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Electronic signature

Electronic signature is a cryptographic procedure by which it is possible to create the same legal effect as with handwritten signature or with a signature prior to the notary based on the law in force.

Benefits of using electronic signatures on final reports

  • Signed protocols is stored in the lab system. There is no need for paper-based archiving.
  • Instantly available any number of authentic copies.
  • Processing / forwarding of records to other systems can be automated.
  • Client / third party can easily check the compliance with the policy, because it is directly in the PDF report.
  • It is accepted everywhere in the EU.
  • It is completely equal to the conventionally printed and signed report.

Legal background

From 2016 new rules apply to electronic signatures: according to the new principle of equivalence, electronic signature is valis and it has to be accepted across the EU.

On January 1 2016 the CCXXII of 2015 on General Rules on Electronic Administration and Confidentiality entered into force with certain exceptions. (The so-called "Trust Act"), which is based on Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (hereinafter referred to as "eIDAS Regulation"). The latter defines the rules for electronic transactions across the EU.

Under the eIDAS Regulation, the legal effect of the electronic signature and the admissibility of evidence can not be denied solely because it is in electronic format. On the other hand, all Member States are required to recognize classified electronic signatures based on a qualified certificate issued in other Member States as qualified electronic signatures.

The "Trust Act" declares the possibility to use a biometric signature as authentic signatures to create a credible document.

During such a signature, the electronic signature of the signatory's own signature with the biometric information (speed, compression force, etc.) is authenticated by an electronic signature and timestamp certificate generated by the closed system. This way, it is possible to create an electronic document that a third person, court or public authority can accept as a document of evidence without a pre-issued certificate and key ("signing card") for a particular person.

Apart from a few exceptions, the law makes perfectly equivalent to the traditional signature with all its legal implications if the digital signature meets certain criteria.

The electronically signed protocols created by the laboratory meet the above specifications.