Since January 1, 2020, all cash register systems must be equipped with a technical security device (TSE). This legal requirement serves to prevent manipulation and to ensure secure, traceable storage of cash register transactions. But now a critical point in time is approaching: Many TSE SD cards will reach their expiration date this year and must be renewed!
Why you should act now
Most hardware-based TSE solutions, in particular SD cards and USB sticks, have a certified lifespan of only 5 years. This means that if you started using your TSE as early as 2020, it will expire in 2025! Once it has expired, it can no longer store any cash register transactions, which can have serious tax consequences.
There were many challenges, especially in the introductory phase:
Deadline extensions, a lack of cloud solutions and uncertainties regarding implementation. Today, the market has developed further, but now a new challenge arises – the expiration of existing TSS modules.
What happens when the TSS has expired?
As soon as the TSS no longer works:
- your cash register sales will no longer be logged in a tamper-proof manner.
- Your cash register no longer meets legal requirements, which can lead to heavy fines in the event of a so-called cash register inspection or to a company audit by the tax office.
- There could be a breakdown of the cash register system because some cash registers will no longer work properly.
What solutions are there?
- Replace SD cards or USB sticks in good time:
- Purchase a new certified hardware from your POS provider.
- Have it professionally replaced and integrated into your POS system.
- Consider switching to a cloud TSE:
- Cloud solutions offer more flexibility and are no longer needed as physical hardware.
- Some providers now have certified cloud TSEs in their portfolio.
Retrospective: The development of the TSE requirement
The TSE requirement has significantly changed the market for POS systems. While stationary modules are now widely available, certified cloud solutions were in short supply for a long time. This meant that many businesses were forced to use hardware such as SD cards or USB sticks – and it is precisely these that are now reaching their expiry date.
During the introductory phase, there were also numerous extensions granted by the federal states. At that time, businesses were given a grace period if they could prove that they had ordered a solution but had not yet installed it. Today, such extensions no longer exist – companies are responsible for ensuring that their POS systems remain legally compliant in the long term.
Act now – avoid problems!
Check the expiry date of your TSS immediately and order a replacement in good time. If you are unsure whether your checkout is affected or which solution is best for you, we will be happy to help you with a personalized consultation.
Not yet ordered a new TSS? Then it’s best to contact our checkout experts right away.