The French government has officially [extended the deadline for POS certification to August 2026](https://www.fiskaly.com/blog/pos-software-certification-france-deadline-extension-august-2026). Vendors might see this as a bit of breathing room, but **certification bodies are already reporting long waiting lists**, and preparing early has never been more important to avoid compliance risks.

To help international POS providers navigate this process, fiskaly invites you to join our free 30-minute webinar.

## Webinar: POS Certification in France ‘26 – Extended deadline, limited time

🎙️ **Hosts:** Pierre Gessay, Business Development Manager for France; and Malina Helleis, Customer Success Manager

🗣️ **Language:** English

### During the session, our experts will cover:

* The updated POS certification timeline and what the extension really means
* The key technical requirements software vendors must meet
* The most common mistakes to avoid when preparing for certification
* How to prepare effectively and secure your certification slot on time

You’ll also gain insights into how **cloud-based solutions** like [SIGN FR & SAFE](https://www.fiskaly.com/signfr) can simplify compliance and reduce time to market.

Get your POS system ready for certification in France, before growing waiting lists slow down your expansion plans.

The POS certification deadline in France has been extended to August 2026, but that doesn’t mean you have more time. Join our 30-minute webinar on November 25 to understand the new timeline, learn about key compliance requirements, and discover how to avoid delays. Hosted by fiskaly’s experts Pierre Gessay and Malina Helleis.

The French government has officially extended the deadline for POS certification to August 2026. Vendors might see this as a bit of breathing room, but certification bodies are already reporting long waiting lists, and preparing early has never been more important to avoid compliance risks.

To help international POS providers navigate this process, Pierre Gessay (Business Development Manager for France) and Malina Helleis (Customer Success Manager) talk about:

The updated POS certification timeline and what the extension really means
The key technical requirements software vendors must meet
The most common mistakes to avoid when preparing for certification
How to prepare effectively and secure your certification slot on time

Webinar | POS Certification in France ‘26 – Extended deadline, limited time (November 2025)

Free guide: avoid the top 5 mistakes in your certification process

# Certification of POS systems in France: What software vendors need to know

Operating a POS system in France means complying with strict fiscal rules and controls. Since 2018, every cash register software must meet anti-fraud requirements pursuant to [Article 286 of the General Tax Code (CGI)](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000051764897), often linked or referred to the NF525 standard. But with the February 2025 Finance Law, the requirements have evolved, and certification has become essential for vendors.

In this article, we’ll explore what this means for cash register system providers already active in France or planning to enter this market.

## Key points for POS software and systems

* From **September 1, 2026**, only **certified cash register software will be allowed**, strengthening the fight against VAT fraud.
* Non-compliance with certification requirements may result in **fines of up to €7,500 per register**, as well as severe legal sanctions.
* fiskaly offers tailored solutions to help merchants and their clients comply with certification requirements, ensuring the security and integrity of transactions.

![Cashier using a certified POS system in France, operating an NF525-compliant cash register that ensures data security and integrity.](/img/woman-store-certified-pos-system.webp)

## End of self-certification: what’s changing

Until recently, vendors could issue a self-declaration of compliance for their POS software. This option disappears with the 2025 Finance Law.

From September 2026, every certified cash register will have to go through an accredited body (for example, LNE). Self-certifications will no longer be recognized.

International software vendors therefore need to anticipate an official audit and obtain a valid cash register software certification from an external certification body.

## Certification timeline in France

**February 16 – August 31, 2025: deadline to move from self-attestation to third-party certification**

During the transition period, businesses could demonstrate compliance by using a certificate provided by their software vendor. However, for this to be valid, the vendor had to prove they had formally started the official certification process with an accredited body, for example, by signing a contract, accepting a quote, or placing a firm order.

 👉 If you missed this deadline, [contact us](#contact): we’ll help you start the process as soon as possible.

**September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026**
POS software and cash register systems must either:

* already have a cash register certification from an accredited body, or
* have a certification request in progress

**From September 1, 2026**

Only certified POS software may be used; **self-certification will no longer be accepted in France**.

⚠️ Originally, the February 2025 law mandated that only certified POS software could be used starting March 1, 2026. However, on October 1, 2025, [French authorities announced a deadline extension until August 31, 2026](https://www.fiskaly.com/blog/pos-software-certification-france-deadline-extension-august-2026). 

![Infographic of the French POS certification timeline, showing key milestones, legal obligations, and compliance requirements.](/img/pos-certification-updated-timeline-france-fiskaly-en.webp "POS certification timeline in France")

## Technical requirements for POS systems, simplified

Certification for POS software and systems is based on four principles, commonly called **ISCA**: requirements for unalterability, security, retention, and archiving.

* **Inalterability**: calculate daily, monthly, and annual closings, and keep both period grand totals and perpetual totals. Hash, sign, and journal all records to ensure tamper-evident integrity and prevent undetected changes.
* **Conservation**: records must be stored for 6 years, extended to 7 when the fiscal year is off-calendar.
* **Archiving**: data must be exportable in a secure and readable format for audits
* **Security**: each transaction must be protected by digital signature or hashing, allowing verification

This means that every certified POS software must include tamper-proof logs, immutable reports, digital seals, and a standardized export function.

