Ukraine Mandates Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) for Businesses
As of November 7, 2020, older electronic digital signatures (EDS) are no longer valid, requiring a transition to qualified electronic signatures (QES).
Effective November 7, 2020, changes concerning the use of electronic signatures came into force in Ukraine. Electronic digital signatures (EDS) of the old format, obtained before this date, are no longer valid. Instead, to continue working with electronic documents, it is necessary to use new-format qualified electronic signatures (QES). This was reported by the publication InBase, among others.
The transition to QES is regulated by the Law of Ukraine “On Electronic Trust Services,” which provided for a two-year transition period. This law also defines the entities obligated to store QES on protected hardware and software carriers (tokens). These include state authorities, local self-government bodies, state enterprises, registrars, and notaries. Other QES users can currently choose their storage method independently.
It is worth noting that Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 193 of March 3, 2020, temporarily allows the use of advanced electronic signatures based on qualified certificates, even if they are not stored on protected carriers. This provision is valid until December 31, 2021, after which further legislative changes are expected.
Why is this important for Ukrainian businesses?
- Legal Legitimacy: Ensures electronic document flow complies with current legislation and avoids legal risks.
- Enhanced Security: QES offers improved protection against unauthorized access and forgery, which is critical for confidential information.
- Process Optimization: Simplifies and accelerates interaction with government agencies, partners, and clients, contributing to business efficiency.
Source: InBase
Source: InBase