France E-signature Legality Guide

Check out the country-specific facts about electronic signature laws and regulations.

E-signature Legality in France

France is a member of the European Union, and as such e-signatures in France are governed by the 2014 Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, known as eIDAS, which oversees digital identity management, authentication, and trust services across the European Union.

eIDAS includes three types of digital signatures: Simple Electronic Signature (SES), Advanced Electronic Signature (AdES), and Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). Each type has different requirements. QES is the most secure and can be considered an acceptable alternative to handwritten signatures under certain conditions.

In addition to eIDAS, France’s Civil Code and Decree N° 2017-1416 govern the conditions under which an e-signature is considered valid and outline requirements for devices, software, and service providers that issue e-signatures.

Consult a legal professional to ensure you’re meeting all relevant laws and requirements.

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