## The software certification process: are LNE certification and NF525 certification the same?

To obtain POS software certification, two main options exist:

* **LNE certification**, issued by the Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d’Essais
* **NF525 certification**, managed by AFNOR/InfoCert

Both validate the same legal requirements, but each of the certification bodies has their own standards, therefore their requirements and certification processes differ. The process includes:

1. Submitting documentation showing how the software meets the technical requirements
2. Undergoing functional and technical tests performed by the certifying body
3. Receiving the certificate of conformity

Once obtained, your certified cash register software is officially recognized as compliant by the French tax administration.

## Risks of non-compliance

The consequences are serious:

**Merchants**: fines of €7,500 per non-compliant register, renewed until the issue is resolved

**Software vendors**: penalties of up to 15% of revenue generated from non-compliant solutions

**Criminal liability**:

* Forging a document is a crime ([Article 441-1 of the French Penal Code](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000006418753/2002-01-01)): up to 3 years in prison and a €45,000 fine
* Foreign vendors who provide fake certificates to French businesses are also liable
* VAT payers who knowingly present a fake certificate to the authorities face the same penalties

In practice, entering the French market without certified POS software is impossible from now on.

## How to stay compliant easily with fiskaly

At fiskaly, we help software vendors and their clients meet these obligations without technical complexity. Our solutions fiskaly SIGN FR and fiskaly SAFE provide the infrastructure needed to ensure compliant and secure transaction management.

* **fiskaly SIGN FR**: every transaction is digitally signed and protected against alteration, guaranteeing inalterability and security
* **fiskaly SAFE**: storage, retention, and archiving in line with fiscal standards, ready for audits

With our cloud services, you can more easily obtain **LNE certification** and access the French market with confidence.

![Diagram showing how fiskaly supports POS providers with certification, highlighting fiscal compliance and data archiving to prevent VAT fraud.](/img/how-do-fiskaly-solutions-work-in-france-en.webp "How do fiskaly solutions work in France?")

## Ready to certify your POS software in France?

The countdown has started. With the end of self-certification, only external cash register certification will be valid.

Whether you’ve heard of LNE certification, NF525 certification, NF525 norm, cash register certification or certified cash register software... It doesn't matter how you call it, fiskaly helps you comply with the legal requirements and focus on scaling your business, taking the compliance load off your shoulders.

👉 [Contact us](#contact) to learn how **fiskaly [SIGN FR](https://www.fiskaly.com/signfr) and SAFE** can prepare your cash register system for certification in France, giving your clients a solution fully compliant with fiscal control requirements.

Our mission is to make fiscalization simple, transparent, and reliable for software vendors who want to operate in regulated markets.

We are already a trusted partner for many POS providers across Europe. fiskaly operates in Germany, Austria, Spain, and Italy, where our services are certified and used daily by thousands of merchants. With over 1 million POS terminals powered by fiskaly solutions, we bring expertise and proven stability to every market.

👇 [Let's talk](#contact) about how fiskaly can help you obtain certification in France quickly.

Self-certification in France… c’est fini! From September 2026, only cash registers certified by an official body will be accepted in France. Find out what this means for software vendors and how to prepare.

Interested? Request a first meeting

Free checklist for your POS certification

fiskaly blog

POS software certification in France: self-certification ends in 2026. Only certified cash registers will be compliant. Read more!

Cash register systems certification in France | NF525 & LNE standards

Certification of POS systems in France: What software vendors need to know

# POS software certification in France extended to August 2026

Operating a POS system in France comes with strict fiscal rules designed to ensure transparency, prevent fraud, and protect tax revenue. Since 2018, all cash register software has been required to meet anti-fraud requirements under Article 286 of the French General Tax Code (CGI) — often referred to as the ISCA requirements, LNE certification or NF525 standard.

With the Finance Law of February 2025, these requirements have evolved. Certification is now mandatory for all POS software and systems operating in France. And now they have extended the deadline for the certification process. Keep reading!

## 📅 New deadline for certification: August 31, 2026

Originally, the law mandated that only certified POS software could be used starting March 1, 2026. However, on October 1, 2025, French authorities announced a deadline extension.

👉 **New deadline:** All cash register software and POS systems **must be certified by an external accredited body by August 31, 2026**.

This extension is designed to give certification bodies enough time to process the high volume of requests while allowing software vendors to prepare and adapt their solutions.

## ⚖️ Why certification matters

Certification is a crucial part of France’s strategy to combat VAT fraud and ensure that all transactions are recorded with integrity.

Failure to comply with the certification requirements can lead to:

* Fines of up to €7,500 per non-compliant register
* Potential legal sanctions and regulatory consequences

Ensuring certification is not only a legal obligation, it’s also a way to build trust with customers and future-proof your solution for the French market.

