By Vangelis Dourakis

Extension of the deadline given for the universal adoption of the IRIS system by domestic companies, one after the other professional associations are asking. As their representatives point out, some of the many “obstacles” that exist to “run” this direct payment system are that, on the one hand, AADE has not given a clear timetable for the IRIS-POS interface, and on the other hand, the Banks themselves they have not ensured the existence of the necessary infrastructure for the venture.

His placement is typical Yannis Hatzitheodosioupresident of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, who considers it necessary to extend the implementation of the IRIS payment system, as he says that in order to adopt the measure in question there should be infrastructure ready from the banks: Something that emphasizes that it does not exist.

“Bell” for business costs from the Athens Chamber of Commerce

From November 1, he points out Yannis Hatzitheodosiou, “businesses are obliged to accept payments through this system. But in order for something to be implemented, the corresponding infrastructure must also exist. Which, according to the accountants, is not the case for IRIS. And the reason is because the appropriate actions must be taken by the banks as well.”

Its president Professional Chamber of Athens but it highlights another important aspect of the matter: The cost to businesses.

As he points out: “at the same time, the financial staff of the government should also calculate the issue of the costs required for the digital transition of businesses.

Any implementation of a new measure also means costs, which are often prohibitive for businesses. We saw it with the POS system, we’re seeing it again with IRIS.

Today an amount is required from 500 to 1,500 euros for businesses to operate under the new system. Since the government requires the immediate adaptation of businesses to the new data, it must also examine this parameter and create new financial “tools” that will support businesses and professionals to transition to the next day.

The “oligority” of AADE and the lack of guidelines

Not to mention her own Independent Public Revenue Authority on the “hot front” of IRIS, says o Commercial Association of Athens.

According to what is mentioned in the relevant information to the members “the schedule of the obligation to interface IRIS-POS or IRIS-electronic invoicing providers will be determined by a decision of the administrator of A.A.D.E. (par. 17, no. 83, Law 5104/2024) and the fines provided for are 10,000.00 euros (aplographic books) and 20,000.00 euros (diplographic books).

Until today, the AADE has not published the required decision and therefore and due to the complexity of the project and possible technical obstacles, guidelines have not yet been given to the companies, through a clear timetable for the implementation of the measure”.

And he continues: “Since the process of completing the acceptance – through IRIS – of payments is a complex process that is not limited to the simple activation of an option in the internet banking of businesses, we recommend that you contact your cooperating bank as soon as possible in order to guide you competently.

It is very likely that the settlement of the obligation will require a series of necessary actionssuch as: upgrade of existing POS, activation of QR codes, e-shop interface with ERP, while in any case the planned trial period of operation as well as the familiarization of the employed staff with the new methods of making sales/accepting payments are important parameters that should not be ignored”.