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 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:

1. Legal fragmentation: a single framework for 27 countries
2. Mutual recognition: a signature valid everywhere
3. 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.