Brazil to implement interoperability for meal and food vouchers

Starting November 7, new regulations under the Worker's Food Program (PAT) will require meal and food voucher cards to be accepted by any payment terminal enabled for these types of benefits, regardless of the issuing company. This move toward full interoperability aims to increase competition and expand the network of establishments where workers can use their benefits, such as restaurants and supermarkets.

The transition, which began in May, follows a presidential decree intended to eliminate acceptance restrictions between different operators, including major companies like Alelo, Ticket, VR Benefícios, Pluxee, Flash, and Swile. The new rules also establish limits on fees charged to commercial establishments and reduce the timeframe for transferring sales values.

The Ministry of Labor and Employment will be responsible for monitoring compliance through the Secretariat of Labor Inspection. The government has stated that the undue refusal of a card that should be accepted under these interoperability rules constitutes an irregularity that can be reported through official ministry channels. However, the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel) has raised concerns regarding operational challenges, noting that systems may not be fully integrated by the deadline.