security module
2. Secured memory
3. Interface (SE API)

The main functionality of the TSS is the signing of transaction data in order to prevent any subsequent manipulation of the data. Each transaction and each signature must be numbered in unbroken sequence. For verification purposes, the signature is to be included in each receipt (the signature can be printed on the receipt or incorporated into a QR code). All signatures are also stored and have to be made available to tax auditors.

Greece

Greece has a long history of fiscalization, dating back to 1988, with continuous updates to adapt to new technologies. The latest fiscal law, established in 2012, has undergone several amendments, including the mandatory QR code on receipts (2021) and real-time fiscal data reporting to the myDATA platform.

A key shift occurred between 2023 and 2024, introducing mandatory interconnection of card payments with fiscal receipts. Businesses must use certified fiscal printers or electronic cash registers (ECRs) to issue and report receipts. These devices must store transaction data, maintain an electronic journal, and communicate with tax authorities in real time.

The myDATA platform ensures compliance by monitoring retail sales transactions. Businesses must report key transaction details, including VAT rates and total values. Certification of fiscal devices is required, with approvals managed by the Ministry of Finance.

From 2024, all transactions must be reported in real-time to Greek tax authorities. Non-compliance leads to fines and legal consequences, making adherence to fiscal regulations crucial for businesses.

Hungary

Hungary employs a hardware-based fiscalization system (HW) that mandates real-time transaction reporting to tax authorities. Businesses must register with the Hungarian Tax and Customs Office (NAV) and use certified fiscal devices that ensure compliance through strict integration with POS systems. Fiscal devices print receipts while simultaneously transmitting data via a GSM network to the authorities.

Hungary introduced fiscalization in 1999, with major updates over the years. The Online Cash Register (OPG System) was introduced in 2014 for retail and hospitality, extending to service providers in 2016. Looking ahead, new e-Cash registers (ePG) will be rolled out between 2025 and 2028, enhancing digital receipt issuance and integrating cloud-based solutions.

Current Fiscal Devices

Hungary’s fiscal devices are strictly hardware-based, ensuring secure tax reporting. Two main types of fiscal devices are in use:

• Fiscal Printer with POS System – Integrated into retail setups, providing seamless transaction recording.
• Standalone Cash Register (All-in-One Device) – Self-contained units combining the register and fiscal printer.

These devices include components such as fiscal memory, electronic journals, monitoring units (AEE), and customer displays. Compliance requires real-time data transfer to NAV and proper document storage.

The Future: e-Cash Registers

Between 2025 and 2028, Hungary plans to introduce e-Cash registers (ePG), modernizing fiscalization with enhanced features:

• Electronic receipts for paperless transactions.
• Multiple payment method support, including EUR and HUF.
• Loyalty program integration for business flexibility.
• Hybrid models: hardware-based (OPG+), cloud-based solutions, and mobile applications.

These advancements will streamline operations for businesses while strengthening tax compliance. Certification remains mandatory, ensuring seamless integration between POS systems and fiscal devices in the evolving Hungarian fiscal landscape.

Italy

The fisalization system in Italy is a hardware-based-fiscal device that is used. We can use 2 fiscal devices: an RT printer and an RT server. One of the major fiscalization requirements of the Italian fiscalization is sending fiscal data to the Tax Authority from daily sales, and it is done at the end of the day. The benefits of RT fiscal printer in Italy are reducing controls by tax authorities, reducing the time frame for keeping mandatory documentation, and simplifying delivery of data to the Tax Authority. When using the "Registratore Telematico"-fiscal printer, fiscal data is automatically submitted to the Tax Authority every day via the Telematico device integrated into the RT fiscal printer. That data can not be manipulated (due to fiscal memory) and the data about daily sales is sent once a day with complete information. The RT server represents a data collector, used in the case of at least one connected POS per store, and performs fiscalization requirements.

Lithuania

Lithuania has transitioned to a hardware-based fiscalization system with enhanced security, effective from January 1, 2023, and mandatory for all taxpayers by May 2025.

Key Features of the New System

• Security Module & Encryption: Replacing fiscal memory blocks, the new system cryptographically signs every receipt.
• Communication with Tax Authority: Data is transmitted periodically, not in real-time.
• Certification: POS systems and cryptographic devices must be certified as a single unit.
• Fiscal Devices:
  • Secure Module Cash Registers: Store and sign transactions without requiring internet access.
  • Virtual Module Cash Registers: Send data online but are less suited for large retailers.
• Supported Documents: Fiscal receipts, invoices, return transactions, daily/monthly reports.

By July 2025, all taxpayers must comply with upgraded fiscal devices, ensuring improved security and tax compliance.

