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Castles Technology reveals how EU regulation is reshaping retail checkout

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 — 17:31:13 (UTC)

Castles Technology reveals how EU regulation is reshaping the retail checkout

Vélizy-Villacoublay, France, Jan. 21, 2026—Castles Technology, leader in Android payment acceptance solutions, has launched a new whitepaper examining how EU regulation is fundamentally changing the role of the retail checkout.

Titled POS Compliance in 2026: What Retailers Need to Know, the whitepaper explores how compliance obligations that were once managed behind the scenes are now becoming embedded directly into the point-of-sale (POS) experience. From payment security and instant settlement to accessibility, tax reporting, product traceability and digital identity, regulation is increasingly shaping how retailers operate at the moment of transaction.

Across the European Union (EU), retailers are facing a convergence of regulatory change. PCI DSS v4.0, the Instant Payments Regulation, the EU Accessibility Act (EAA), national e-invoicing mandates, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and the forthcoming European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet are all placing new technical and operational demands on in-store technology. Together, these initiatives are redefining what POS systems must deliver, extending far beyond payment acceptance to encompass security, inclusion, data integrity and trust.

The whitepaper provides a clear overview of the most significant regulatory milestones impacting physical retail between now and 2026, highlighting what is already mandatory, what is coming next, and where retailers face the greatest risk. It also examines the technology implications of these changes, including how modern Android POS platforms can support real-time payments, accessibility features, structured e-invoicing and traceability across multiple jurisdictions.

Alongside regulatory analysis, the report includes a practical POS compliance checklist designed to help organisations assess their current readiness and identify gaps across hardware, software and operational processes. It positions compliance as a strategic lever for building customer confidence, improving operational efficiency and future-proofing in-store infrastructure.

Jean-Philippe Niedergang, ACTING GROUP CEO and EMEA-PACIFIC-LATAM CEO at Castles Technology, said: “Regulation is no longer something retailers can address after the fact. It now starts at the checkout. Payment security, accessibility, instant settlement and digital identity are becoming fundamental expectations, driven by regulation as much as by consumers. This whitepaper is designed to help retailers understand what’s coming, what’s mandatory, and how to turn compliance into a strategic advantage rather than a constraint.”

Looking ahead, the whitepaper also considers what lies beyond today’s regulatory deadlines, including the growing role of digital identity wallets, biometric authentication and Open Banking integration. As compliance requirements continue to expand, Castles Technology argues that retailers who treat their POS as a strategic compliance hub and not a fixed endpoint, will be best positioned to remain competitive, resilient and trusted.

The whitepaper is intended for retailers operating within the EU, particularly those running physical or omnichannel stores, as well as payment decision-makers and IT leaders responsible for POS strategy and compliance. It will also be of relevance to acquirers, payment service providers and POS solution partners supporting merchants as they navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

To learn more and download the whitepaper in full, visit: www.castlestech.com/pos-compliance-in-2026-what-retailers-need-to-know/

To learn more, visit: www.castlestech.com/

ENDS

About Castles Technology

Castles Technology is a global leader in payment acceptance solutions, delivering secure, reliable, and innovative Android-based payment terminals and services that enable a seamless payment experience. The company partners with thousands of customers worldwide, including banks, merchants, FinTechs, acquirers, ISVs, and PSPs. It has deployed millions of POS terminals to support retailers of every size, from local businesses to global enterprises.

As a pioneering Android payment acceptance solution provider, Castles Technology combines powerful device performance with advanced security and localized market expertise, ensuring global reach with strong regional support. Backed by more than 30 years of industry experience, Castles Technology’s global network of payment experts continually innovates to anticipate, shape, and advance the future of commerce.

Driven by a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Castles Technology aims to create meaningful, long-term impact through its products, services, and operations, supporting smarter commerce, responsible technology, and a stronger payment ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.castlestech.com/

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Source: Company press release.

Categories: Reports and research