Retention of electronically signed documents

Why preservation is essential

Why preservation is essentialAn electronic signature only has value if the proof remains searchable and verifiable. Disputes can arise 5, 8 or 10 years after signing. Hence the importance of correctarchiving ⬥⬥⬥.

Legal durations in France

• Commercial contracts ⬥⬥⬥: 10 years (article L.123-22)Employment contracts ⬥⬥⬥: 5 years after end
• Employment contracts ⬥⬥⬥: 5 years after endInvoices ⬥⬥⬥: 10 years (accounting), 6 years (tax)
• Leases ⬥⬥⬥: duration + 5 yearsInsurance contracts ⬥⬥⬥: 2 to 10 years depending on type
• Notarial deeds ⬥⬥⬥: 30 yearsKeep the PDF
• Keep the PDFand
• the audit trail for the longest applicable period.Archive formats

Several PAdES formats co-exist:PAdES-B-B ⬥⬥⬥: simple signaturePAdES-B-B ⬥⬥⬥: simple signature

PAdES-B-T ⬥⬥⬥: + qualified timestamp

PAdES-B-LT ⬥⬥⬥: + certificate chain (offline verification)

• PAdES-B-LTA ⬥⬥⬥: + periodic timestamps (multi-decade validity)For long-term documents, choose
• PAdES-B-LTAPAdES-B-LTA
• .Electronic Archiving System (SAE)
• An SAE with probative value guarantees:Integrity (verified fingerprints)

Authenticity (signature remained valid)Authenticity (signature remained valid)Traceability (log of consultations)

Reversibility (export possible)

The French standard

• NF Z42-013
• specifies the requirements.
• specifies the requirements.
• Best practices

Keep PDF + audit trail, never one without the otherSave in several copies (geographic redundancy)Check integrity periodically (6-12 months)

Document durations by document type

• Document durations by document type
• Test the restoration annually
• Frequent errors
• Keep only the PDF
• Store on a single medium

Use a cloud without retention clauses

• Use a cloud without retention clauses
• Forget specific durations (banking, health)
• Lose the keys if the archive is encrypted
• Internal vs. outsourced archiving
• Internal ⬥⬥⬥: total control, initial investment.

Outsourced ⬥⬥⬥: via the platform or a service provider. Lower cost, operational unloading, check reversibility clauses.

Outsourced ⬥⬥⬥: via the platform or a service provider. Lower cost, operational unloading, check reversibility clauses.Most SMEs favor outsourced archiving included in the plan.How Certyneo helps youCertyneo includes a

10-year archiving

in all plans. Each document is preserved with PDF PAdES-B-T, full audit trail, metadata. Infrastructure replicated in the EU (Germany, IONOS) with versioning. Export archives in one click.

in all plans. Each document is preserved with PDF PAdES-B-T, full audit trail, metadata. Infrastructure replicated in the EU (Germany, IONOS) with versioning. Export archives in one click.Discover the Certyneo electronic signature solutionFAQ

Do I need a certified SAE?

Not required, but recommended for high-stakes documents. NF Z42-013 provides a presumption of reliability.

Can I keep just the PDF?

Can I keep just the PDF?

Technically yes, but the separate audit trail is still useful.

If my platform disappears?

PAdES PDFs remain verifiable offline. Export the audit trail regularly.

Is archiving expensive?

No, very economical compared to paper. Most platforms include it.

No, very economical compared to paper. Most platforms include it.

When does the 10 year period start?

Commercial contract: end of execution. Employment contract: end of contract.

Conclusion

Conservation is the life insurance of your signatures. Choose a long and solid archive, check it periodically.

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