Is your hardware TSS expiring in 2025? Here’s what to do next!

Impact, Risks & Cloud Alternatives

If your business in Germany relies on a hardware-based Technical Security System (TSS), it’s worth asking: when does it expire?

Many devices were certified around 2020 and have a limited certification period — usually five years. As a result, numerous TSS hardware units are reaching their expiration point in 2025.

But what actually happens when a TSS expires, and what options do businesses have to stay compliant?

The consequences of an expired TSS

1. Compliance Challenges

An expired TSS is no longer legally valid. This means fiscal data produced by an expired device may not meet official requirements. In practice, this could expose businesses to compliance issues during audits and even potential fines.

2. Risk of Operational Disruptions

While expiration may not cause immediate shutdowns at the stroke of midnight, the risk of transaction errors or failed registrations increases once a device is no longer valid. For retailers and POS providers, any disruption at checkout quickly translates into reduced efficiency and customer dissatisfaction.

3. Replacement Efforts and Costs

Replacing expiring hardware requires time, logistics, and resources. Businesses must order new devices, install them across all affected registers, and integrate them into existing systems. If many companies face expiration at the same time, high demand could slow down the availability of replacement devices.

4. The Repetition Cycle

Even with a replacement, the cycle continues. Hardware TSS certificates always have a limited validity period, meaning businesses will face the same challenge again in just a few years. For organizations with multiple locations and registers, this recurring cycle can become a significant operational burden.

Cloud TSS: A Long-Term Alternative

Instead of continuing the cycle of replacement, many businesses are considering cloud-based TSS solutions.

Benefits of Cloud TSS:

• Continuous Compliance: Certificates are renewed and managed centrally, reducing the risk of unexpected lapses.
• Operational Simplicity: No shipping, installation, or physical replacements are required.
• Scalability: Adding new registers or expanding to new locations becomes straightforward without additional hardware.
• Future-Proofing: fiskaly SIGN, for example, is BSI-certified until 2033, providing nearly a decade of assurance. 

Planning Ahead

In Germany, many hardware TSS units are expiring in 2025, businesses that plan early can avoid the stress of last-minute replacements. Whether you choose to replace your hardware or switch to a cloud-based solution, reviewing your TSS setup now ensures uninterrupted compliance and operations.

Key takeaway: Hardware expiration is not just an obstacle — it’s an opportunity. Cloud TSS solutions provide a modern, scalable, and cost-effective way to handle fiscalization long-term.

Conclusion: Take Action Before the Deadline

The reality is clear: thousands of TSS devices will expire before the end of 2025. For businesses, this isn’t just a compliance concern — it’s an opportunity to rethink your fiscalization strategy and choose a more efficient, future-proof solution.

By reviewing your TSS setup now, you can avoid last-minute stress, ensure seamless operations, and position your company for long-term success.

👉 Check if your TSS is expiring before the end of 2025. If it is, now is the right time to evaluate your options. The good news: it’s not too late. Switching to a cloud TSS is simple, fast, and doesn’t require complex installations.

With fiskaly SIGN DE, compliance is guaranteed until 2033 — offering stability, scalability, and peace of mind.

Our team is here to help you plan your transition. Whether you need a quick consultation, a detailed migration plan, or a tailored demo, we’ll guide you step by step.