More time for businesses to complete their registration process in the Integrated Information System for Activity and Inspection Management (IIS-AIM), named OpenBusiness, is requested in a letter to the Minister of Development, Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, by the President of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Vangelis Karkanakis.
Conveying the concerns of entrepreneurs in the Heraklion Regional Unit about the tight deadline by the end of the year, he outlines the difficulties they face in implementing the otherwise positive reform and calls on the Minister to ensure a six-month extension, so that they have time to adjust.
In detail, Mr. Karkanakis states in the letter:
“Honorable Mr. Minister,
The Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, representing the businesses of the Heraklion Regional Unit, submits a request for an extension of the deadline for full implementation of the Integrated Information System for Activity and Inspection Management (IIS-AIM), named OpenBusiness, in order to ensure a smooth transition for businesses, accountants, and professionals involved in the process.
As you are aware, the deadline for registration in OpenBusiness expires on 31 December 2025. Late registration is possible after this date but requires the payment of a 200-euro fee. Recently, organizations and professional bodies have clearly expressed the need for an extension, noting that the current deadline is restrictive and adds extra burden to an already highly demanding digital compliance environment. The implementation of OpenBusiness is a positive reform; however, sufficient adjustment time is needed, especially for small and very small businesses.
Additionally:
• Many businesses operate under older licensing regimes and require time to adapt to the new framework.
• There are technical issues and system interoperability failures reported by users.
• Business awareness and training are still ongoing. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (especially in trade, catering, manufacturing, and traditional licensing forms) have not yet been fully informed or understood the new regulatory and technical framework of OpenBusiness.
For these reasons, we request that a reasonable extension (at least six months) be granted so that the implementation of IIS-AIM can occur under realistic conditions without disproportionately burdening the business community.
The Heraklion Chamber of Commerce is at your disposal to actively contribute to the information, training, and support of businesses. In fact, in cooperation with the Entrepreneurship Division of the Region of Crete, we are planning to co-organize a related seminar.
We are convinced that with the necessary extension and cooperation, the transition to OpenBusiness will be smooth, to the benefit of the economy and entrepreneurship.”
