E-signature Legality in Netherlands
The 2003 Electronic Signature Act (Wet elektronische handtekeningen) was the first law to recognize electronic signatures in the Netherlands. Today, as a member state of the European Union, the Netherlands follows EU law governing e-signatures. Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, also known as eIDAS, regulates electronic identification and trust services and came into full force in 2016.
eIDAS provides for three types of e-signatures, with varying degrees of security:
- Simple Electronic Signature (SES)
- Advanced Electronic Signature (AdES)
- Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) — this is the most secure of the three, requiring a certificate issued by a qualified signature creation device
In addition to these laws, the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek) is also relevant to e-signatures, with provisions managing electronic contracts and establishing the equivalence of handwritten and digital signatures under secure conditions.
Consult a legal professional for guidance to ensure you follow all relevant laws and requirements regarding electronic signatures.
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