Scope

The eIDAS Regulation (electronic identification and trust services) aims to facilitate secure and seamless electronic transactions and to establish a standardized framework for electronic identification and trust services across the European Union.

Providers of eID (Electronic identification), electronic signature, electronic seal, timestamping services, electronic delivery service certificate and services or website authentications are covered by the rules of the regulation.

The amendments represents a significant expansion of the scope of the regulation; member states are not only required to recognize, but also to provide means of electronic identification, and the scope is extended to cover new types of trust services as well as the implementation of a new digital wallet. This wallet, in addition to serving as a high-level eID solution, can also include certified attributes such as driver’s licenses, diplomas, vaccine passports and more.

Relevance

The regulation ensures mutual recognition of eID and trust services across member states, enabling individuals and businesses to access online services across borders. It promotes trust, security, and interoperability in electronic transactions, fostering the development of a digital single market within the EU. The member states are empowered to establish their own penalties and enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance with its provisions.

Key obligations

Key take obligations from the regulation are:

• Mutual recognition of electronic identification in the Member states.
• Electronic signatures and seals that comply with eIDAS are legally valid and enforceable.
• Providers of qualified trust services must meet specific requirements and be listed on trusted service lists.
• Trust service providers must ensure security and integrity of their services.