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eIDAS

eIDAS is the EU’s regulatory framework for electronic identification and trust services. It establishes common rules for electronic signatures and digital identity solutions, among other areas, across the EU.

What does eIDAS mean?

eIDAS stands for electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services. The regulation covers electronic identification, authentication, and trust services.

The original eIDAS regulation is Regulation (EU) No 910/2014. It was amended in 2024 as part of the establishment of a European digital identity framework. When people refer to eIDAS today, they may therefore mean both the original rules and the subsequent amendments.

What does eIDAS regulate?

eIDAS covers electronic identification and various trust services. These include electronic signatures, electronic seals, time stamps, and electronic registered delivery services.

The rules aim to build trust in digital transactions and enable certain digital identity and trust services to be used across the EU.

What does eIDAS mean for electronic signatures?

eIDAS describes three levels of electronic signatures: electronic signatures, advanced electronic signatures, and qualified electronic signatures. These levels impose different requirements concerning, among other things, identification of the signatory and the security of the signature.

An electronic signature must not be rejected solely because it is electronic or is not qualified. Under the regulation, a qualified electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.

However, other EU rules or national legislation may impose specific requirements for certain documents or situations.

What is the difference between eIDAS and a digital signature?

eIDAS is a set of rules. A digital signature is a way of signing a document electronically.

When a business chooses a digital signing solution, it is important to consider how signatories are identified, which type of signature the solution supports, and which requirements apply to the document.

Who needs to know about eIDAS?

eIDAS is relevant to businesses and organizations that use electronic identification or trust services in digital processes. Examples include signing agreements, identifying customers, or exchanging documents digitally.

For legally important documents, the requirements for the specific situation should be examined separately.

Frequently asked questions about eIDAS

Is eIDAS a law?

eIDAS is an EU regulation that applies directly in EU member states. It establishes rules for electronic identification and trust services.

Is an electronic signature valid without QES?

A signature can have legal effect without being qualified. It must not be rejected solely because it is electronic or does not meet the requirements for QES. However, the requirements depend on the document and the relevant legislation.

Are eIDAS and EUDI the same?

eIDAS is the regulatory framework for electronic identification and trust services. EUDI refers to the European digital identity framework introduced through an amendment to eIDAS, which includes European Digital Identity Wallets.

Related terms

Qualified electronic signature (QES)Advanced electronic signatureDigital signingDigital identityTrust service

Sources

The eIDAS regulation on EUR-Lex
European Commission: The eIDAS regulation
European Commission: The EUDI regulation

General information, not legal advice.