Tunisia targets restaurants, cafes with new tax recording mandate from July 1

Tunisia is set to implement a significant shift in its tax collection system, mandating the use of certified point-of-sale recording devices for businesses in the food and beverage sector. Starting July 1, 2026, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and pastry shops classified under the second category of businesses will be required to adopt these systems. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to digitize commercial transactions and bolster fiscal transparency, aligning with government decrees and ministerial decisions.

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This measure is part of a strategy to digitize transactions and strengthen tax transparency.

According to economic expert Amjed El Kalsi, the mandate initially targets legal entities, with individuals to follow in 2027 and 2028. The requirement specifically applies to establishments primarily or secondarily involved in serving food and beverages for on-site consumption. El Kalsi emphasized that non-compliance will result in severe sanctions, including potential imprisonment and substantial fines. Businesses that refuse to adhere to the regulations or tamper with recorded data risk being flagged as high-risk taxpayers, subjecting them to intensive audits.

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The legal framework provides particularly severe sanctions in case of non-compliance.

The reform does not necessarily demand expensive new equipment. Existing management or cash register software can be used if they are approved by the tax authorities and meet the defined standards. Key obligations include pre-service registration of the system with the Ministry of Finance and ensuring complete transparency with tax administration. El Kalsi urged businesses to comply with the legal deadlines and adopt certified technical solutions to avoid penalties and mitigate fiscal and legal risks.

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The main requirement is that software and management systems comply with the standards defined by the Ministry of Finance.