A GKS, or Registered Cash Register System, is a certified cash register system required for hospitality businesses in Belgium that generate more than 25,000 euros in revenue from meals. The system is designed to accurately record sales and payments, helping to combat tax fraud and promote transparency in the hospitality industry. The GKS 2.0 offers enhanced security and accuracy compared to earlier versions and meets the strictest requirements of the Belgian government. Using a GKS 2.0 is essential for hospitality businesses to comply with regulations and avoid potential fines.
A Blackbox, also known as the Fiscal Data Module (FDM), is an essential component of the Registered Cash Register System (GKS) in Belgium. This secure module records and stores all transaction data processed through the cash register system. The Blackbox 2.0 ensures that this data cannot be manipulated and is securely transmitted to the tax authorities. This system is mandatory for hospitality businesses subject to GKS regulations and is designed to prevent tax evasion by ensuring that all income is accurately reported.
The key difference between the Fiscal Data Module (FDM) and FDM 2.0 lies in the enhanced technology and security measures implemented in FDM 2.0. The original FDM was introduced as part of the Registered Cash Register System (GKS) to accurately record transactions in the hospitality industry and prevent tax fraud. FDM 2.0 is an updated version that offers more advanced features, such as better protection against tampering, faster data processing, and improved compatibility with modern POS systems.
In addition, FDM 2.0 meets the latest legal requirements and offers additional functionalities tailored to the current needs of hospitality businesses. These improvements make the system not only more reliable but also more user-friendly for entrepreneurs seeking to fulfill their tax obligations.
The transition from FDM to FDM 2.0 brings several technical improvements and changes:
No More VSC Card Needed: In FDM 2.0, the VAT Signing Card (VSC) is no longer required, reducing hardware requirements and simplifying implementation.
Online Connection Required: FDM 2.0 requires a continuous online connection to function. This ensures real-time data exchange and reduces the need for manual updates.
Works During Temporary Offline Periods: FDM 2.0 can continue functioning even if the connection is temporarily offline. As long as the offline period is not too long, the system remains operational, and the data is synchronized once the connection is restored.
No More Serial 232 Interface: The outdated serial 232 interface, which was often slow and limited, is no longer supported in FDM 2.0. This makes the new version much more flexible and better integrated with modern POS systems, with the Ethernet port now becoming the new standard.
Much Faster: FDM 2.0 is significantly faster than the old FDM, resulting in quicker transaction processing and more efficient business operations.
No More Physical Inspections by the Government: Thanks to improved digital capabilities, physical inspections by the government are no longer necessary. This makes the system more efficient and reduces administrative burdens for businesses.
Your current Registered Cash Register System (GKS) is not automatically compatible with the new FDM 2.0. An update to your POS system will be necessary to make it work with the upgraded FDM. We recommend contacting your POS system provider for specific information and support in updating your system.
For POS software manufacturers, there are essentially no costs associated with using and implementing our SDK. You can start developing and integrating the Checkbox into your software immediately without any associated costs.
The only thing to keep in mind is that the necessary hardware will need to be purchased later. This means you can begin implementing the SDK even before the hardware is available, so your system will be ready as soon as the hardware is installed.
Our SDK is easy to implement. Follow these steps to get started:
Request Access to the Developer Environment: To begin, you need to request access to our developer environment. Here you will find all the necessary documentation and tools to integrate the SDK. Access can be requested via the homepage or through the contact form.
Start the Implementation: You can start implementing the SDK in your software right away. Our SDK is designed to be easy to integrate, so you can quickly start with the basic functionalities. Our SDK implements the latest technologies.
Prepare for FDM 2.0: FDM 2.0 will be available soon. This will allow you to test and validate your software with the new functionalities. In the meantime, you can already start implementing the specific SDK so that your system is ready as soon as FDM 2.0 is available.
If you have any questions during the implementation process, our support team is ready to assist you.
The cost of upgrading to GKS 2.0 varies depending on the supplier you choose. It's important to compare quotes from different suppliers to get a clear idea of the potential costs. Additionally, there may be government subsidies available, and you could benefit from tax advantages when purchasing a new system. We recommend exploring these options and discussing them with your supplier to secure the best possible price and support.
The implementation of the new GKS 2.0 follows a phased schedule:
It is important to upgrade on time to comply with the new regulations. Contact your supplier to start the upgrade process in a timely manner.
With the introduction of GKS 2.0, it is no longer necessary to send paper receipts to businesses. The new system allows all transactions to be handled digitally, providing both convenience and efficiency. This means you can now operate entirely digitally without the need for physical receipts.
However, regular consumers will still receive paper receipts.
If you fail to upgrade to the new GKS 2.0 on time, several penalties may be imposed. These can include:
To avoid these penalties, it is important to transition to GKS 2.0 in a timely manner and ensure that your system meets all the requirements.