eIDAS

European Regulation on electronic identity and digital trust services.

eIDAS is European legislation that was adopted to promote electronic identification and trust services within the European Union. This legislation came into force progressively from 1 July 2016 and is of major importance not only in the area of electronic signatures.

eIDAS and electronic signature

Legal recognition of electronic signatures: eIDAS provides a legal framework for the recognition and acceptance of electronic signatures in all EU Member States on the same level as traditional handwritten signatures. In this way, eIDAS removes obstacles to the legal status of electronic signatures.
Types of electronic signatures: eIDAS defines three basic types of electronic signatures:

Electronic signature: any data record that is attached to or logically linked to other data and that is used to verify the identity of the signer.
Advanced electronic signature : an electronic signature that is based on a qualified certificate and created through a secure environment that allows the signatory to be identified.
Qualified electronic signature: an advanced electronic signature that is created by a qualified electronic signature creation agent and based on a qualified certificate.

eIDAS creates a legal framework to overcome the barriers associated with electronic signatures across EU Member States. Electronic signatures are therefore recognised and used as an equivalent tool to their traditional handwritten counterparts.

More about electronic signature.

Electronic identification (eID)

eIDAS provides a framework for the mutual recognition of national electronic identifiers (e.g. electronic ID cards) between EU Member States. The aim is to enable citizens and businesses to use their electronic identifiers across Europe, simplifying electronic transactions across borders.

More about electronic identity.

Electronic seal

eIDAS also provides a legal framework for electronic seals to verify the origin and integrity of electronic documents. Electronic seals have legal effect and can be used, for example, to confirm the origin or integrity of electronic invoices by legal persons.

More about the electronic seal.

Electronic time stamp

Another area where eIDAS sets out rules is the use of electronic time stamps, which are digital records that confirm that an electronic document existed at a given time. A qualified time stamp can be used as legal proof of the time of creation or receipt of a document.

Learn more about qualified time stamps.

Summary

eIDAS aims to create a Digital Single Market in the EU by enabling secure and trusted electronic transactions between Member States. In addition, it increases trust in electronic identification and digital services across the European Union by setting uniform standards and rules for electronic means of identification and electronic signatures.

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What is eIDAS?