What is the difference between eIDAS and ZertES?

eIDAS (EU Regulation No 910/2014) governs electronic signatures in EU member states. ZertES (SR 943.03) is Switzerland's equivalent statute. Both use the same three-tier structure (SES, AES, QES), but they are separate legal frameworks with separate QTSP accreditation bodies. A QES qualified under ZertES Art. 11 is not automatically recognized as qualified under eIDAS Art. 25(2), and vice versa.

Is a Swiss qualified electronic signature valid in the EU?

Not automatically. A QES from a Swiss BAKOM-accredited QTSP carries full legal presumption in Switzerland under ZertES Art. 11, but EU member states apply eIDAS, which requires EUTL listing. For cross-border EU-Switzerland contracts, use a QTSP that holds both ZertES accreditation (BAKOM) and EUTL listing. Swisscom Trust Services is accredited under both frameworks.

Does eIDAS apply in Switzerland?

No. Switzerland is not an EU member state, so eIDAS does not have direct legal effect in Switzerland. Switzerland has ZertES (SR 943.03). The two frameworks are structurally aligned but legally separate. Swiss courts apply ZertES when evaluating electronic signatures under Swiss law.

What is the QTSP requirement under eIDAS vs ZertES?

Under eIDAS, a QTSP must be listed on the EU Trusted List (EUTL) at eidas.ec.europa.eu/efda/tl-browser/. Under ZertES, a QTSP must be accredited by BAKOM under the ZertES Ordinance (VZertES, SR 943.032). A QTSP can hold both accreditations simultaneously.

Does Swiss Trust Layer provide dual eIDAS and ZertES coverage?

Yes. Swiss Trust Layer uses a QTSP that is both EUTL-listed under eIDAS and BAKOM-accredited under ZertES. Documents sealed on the platform carry qualified trust service coverage under both frameworks. Pricing starts at CHF 5 per document.

eIDAS vs ZertES: EU and Swiss Signature Law Explained

eIDAS regit les signatures electroniques dans l'UE. ZertES en Suisse. La reconnaissance mutuelle n'est pas automatique.

La Suisse n'est pas membre de l'UE, donc l'eIDAS ne s'applique pas comme droit europeen en Suisse. La Suisse dispose de son propre statut: ZertES (RS 943.03). Les deux cadres sont alignes structurellement mais sont des instruments juridiques separes.

Les cadres en parallele

Sous eIDAS: Les QTSP sont supervises par des organismes nationaux dans les Etats membres de l'UE et inscrits sur la liste de confiance europeenne (EUTL). Une SEQ de tout QTSP inscrit sur l'EUTL porte la presomption legale de l'Art. 25(2) dans tous les Etats membres.
Sous ZertES: Les QTSP doivent etre accredites par l'OFCOM conformement a l'ordonnance ZertES (RS 943.032). Une SEQ d'un QTSP accredite par l'OFCOM porte la presomption de ZertES Art. 11 en Suisse.

Reconnaissance mutuelle: le manque

Pour les contrats transfrontaliers entre parties suisses et europeennes, la solution la plus sure est un QTSP avec a la fois l'inscription sur l'EUTL et l'accreditation OFCOM. Swisscom Trust Services satisfait les deux.

eIDAS vs ZertES: comment le droit europeen et suisse de la signature electronique different

Les cadres en parallele

Reconnaissance mutuelle: le manque