NGM: at the forefront of economic whitewashing – Hungary is the first in the world to make e-cash registers general

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 02. 25. 11:52

The government’s priority goal is to maintain fair market competition and whiten the economy. Hungary is at the forefront of whitening the economy, and many of the government’s online measures have now become exemplary models worldwide. In order to further whiten the economy, protect consumers’ interests more effectively, and reduce the administrative burden and costs of businesses, Hungary can be the first in the world to make the so-called e-receipt general, for which serious international interest is expected – the Ministry of National Economy (NGM) told MTI on Tuesday.

The draft ministerial decree defining the requirements of the new e-cash register system became available on the NGM website on Tuesday. The e-receipts issued by e-cash registers significantly reduce the administrative burden and costs of approximately 270 thousand businesses, and they are also easier to use.

The e-cash register can become a sustainable – and also a guiding principle in terms of customer convenience – receipt method worldwide, which enhances fair market competition and promotes digitalization, thereby increasing the competitiveness of businesses. The economic whitening effect of the e-cash register can be up to 10-20 billion forints annually.

It was recalled that the government introduced the online cash register system in 2014. As a result of the explosive digital development that has occurred since then, there has been an increasing demand for more modern tools than online cash registers to support the work of businesses. Businesses can use the online cash register until 2028 and gradually switch to the new system.

According to the announcement, the use of e-cash registers will initially be voluntary and will only become mandatory from the second half of 2026. In order to properly prepare for the use of the new system, the government recommends that businesses start using e-cash registers as soon as possible.

They added that the government is considering making electronic data reporting on receipts mandatory from the second half of next year, instead of July 1, 2025. If this proposal is supported, the government will initiate the relevant legislative amendment in the spring.