Montenegro

Montenegro's fiscalization system operates on an online model, ensuring real-time communication with the Tax Authority. Store registration is mandatory, and all transactions must be reported online. No fiscal device certification is required, but POS software must be registered. Receipts are issued via standard or mobile POS systems, digitally signed using official certificates from CoreIT or Montenegro Post, valid for up to five years. Key fiscal data elements include the Fiscal Receipt Number, Unique Receipt ID, ID Code, and Operator Code. Businesses must register their software and integrate the Tax Authority-issued unique ID into the POS system. Only companies officially registered in Montenegro can obtain the required certificates.

Norway

Norway's fiscal regulations for cash register systems took effect on January 1, 2017, with full enforcement from January 1, 2019. These regulations focus on accurate recording and reporting of cash transactions through a software-based fiscalization model. All cash sales must be registered at the point of sale (POS) and documented electronically to enhance tax compliance and minimize tax evasion.

The Cash Register System Act defines mandatory POS features, prohibits specific functions, and requires compliance oversight by the Directorate of Taxes. System providers must submit a conformity declaration before selling or leasing a system, ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Key requirements:

• Digital Signing: Transactions must be digitally signed and stored in an Electronic Journal (EJ) for audits.
• Electronic Journal (EJ) Export: Data must be available in SAF-T format per store, terminal, or network.
• Daily Reporting: Retailers must generate Z-reports summarizing daily transactions.
• POS Printer: Each POS must have a functioning printer for proper documentation.
• Conformity Declarations: Suppliers must notify tax authorities of any non-compliance.

The regulations balance compliance with system flexibility, ensuring transparency and accountability in Norway’s retail sector.

Poland

Poland’s fiscalization system relies on hardware-based online solutions ensuring real-time transaction reporting to the Tax Authority. The country employs four types of fiscal devices: fiscal printers, electronic cash registers, online cash registers, and virtual cash registers (for specific taxpayers). Since 2018, Poland has mandated an online connection for fiscal devices, phasing out traditional models. Industry-specific deadlines were set for adopting online cash registers: repair services and fuel sales (2020), food services and solid fuel sales (2020-2021), and hairdressing, cosmetics, legal, and medical services (2021). Devices must feature fiscal memory, customer display, secure online data transmission, and QR code printing. Homologation is required for fiscal printers, with re-homologation ensuring compliance. Businesses must issue fiscal receipts, invoices, daily Z reports, and periodic reports. Poland’s system prioritizes transparency and efficiency, enhancing compliance and streamlining fiscal operations.

Portugal

Portugal has the software-based fiscalization system, which means that it is mainly focused on the characteristics of the POS application and demands regarding functions of the POS program such as security mechanisms, inalterability standards for the created fiscal data and so on. There are no predefined types of hardware components which would be obligatory for usage and e-receipts are possible, but there must be a possibility to print fiscal receipts. This system includes some formal check-ups of the software. The POS application used by the taxpayer must be certified by the General Directorate for Taxation of Portugal. The certification procedure can include conformity tests, but it is recognized in practice that it is usually not a complex and long procedure. There are 3 ways in which it is possible to provide fiscal data to the authorities, as the communication with the authorities is a must in Portugal.

Obligatory elements of a receipt:

1. A code which must be always included in the content of particular transactions (combined of 3 parts, where the first one is an extract of the digital signature of the concrete transaction in question)

Republic of Srpska

The new fiscal law, effective 2024, modernizes the fiscalization system, closely mirroring Serbia’s framework.

Key Changes and Features

• Transition to Electronic Fiscal Devices:
  • Mandatory components: PFR (Local or Virtual), ESIR, Secure Element
  • Some businesses may use software-only solutions if they meet conditions.
• Real-Time Transaction Reporting:
  • Transactions must be reported immediately to the Tax Authority (TA).
  • Stores must be registered via the TA portal, and POS applications require certification.
• Role of the Operator of the Fiscal System (OFS):
  • The only authorized entity to certify L-PFR devices.
  • Issues Secure Elements and ensures businesses comply with fiscalization.

Additional Requirements

• Receipts: Must include QR codes and PFR numbers.
• Internet Connection: Required for data transmission to the Tax Authority.
• Offline Mode:
  • Allowed for up to 5 days with an L-PFR smart card and digital certificate.
  • Manual receipts are prohibited.

Certification

• POS applications (ESIR) and L-PFR must undergo certification.
• Recertification is needed for software updates or modifications.

This new system enhances tax compliance through real-time reporting, digital security, and streamlined certification processes.

