The Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises is receiving regular complaints from shop owners who are being obliged to change their cash registers or weighing machines in the process leading to the changeover to the euro.

In a statement, the GRTU recalled that arrangements agreed to with the government specified that there is no need for the cash registers, weighing machines and other equipment to be changed. The GRTU is also close to reaching a deal on a tax credits system to enable, on a voluntary basis, shop owners to change any equipment and benefit from a substantial reduction in tax on profits.

This meant that it is not true that shop owners are obliged to change their equipment. The GRTU ensured that the government also buys price taggers to be distributed for dual display purposes to all shops. Those who cannot have a dual display system or do not have a euro compatible cash register will be given conversion tables to distribute to consumers, the GRTU said.