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New requirements for your electronic sales registration system

New requirements for your electronic sales registration system
Published: 05.04.2024
4 minutes read

You may have heard that new regulations are coming into effect on January 1, 2024, and it requires you to have a new cash register system. We understand that comprehending how these rules impact you can be a bit challenging. In this blog post we address the questions you and other business owners might have regarding the new legislation.

What is required from my ECR system?

The new law on digital sales registration comes into effect on January 1, 2024. This legislation imposes a fundamental obligation on businesses within specified sectors, such as restaurants and bars, to either acquire a new cash register system or update their existing one. In this context, 15 technical requirements have been established, including the automatic and unalterable recording of all payment transactions in an electronic journal. Additionally, the system must be capable of producing a file directly from the electronic journal in SAF-T format (Standard Audit File - Tax), which is the standard file format for reporting sales registration data to the Danish tax authorities (SKAT).

Read more about the details of the 15 technical requirements.

As a business owner operating within one of the selected sectors, it means that your payment terminal can no longer stand alone. To comply with the requirements, your terminal must communicate with a digital cash register system that supports SKAT's technical requirements.

It’s crucial to note, that even if you already have a cash register system, this could be insufficient. It’s your own responsibility to ensure that your ECR system meets all the requirements.

Even though technical requirements and legislation may not be the most exciting topics, SKAT has ensured that it pays off to have it under control. If you do not meet the requirements when SKAT comes for inspection, you can expect a fine in the range of DKK 10,000-30,000.

Who needs to meet the new requirements?

The four sectors that will be affected by the new regulations are:

  • Cafes, pubs, nightclubs etc. 

  • Restaurants 

  • Grocery stores and 24-hour convenience stores 

  • Pizzerias, fast food bars, ice cream parlours etc. 

In addition to your sector, your turnover matters as well. The requirements apply specifically to businesses with an annual turnover ranging between DKK 50,000 and 10 million.

The legal requirements aim to reduce the 'black economy.' Since 2021, the Danish Tax Authority has been conducting ongoing controls within these industries with a particular focus on sales registration. The reason for the introduction of these legal requirements stems from the fact that two out of three inspected businesses so far have indicated involvement in the 'black economy' due to inadequate bookkeeping. You can read more about it here (in Danish).

How can I be sure that I meet the requirements and avoid fines?

If you operate within one of the mentioned sectors with a turnover of less than 10 million DKK, it's important that you check whether you comply with the new regulations as soon as possible, even if you already have a cash register system.

Starting January 1, 2024, your cash register must be online and capable of digitally registering sales and transaction data, providing the ability to print receipts and invoices, as well as performing daily updates to your accounting and accurate reconciliation. If your cash register cannot perform these tasks, you must replace it with one that can.

The benefits of getting a new sales registration system

We understand the potential frustration associated with the mandatory replacement of a solution that works. However, there can be many benefits of getting a new sales registration system.

You can get access to a range of smart features that helps you run your business more smoothly, such as:

  • Online table reservations and/or a graphical table plan if you have a restaurant.

  • QR codes allowing customers to self-serve, which is ideal for pizzerias or grill bars.

  • Inventory management capability, providing better control over stock levels in your kiosk.

  • Integration with your accounting system, enabling easy and cost-effective financial reporting.

  • Webshop integration option, allowing seamless online sales.

No matter which of our partners you choose to get your new sales registration system from, you’re ensured to comply with the new requirements. Together with us, they will guide you every step of the way.

What is the price for a digital sales registration system?

A new ECR solution can be a significant and costly decision for many businesses. It's not uncommon that the price range is between DKK 10,000-20,000 with an additional monthly fee around 1,000-1,500 on top. It doesn't have to be that expensive though.

If you’re interested in knowing more or getting a non-binding offer for an ECR solution, you can find more information on our website.

Our advisors are ready to assist you in finding the perfect match between your business and the various sales registration systems on the market that comply with the new regulations.

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