Frequently Asked Questions about Document Signing and eIDAS

The eIDAS Regulation (EU No. 910/2014), approved by the European Parliament and the Council on July 23, 2014, deals with electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market. This regulation, which replaces Directive 1999/93/EC, establishes how Member States must recognize electronic identification methods for individuals and legal entities from other Member States. It also defines standards for trust services, including a legal framework for electronic signatures, electronic seals, electronic time stamps, electronic documents, certified electronic delivery services, and certificates for website authentication.

What is an Electronic Trust Service? It is an electronic service usually provided in exchange for payment, which includes:

• The creation, verification, and validation of electronic signatures, electronic seals, or electronic time stamps, certified electronic delivery services, and related certificates.
• The creation, verification, and validation of certificates for website authentication.
• The preservation of signatures, seals, or electronic certificates related to these services.

What are the Types of Electronic Signature? According to the eIDAS Regulation, there are three types:

1. Electronic Signature: Electronic format data attached to or logically associated with other electronic data, used by the signatory to sign.
2. Advanced Electronic Signature: An electronic signature that:
   • Is uniquely linked to the signatory.
   • Allows the identification of the signatory.
   • Is created using electronic signature creation data under the exclusive control of the signatory.
   • Is linked to the signed data in such a way that any subsequent change is detectable.
3. Qualified Electronic Signature: An advanced electronic signature created with a qualified signature creation device and based on a qualified electronic signature certificate.

How Many Types of Electronic Seal are There? The eIDAS Regulation establishes three types:

1. Electronic Seal: Electronic format data attached to or logically associated with other electronic data, ensuring the origin and integrity of the latter.
2. Advanced Electronic Seal: An electronic seal that:
   • Is uniquely linked to its creator.
   • Allows the identification of the seal’s creator.
   • Is created using seal creation data under the control of the creator.
   • Is linked to the referred data in such a way that any subsequent change is detectable.
3. Qualified Electronic Seal: An advanced electronic seal created with a qualified seal creation device and based on a qualified electronic seal certificate.