eIDAS Regulation: Simple and Complete Explanation

eIDAS in One Sentence

eIDAS (Electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services) is European Regulation No. 910/2014 which unifies the legal framework for electronic signatures, digital identity and trust services in the 27 Member States.

It entered into force on 1 July 2016 with direct legal effect in each Member State.

Why eIDAS Was Created

Before 2016, each country had its own law. A signature issued in France was not automatically recognised in Germany.

eIDAS solves three problems:

• Legal fragmentation: a single framework for 27 countries

• Mutual recognition: a signature valid everywhere

• Harmonised levels: three standardised levels (SES, AES, QES)

The Three Signature Levels

• Simple signature (SES): any electronic consent

• Advanced signature (AES): unique identification + strong authentication

• Qualified signature (QES): AES + qualified certificate + secure device

For details, see simple, advanced, qualified.

Trust Service Providers (TSP/QTSP)

eIDAS creates the status of trust service provider (TSP), which can be qualified (QTSP) if it is audited and registered on the trust list of a Member State. In France, the ANSSI maintains this list (Docaposte Certigna, Universign, CertEurope…).

Mutual Recognition

A signature issued by a French QTSP is automatically recognised throughout the EU. This principle also applies to digital identities: FranceConnect+ will be interoperable with identity wallets in other States under eIDAS 2.0.

Principle of Non-Discrimination (Article 25)

Even a simple signature is admissible. The judge assesses the reliability of the process, but the digital format alone is not grounds for rejection.

eIDAS 2.0: What Changes

Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 modernises eIDAS with the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW). By the end of 2026, each State must provide a mobile application to store identity credentials and sign with a QES.

What It Changes for Your Business

• Sign with EU counterparties without negotiating the framework

• Choose an eIDAS-compliant provider

• Prepare for EUDIW (2026-2027)

• Adapt the level to the issue at hand

How Certyneo Aligns with eIDAS

Certyneo natively issues SES and AES signatures in compliance with standards, with PAdES token, time-stamping and audit trail. For QES, we interface with European QTSPs.

Discover the Certyneo electronic signature solution

FAQ

Is eIDAS mandatory?

Strongly recommended for any signature with cross-border EU legal value.

Difference between eIDAS and GDPR?

eIDAS governs signatures and identities. GDPR governs data protection. Complementary.

Can I sign with a non-EU provider?

Legally yes, but cross-border recognition is limited.

Does ANSSI certify platforms?

ANSSI qualifies QTSPs (for QES). For SES/AES, it is the provider's eIDAS compliance.

How do I know if a document is signed in QES?

In Adobe Reader: signature properties → level and certificate. See verify a signed document.

Conclusion

eIDAS is the European foundation that makes electronic signatures legally reliable, cross-border and standardised.

Try Certyneo to send, sign and track your documents online simply, quickly and securely.