eIDAS Regulation: simple and complete explanation
What is the eIDAS regulation, what does it change, what are its 3 signature levels and why it concerns every European company.
Updated on
Writer — Certyneo · About Certyneo
eIDAS in one sentence
eIDAS (Electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services) is European regulation No 910/2014, which unifies the legal framework for electronic signature, digital identity and trust services across the 27 Member States.
It came into effect on 1 July 2016, with direct legal force in every Member State.
Why eIDAS was created
Before 2016, each country had its own law. A signature issued in France was not automatically recognized in Germany.
eIDAS solves three problems:
- Legal fragmentation: a single framework for 27 countries
- Mutual recognition: a signature valid everywhere
- Harmonized levels: three standardized levels (SES, AES, QES)
The three signature levels
- Simple electronic signature (SES): any form of electronic consent
- Advanced electronic signature (AES): unambiguous identification + strong authentication
- Qualified electronic signature (QES): AES + qualified certificate + secure device
For more detail, 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 listed on a Member State's trusted list. In France, ANSSI maintains this list (Docaposte Certigna, Universign, CertEurope…).
Mutual recognition
A signature issued by a French QTSP is automatically recognized throughout the EU. This principle also applies to digital identities: FranceConnect+ will be interoperable with other Member States' identity wallets under eIDAS 2.0.
Principle of non-discrimination (Article 25)
"An electronic signature shall not be denied legal effect and admissibility as evidence in legal proceedings solely on the grounds that it is in electronic form."
Even a simple electronic signature is admissible. The judge assesses the reliability of the process, but the electronic format alone is not grounds for rejection.
eIDAS 2.0: what's changing
Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 modernizes eIDAS with the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW). By the end of 2026, every Member State will have to offer a mobile app for storing identity attestations and signing with a QES.
What this means for your business
- Sign with EU counterparties without negotiating the framework
- Choose an eIDAS-compliant provider
- Prepare for EUDIW (2026-2027)
- Match the signature level to the stakes
How Certyneo aligns with eIDAS
Certyneo natively issues compliant SES and AES signatures, with a PAdES token, timestamp and audit trail. For QES, we interface with European QTSPs.
Discover Certyneo's electronic signature solution
FAQ
Is eIDAS mandatory?
Strongly recommended for any signature with cross-border legal value within the EU.
What's the difference between eIDAS and GDPR?
eIDAS governs signatures and identities. GDPR governs data protection. They are complementary.
Can I sign with a non-EU provider?
Legally, yes, but cross-border recognition is more limited.
Does ANSSI certify platforms?
ANSSI qualifies QTSPs (for QES). For SES/AES, it is the provider's eIDAS compliance that matters.
How can I tell if a document is signed with a QES?
In Adobe Reader: signature properties → level and certificate. See verifying a signed document.
Conclusion
eIDAS is the European foundation that makes electronic signatures legally reliable, cross-border and standardized.
Try Certyneo to send, sign and track your documents online, simply, quickly and securely.
Try Certyneo for free
Send your first signature envelope in under 5 minutes. 5 envelopes for 14 days, then 2/mo, no credit card required.
Go deeper on the topic
Reference articles on this topic.
Go deeper on the topic
Our comprehensive guides to master electronic signatures.
Continue reading about eIDAS
Deepen your knowledge with these related articles.
Simple, advanced and qualified signature: the differences
The 3 eIDAS levels explained with concrete examples to choose the right electronic signature depending on the issue of the document.
eIDAS Compliant Electronic Signature: A Complete Requirements Guide
Learn what eIDAS compliant electronic signatures actually require, compare all three tiers, and use our checklist to evaluate providers before you sign anything important.
Cross-border Electronic Signature: eIDAS Between Europe and North Africa
Cross-border electronic signature eIDAS raises major legal and technical questions for businesses operating between Europe and North Africa. Discover how to secure your international contractual exchanges.