Romania

Romania's fiscalization system is hardware-based, requiring certified fiscal printers that transmit transaction data to the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF). Initially established in 1999, fiscal regulations saw major updates in 2017 and 2020, with mandatory online data transmission. From September 2025, QR codes must be included on fiscal receipts.

Businesses accepting card payments are no longer required to print fiscal receipts, though they remain an option. The system includes fiscal printers with components such as fiscal memory, an electronic journal (EJ), and a data communication module. Certified fiscal printers must be connected to both the POS system and ANAF.

Key aspects:

• Required devices: Fiscal printer, customer display, and printer-attached keyboard (for certified setups).
• Offline operations: A grace period is allowed for failed connections, requiring manual data uploads.
• Receipts: Various receipt types exist, with refunds processed manually.
• Certification: Mandatory for all fiscal solutions, conducted by the ICI Institute, valid for five years.
• Data storage: Backups required; EJ data must be stored for 10 years.

Serbia

Switching from a 2004 hardware-based fiscalization system that required no certification of the software application, Serbia introduced a new software-based fiscalization system by enforcing the new Law on Fiscalization in January 2022. The new fiscalization system requires all transactions to be delivered to the tax authorities in real-time, via a certified software solution. It also introduces four main elements of the fiscalization system that are integral to capturing transaction data, fiscalizing and signing the receipts, verifying the fiscal data, and issuing the receipts to the customers.

The certification process is quite complex, requiring a significant number of:

• Documents to be gathered
• Software functionalities to be fulfilled (through a self-assessment questionnaire)
• Mandatory elements to be included on a receipt

Slovakia

Slovakia enforces an online fiscalization system, requiring real-time transaction reporting to the tax authorities. Businesses must register their fiscal devices, with certification required for POS-based solutions using Protected Data Storage (PDS), unless paired with a homologated fiscal device.

E-kasa System

Slovakia’s official electronic cash register system, E-kasa, ensures compliance through different cash register types:

• Electronic Cash Register (ECR): Standalone device for transactions.
• POS with Fiscal Printer: A POS system paired with a fiscal printer.
• Online Cash Register: A software-hardware system linked to E-kasa.
• Virtual Cash Register: A mobile/web-based service by the Financial Directorate.

Protected Data Storage & Receipt Elements

Protected Data Storage (PDS) ensures secure transaction logging. Key receipt elements include:

• PKP (Signature Code): Required for office receipts.
• OKP (Verification Code): A hash of the PKP.
• UDI (Unique Receipt Identifier): Assigned by the tax authorities.
• QR Code: Enables easy tax verification.

Certification is mandatory for POS applications and PDS, ensuring compliance with Slovak fiscal law. Businesses can select suitable fiscal devices while maintaining online connectivity with tax authorities.

Slovenia

Slovenia employs an online fiscalization system requiring all taxpayers to register and transmit transaction data to tax authorities in real time. Businesses must issue receipts via a compliant Point of Sale (POS) system or mobile device, which must support digital certificates for transaction signing and maintain an internet connection for authorization.

Key identifiers in the fiscalization process include:

• RS (Receipt ID): A company-generated unique identifier.
• ZOI (Protection ID): Another company-generated identifier ensuring security.
• EOR (Unique Receipt Identifier): Issued by fiscal authorities during authorization.

Receipts must include the cashier’s signature and the business's tax number. Official certificates are mandatory for transaction signing, and only registered businesses can obtain them. Both demo and production certificates are available for testing and implementation.

Fiscalization is regulated by laws such as the Tax Certification of Invoices Act, VAT Act, and Tax Procedure Act, alongside bylaws like the Fiscal Verification of Invoices rules. These regulations ensure compliance, enhance transparency, and mitigate tax evasion.

Turkey

Turkey's fiscalization system combines hardware and software solutions, requiring certified fiscal devices and POS applications with online communication to the Tax Authority (GIB). Fiscalization began in 1985, with major updates in 2013 and 2016. Since 2018, New Generation Cash Registers (YN OKC) have been mandatory.

Turkey offers multiple fiscalization options:

• All-in-One Device: EFT-POS integrated cash registers for small taxpayers.
• Fiscal Printer with Cash Register: Hardware-based, third-party POS integration.
• B2B/B2C E-Invoicing: Software-based solutions for high-revenue businesses.
• Certified Custom Solutions: Costly, available only to Turkish companies.

Receipts include YN OKC sales receipts, integrated sales tickets, and information slips. Self-employed individuals, agricultural businesses, and wholesalers are exempt. The 2022 E-Document System enables full digital fiscalization, replacing cash registers if requirements are met. Certification is required, but only for Turkish companies. Retailers meeting financial criteria can adopt the e-Archive System for digital transactions.