Please note: The deadline for mandatory third-party certification for cash registers in France has been postponed to 1 September 2026.
New legal requirements for French retailers
On 14 February 2025, the French government approved a decisive change in the fight against VAT fraud. The previously accepted self-certification of cash register systems is now a matter of history. Effective immediately, only officially certified cash register systems are legally compliant.
What exactly will change?
The new law eliminates the possibility of legitimizing cash register software by means of an informal self-declaration. Instead, all cash register systems used in France must be certified by one of the two official bodies:
- Infocert
- LNE (Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d’Essais)
This change affects all companies, regardless of industry or size, that operate cash register systems in France.
Legal adjustments in detail
The following passages in French tax law have been amended:
- In Article 286, paragraph 3, the possibility of individual certification has been deleted.
- In Article 1770 Duodecies, paragraph 1, the reference to the certificate by the issuer is deleted.
This makes it clear that only third-party certifications will be permitted in future.
Important deadlines at a glance
- 16 February 2025: Publication of the amendment to the law.
- 31 August 2025: POS providers must prove that they have officially started the certification process.
- 1 March 2026: POS systems must have valid certification.
Impact on the market
The new regulation poses technical and organisational challenges for many retailers. The change requires:
- Adaptation of existing systems
- Cooperation with certified partners
- Documentation and proof of certification
At the same time, the reform offers an opportunity to modernise processes and gain legal certainty.
RetailForce as a pioneer
RetailForce Software GmbH was quick off the mark: a POS system has already been successfully certified for the French market in Toulouse. Our experience shows that the requirements are complex – but with the right partner, they can be met.
Are you a POS provider or retailer in France?
Then act now to ensure you are legally compliant in good time. We are happy to assist you with the conversion and certification of your POS systems.
