1.      What is a Fiscalised Device?

These are electronic devices which contain a “fiscal memory”. A “fiscal memory” is a special read only memory which is permanently built into a fiscalised device to store tax information at the time of the sale.

There are three broad categories of the prescribed fiscalised devices and these are Fiscalised Electronic Registers also referred to as an ETR (Electronic Tax Register), Fiscalised Printers and Electronic Signature Devices (ESD).

2.      How do I know the type of device I am required to use?

The Statutory Instrument referred to stipulates the devices that a registered operator can use. VAT registered retail operators who meet the threshold stipulated are required for the purposes of recording their taxable transactions to use: —

   (a)   a fiscalised electronic register; or

   (b)   a non-fiscalised electronic register together with a fiscal memory device.

All other operators who are required to use such devices who are not retail operators are required to use: —

      (a) an electronic signature device; or

      (b) a fiscalised electronic register; or

(c) a non-fiscalised electronic register together with a fiscal memory device.

3.      Where do I purchase the Fiscalised Devices?

The legislation stipulates that the manufacture, sale or distribution of the devices can only be done with the approval of the Commissioner General in conjunction with the Minister of Finance. This means that you are required to acquire the devices from the approved suppliers.

To date the following suppliers have been approved for purposes of selling and distributing the fiscalised devices:

4.      Is there any assistance ZIMRA is giving in acquiring the devices?

Measures have been put in place to mitigate the cost of acquisition of the devices. This includes a rebate of duty on the importation of approved fiscalised devices. In addition there are proposals to allow the operators to claim fifty percent (50%) of the cost of acquisition of the fiscalised devices against output tax.

5.      Is ZIMRA providing training on use of fiscalised devices?

The approved suppliers will assist you in identifying appropriate devices, install the devices as well as provide training on appropriate usage.

6.      What is the due date for implementation?

The effective date is 1^st October 2010. This means that from this date, all the operators affected are required to commence recording of transactions using the fiscalised devices. As the suppliers need to import the devices and install before the commencement date, you are encouraged to ensure you acquire the devices in advance to avoid a possible rush just before the commencement date.

7.      What happens if I fail to meet the deadline?

The legislation states that failure to comply constitutes an offence and renders the operator liable to a fine or to imprisonment or to both the fine and imprisonment.

8.      Types of Fiscalised Electronic Devices

a)  Electronic Tax Register

 This is a stand-alone device, which is used to issue receipts manually & where the frequency of receipting is not too high.

b)  Fiscal Printers (FP)

These are high speed printers connected in a computer network to store all sales transactions in its memory, when it issues               receipts to taxpayers. It is commonly used in supermarkets.

c) Electronic Signature Device (ESD)

This is a device used in conjunction with computerized accounting systems. The invoices pass through the ESD & are signed.