## ✅ How fiskaly can help

At fiskaly, we simplify fiscal compliance across Europe. Our [SIGN FR](https://www.fiskaly.com/signfr) and [SAFE](https://www.fiskaly.com/safe-archive) solutions are specifically designed to help POS software vendors, retailers, and their clients meet certification requirements easily.

We support you in:

* Streamlining the certification process
* Ensuring transaction integrity and data security
* Maintaining compliance with evolving French fiscal regulations


## 💡 Learn more

This article is just a summary of key updates. For a deeper dive into certification requirements, the differences between the LNE certification and InfoCert NF525 certification, and how to prepare your software, read our full article here:[ Cash Register System Certification in France](https://www.fiskaly.com/blog/cash-register-system-certification-france).

Breaking news! France has extended the deadline for POS software certification from March 2026 to August 31, 2026. External certification is now mandatory, with non-compliance leading to fines and legal sanctions. Learn how fiskaly’s SIGN FR and SAFE solutions simplify the process and help you stay compliant.

Blog

Discover the new August 2026 deadline for POS software certification in France and how fiskaly’s SIGN FR and SAFE make compliance simple.

POS software certification in France extended to August 2026

# Launching fiskaly SIGN FR: cloud fiscalization for POS in France

Today we’re introducing fiskaly SIGN FR: our cloud‑based fiscalization solution for the French market. Built API‑first, SIGN FR helps POS providers meet the new certification rules with less friction, less hardware, and more confidence. Want to know more? Keep reading!

## France’s certification landscape is changing

France introduced fiscalization in 2018. With the February 2025 Financial Act (Article 286 of the General Tax Code), **the option for self‑certification ends and third‑party certification becomes mandatory**. Two deadlines matter:

* **By August 31, 2025:** POS providers must have initiated the external certification process
* **By March 1, 2026:** a valid third‑party certification is mandatory

Missing these dates can trigger heavy penalties. That reality puts time pressure on both established providers operating in France and international players planning market entry. The right partner and architecture can make the difference between racing to catch up and moving forward with clarity.

## Introducing SIGN FR: a simple schema to help you comply

**fiskaly SIGN FR** provides a clear, structured framework for compliance. You integrate our RESTful API and follow our schema to streamline certification and daily operations.

At a glance, fiskaly SIGN FR tackles the most challenging parts of the certification for you:

* **Inalterability & security you can trust:** fiskaly SIGN FR adds a cryptographic signature chain to every data field required by French law. This proves who wrote what and when, and scales to very high volumes of signatures.
* **Conservation with a real‑time fiscal journal:** each event (records, transactions, JET activity, daily/weekly/monthly closings, grand‑total exports) is signed instantly and stored in a continuous timeline. Any attempt to delete, change, or back‑date data becomes immediately visible.
* **7‑year secure archive:** with our archiving solution integrated, your fiscal data is kept for 7 years, what certifiers expect and beyond the 6‑year legal mandate. Use fast search and one‑click export to make audits effortless.

Want the full feature breakdown? Explore the new [SIGN FR page](https://www.fiskaly.com/signfr) for details, timelines, and FAQs.

## For international players: de‑risk entry and simplify operations

Whether you are already active across multiple European markets or preparing to enter France, your challenge is the same: **stay compliant everywhere without multiplying effort**.

* **Cloud approach:** With SIGN FR you avoid hardware rollouts and lock‑in, accelerating deployments and updates.
* **Faster path to certification:** Our simple schema and real‑time fiscal journal reduce implementation guesswork.
* **Proven archiving built in:** Our archiving solution gives you the 7‑year retention window certifiers expect, with the ergonomics teams need to pass audits quickly.
* **Optional Certification support:** If you need hands‑on guidance, fiskaly offers a Certification support package to help you through initial certification and annual audits.
* **Focus on your product:** By offloading signing, journaling, and archiving to fiskaly, your teams can keep shipping core features while we keep pace with legislative change.

## A major milestone on our path to European leadership

With SIGN FR, fiskaly now fiscalizes five European countries. It’s a significant step in our mission to become **the European leader in fiscalization**, delivering reliable, developer‑friendly compliance infrastructure that scales with our customers. More than 1,600 customers already trust fiskaly to keep their operations compliant and audit‑ready; fiskaly SIGN FR extends that promise to France.

## Get started!

The countdown has begun: **initiate certification by August 31, 2025 and ensure a valid third‑party certification by March 1, 2026**. If you want a faster, clearer route to compliance, with optional expert guidance, we’re here to help.

Today we’re introducing fiskaly SIGN FR: our cloud‑based fiscalization solution for the French market. Built API‑first, SIGN FR helps POS providers meet the new certification rules with less friction, no hardware, and more confidence. Another step for fiskaly to become Europe’s fiscalization leader. Read more!

Introducing fiskaly SIGN FR: a cloud‑based fiscalization solution for France. API‑first, SIGN FR helps POS providers meet new certification rules. Read more!

Introducing fiskaly SIGN FR: cloud fiscalization for POS in France

fiskaly blog.

Join our free webinar on Nov 25 to learn why POS providers should start France’s 2026 certification process now. Register today!