Today, electronic signatures are well accepted when doing business transactions that require signatures such as signing agreements, quotes, contracts or any type of document that is a commitment between two parties. The advantages of using electronic signatures are huge: they are more environmental-friendly, there is no hassle with printing and scanning paper only for the sake of a signature and documents can be signed anywhere and on any device.
However, when signing documents with electronic signatures, it’s important to choose the right type of signature in order to avoid disputes or legal issues later.
There are 3 types of electronic signatures. In this blog we explain the qualified electronic signature in detail.
What is a Qualified Electronic Signature?
Documents in strongly regulated sectors such as governmental or financial transactions require a high standard of trust and, in other words, a signature that resembles and contributes to this high standard. This is where the QES comes in.
QES, short for Qualified Electronic Signature, is the type of signature that has the highest standard of trust and authenticity. For the European Union, these standards are captured in the eIDAS regulation, the Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services regulation.
Characteristics of a Qualified Electronic signature
A QES has some very specific characteristics and benefits compared with other types of signatures. It offers the highest level of security and legal recognition compared with other types of electronic signatures like Basic and Advanced electronic signatures.
Legally Binding: A QES has the same legal standing as a handwritten signature in many jurisdictions, especially within the European Union under the eIDAS regulation.
Advanced Security: A QES uses a qualified certificate issued by a trusted certification authority (CA). This certificate ensures the authenticity and integrity of the signature.
Two-Factor Authentication: The process of creating a QES typically involves two-factor authentication, such as a combination of a smart card or USB token and a PIN code. In eSignHaven you can also choose to sign with Itsme or e-ID.
Traceability and Non-Repudiation: Due to the stringent verification processes and secure methods used, a QES provides strong evidence of the signer's identity and ensures that the signed document cannot be altered unnoticed. It is highly resistant to repudiation.
Regulated by Law: In many regions, especially the EU, the creation and use of QES are strictly regulated to ensure their reliability and security.
The benefits of qualified electronic signatures
Using qualified electronic signatures in your business transactions has many advantages. They offer a robust and secure solution for digital signing needs:
- Speed and cost reduction: There is no need to print documents just for the sake of a signature. You can also save postal costs.
- Remote signing: Documents are signed without the need for physical presence. You can sign documents from anywhere, on any device.
- Identity verification: The signer’s authenticity is backed by a thorough identity verification process.
- Equivalent to handwritten signatures: As mentioned above, qualified electronic signatures have the same legal status as wet signatures.
eSignHaven's qualified electronic signatures
Our digital signing platform, eSignHaven offers qualified electronic signatures. In our Premium pack, 500 qualified electronic signatures are included in the plan. Itsme is a well-known and established signature and identification provider. Once you have an itsme account, documents are signed in no-time.
Curious to discover our signing platform? Start with eSignHaven today!