What is a Digital Signature?
A digital signature (German: Digitale Signatur) is an electronic method for authenticating the sender and ensuring document integrity in electronic procurement.
Legal Framework
- eIDAS Regulation (EU) No. 910/2014: EU-wide framework
- Section 53 VgV: Electronic form in procurement
- Section 126a BGB: Electronic form with qualified signature
Signature Levels
| Level | Security | Use in Procurement |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Low | Bidder questions |
| Advanced | Medium | Participation requests |
| Qualified (QES) | High | Bids, legally binding documents |
Qualified Electronic Signature
Equivalent to handwritten signatures, certificate-based, person-bound, verifiable, and EU-wide recognized under eIDAS.
Current Developments
Remote signatures (cloud-based QES), eID-based signatures, mobile signature services, and simplified requirements.
How Patterno Helps
Patterno informs you about signature requirements across procurement platforms, ensuring your electronic bids are legally compliant.