The interconnection of the POS with the cash registers of the businesses subject to interconnection is nearing completion. Already 90% of businesses have either connected their systems, or are going to do so by the end of April, as they have committed to making scheduled appointments with installation technicians. At the same time, the imposition of fines has already begun on those companies that have not taken any action. It is noted that no additional extension will be granted. The project is in the final phase of implementation, with the vast majority of businesses having complied.

The checks by AADE have started – The first fines have been issued

Since last week, AADE is already carrying out checks on businesses with a turnover of more than 1 million euros which did not proceed with the interconnection of POS with their cash registers, nor scheduled an appointment within April. It is noted that within the framework of these controls, the first 5 fines of €10,000 and €20,000 have already been launched.

Within the next few days, the checks are expected to be extended to the rest of the businesses, regardless of turnover. AADE has already proceeded by telephone to 2,900 businesses with a turnover of less than 1 million euros that did not comply with the schedules, in order to establish whether the delay in the interconnection procedures is due to force majeure or negligence. Unsatisfactory justifications were identified in 10% and the relevant audits are expected to follow.

At the same time, checks have also begun on professionals and businesses in the 35 retail sectors (taxi, street markets, kiosks, etc.), which are required to have POS installed and accept card transactions. In the checks that AADE has already implemented, it was established that:
• Out of 1,132 taxis, 27 were identified that did not have a POS.
• Out of 1,592 market stalls, 102 did not have a POS or had not made an appointment for an interface.

At the same time, AADE is constantly sending mass e-mails to businesses that have not connected their systems in order to comply within the schedule. A corresponding e-mail is to be sent today. In addition, in the informative e-mails it is noted that “in the event that the technician contacts you with the aim of making the appointment on a date earlier than the one originally planned, please proceed with making the appointment immediately and connecting as soon as possible, as in the event of an inability of the response technician on the originally scheduled day, especially if it is the last days of April, there is a risk of not fulfilling the interconnection obligation within the set deadline”.

POS – cash register interface deadlines

– It is reminded that until April 30, 2024, they have room for interconnection:
• Businesses that did not proceed with the interconnection of their systems within March, but have a scheduled appointment with an installation technician within April.

• Businesses that have declared in the POS Registry that they are going to replace their cash register system with one of the newly available “all in one” solutions, which does not require additional interface actions, despite making transactions. ATTENTION: Those who have purchased an all-in-one solution but have not made a transaction are considered “not connected”! It is noted that seven electronic invoicing providers with such solutions have been approved.

-Especially businesses that use a cash register system with ERP software and must follow the basic interconnection rule of A.1155/2023 for their POS, are reminded that they have until May 31st and in case of a scheduled appointment with the purpose of interconnection within June 2024 until the end of the given month.

-Finally, the cash registers of businesses that are closed for any reason (e.g. seasonality) and will be opened after the end of the above schedule should be connected to the POS terminals they have from the first day of business resumption.

Fines are activated

It is recalled that the obliged businesses that have not connected their systems or proceeded with scheduling appointments by April, are facing the imposition of fines if they cannot justify that they did not do so for reasons of force majeure. Specifically, a fine is provided for:
• 10,000 euros, as long as they follow a simple accounting system,
• 20,000 euros for mandatory double-entry.
These fines are halved for businesses that are established in settlements with a population of up to 500 inhabitants and on islands with a population of up to 3,100 inhabitants (except for tourist ones). In case of recurrence within five years, the fines are doubled and for each subsequent violation they are tripled.
Finally, it is recalled that as of April 1, 35 retail branches are required to have POS installed and accept card transactions. Otherwise, a fine of 1,500 euros per violation is provided.