QES

Qualified Electronic Signatures

The highest level of electronic signature as defined by the European Union’s eIDAS regulation.

A Qualified Electronic Signature is created using a Qualified Electronic Signature Creation Device (QSCD) and is based on a qualified certificate issued by a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP). QES provides the same legal effect as a handwritten signature in the European Union.

The use of a QES provides the highest level of assurance of the identity of the signer and the integrity of the signed data. QES is designed to ensure that the electronic signature cannot be repudiated and that the signed data has not been tampered with since the signature was applied.

To qualify as a QES, the signature must meet certain technical and legal requirements, such as the use of a QSCD, the signing of a qualified certificate, and adherence to specific signature formats and validation procedures. The QES must also be created by a qualified trust service provider (QTSP) and be recognized by all EU member states.

QES is commonly used in transactions that require a high level of assurance, such as government contracts, legal agreements, and financial transactions. The use of QES provides a more secure, efficient, and cost-effective way to sign and verify documents than traditional paper-based signatures.

• Abbreviation: QES