New budget blasts businesses with impossible software rule
Bulgaria’s proposed retail software mandate threatens merchants with impossible compliance deadlines, according to Ivaylo Mirchev, co-leader of Yes Bulgaria. The Finance Ministry wants shops to adopt SUPTO reporting systems within weeks, despite technical obstacles that make such rapid implementation unfeasible. Mirchev suggested authorities may use the software requirement as cover for controversial budget measures, raising social security contributions and dividend levies.
Recent delays in updating cash registers demonstrate the challenge, Mirchev noted. Those devices accept remote firmware updates through cloud services without technician visits, yet still face postponed deadlines. SUPTO presents far greater complexity because it requires frequent modifications for evolving business processes. Implementation demands extensive preparation and approval rather than simple automatic updates. A realistic timeline spans 12 months under optimal conditions.
The software transition coincides with preparations for euro adoption, creating compounded difficulties for businesses. Companies face penalties for failing to meet requirements they physically cannot satisfy in the allowed timeframe. Foreign enterprises encounter additional barriers since manufacturing operations and enterprise resource planning systems need substantial adjustments that cannot occur rapidly.
