NF525 is the French standard certifying that a POS software is tamper-proof, secure and traceable. It applies to any VAT-registered trader in France — restaurants included.
Where it comes from
The 2016 Finance Act (article 88) required any VAT-registered business using POS software to use certified software, to fight VAT fraud. NF525 is delivered by AFNOR / LNE / Infocert depending on the body.
Four key obligations
- Tamper-proof: no ticket modification after issuance.
- Secured: time-stamped tickets, chronological number.
- Retention: 6 years of accessible data.
- Archiving: daily, monthly and yearly close.
Is it actually mandatory?
Yes for: any restaurant using POS software (so 99% of restaurants in 2026). No for: a trader using no software and keeping paper accounts (extremely rare). On audit, lacking certification triggers a EUR 7,500 fine per non-certified software.
Which POS are NF525
Nearly all major French POS systems are NF525-certified. Ask your vendor for the official attestation (PDF) — also viewable on the certifier's site (AFNOR, LNE, Infocert).
Is BipOrder NF525?
Important: BipOrder is not a NF525-certified POS — it's a digital layer (QR, KDS, reservations, delivery) that integrates with your certified POS. Your POS keeps the fiscal recording role; BipOrder pushes orders to it via API sync.
This architecture is the simplest: you stay compliant, and you add digital features without touching the fiscal layer.
And outside France?
NF525 is a French standard. In Belgium, it's GKS (black box). In Germany, KassenSichV / TSE. In Spain, Veri*Factu rolling out. If you operate internationally, check local obligations with your POS provider.
How to verify your status
Ask your POS vendor for the NF525 attestation (PDF, to provide on audit). Keep it with your accounting records.
Going further
[Restaurant POS buyer's guide 2026](/aide/guide-achat-pos-restaurant-2026) or [Connect your POS to BipOrder](/aide/connecter-caisse-pos).