European retail and wholesale organisations have urged policymakers to introduce exemptions to proposed EU cash payments regulation, warning that mandatory cash acceptance could raise costs, increase security risks and disrupt digital retail models.
In a joint statement published by EuroCommerce and allied industry groups, merchants said they support continued access to cash payments across the EU. However, they argue that a “proportionate” framework is needed as digital payments continue to grow and cash usage declines across everyday transactions.
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Pressure on cash acceptance rules
The statement responds to ongoing EU discussions on legislation that would require businesses to accept cash payments. Merchants say such rules must reflect changes in consumer behaviour, including the rapid shift towards contactless payments, mobile wallets and other digital payment methods.
Cash use has steadily declined in many European markets, particularly in urban areas and sectors such as transport, fuel retail and automated services. Businesses have adapted by investing in digital payment infrastructure and cashierless formats.
Industry groups warn that imposing a blanket obligation to accept cash could create operational challenges, especially where cash transactions are no longer common. They argue that regulation should align with actual payment trends rather than assume uniform demand across all sectors.
Cost and safety concerns
A central issue raised in the joint statement is the cost of cash handling. Merchants note that expenses vary widely depending on business size, location and transaction volumes. In areas where digital payments dominate, maintaining cash infrastructure can become disproportionately expensive.
Security risks are also highlighted. Handling cash can expose staff and premises to theft, particularly in high-risk locations or during night-time operations. Employers have legal obligations to ensure safe working conditions, which may conflict with mandatory cash acceptance in certain environments.
The statement also points to specific sectors such as aviation, where onboard cash handling could increase risks for staff required to transport money after flights.
Impact on automated and digital retail
Merchants stress that mandatory cash acceptance could affect the viability of automated and unmanned retail formats. These include self-service checkouts, vending machines, parking systems, EV charging points and cashierless stores.
Such systems are often designed without cash capabilities to reduce costs and enable extended opening hours, including 24/7 operations. Retrofitting them to accept cash would require significant investment, which businesses say could lead to higher prices or service reductions.
The groups are also calling for the continued use of “no cash” signage, arguing that it provides clarity for consumers and avoids operational delays at the point of sale.
Call for proportionate EU payments policy
The organisations are asking EU lawmakers to introduce targeted exemptions to any mandatory cash acceptance rules. These include exemptions for unmanned services, situations involving safety risks and cases where costs are disproportionate.
They also suggest allowing member states flexibility to reflect national differences in cash usage, which varies significantly across the EU.
The debate forms part of a broader policy discussion on the future of payments in Europe, including the balance between maintaining access to cash and supporting the transition to digital payment systems.
