eIDAS vs ZertES: Key Differences Explained
Electronic signatures are essential in modern business but when it comes to legal validity across Europe and Switzerland, two key standards dominate: eIDAS and ZertES. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for companies operating internationally.
What is ZertES and what is eIDAS?
ZertES is the Swiss federal law on electronic signatures. It defines the legal and technical requirements for electronic signatures to be recognised as legally binding in Switzerland.
eIDAS (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) is an EU regulation that has been in force in all member states since 2016. It regulates electronic identification, trust services and signatures and ensures uniform standards in the European internal market.
Core Differences:
ZertES: Swiss national law.
eIDAS: Uniform EU framework.
What they have in common: Both recognize the qualified electronic signature (QES) as equivalent to the handwritten signature.
This means that contracts signed in accordance with ZertES or eIDAS are legally binding and internationally valid both in Switzerland and in the EU.
Advantages for companies: Why the standards are important
For companies of all sizes – from freelancers to SMEs to international corporations – the use of legally compliant signatures is crucial.
The advantages at a glance:
Legal certainty: Contracts are internationally recognised.
Compliance: Compliance with legal requirements such as GDPR and the Code of Obligations.
Efficiency: Contracts take minutes instead of days.
Sustainability: Paper consumption and CO₂ pollution are reduced.
Scalability: Signatures for small teams or entire corporations possible.
With SignnTrack, companies benefit from AWS-hosted cloud infrastructure, strong encryption and GDPR-compliant storage and can thus process contracts quickly, securely and audit-proof.
Legal & Technical Aspects: Focus on Security
The qualified electronic signature (QES) according to ZertES and eIDAS has full evidential value in court.
Technical safety
AES-256 encryption protects all documents.
Hosting on AWS servers in the EU/Switzerland.
Two-factor authentication for added protection.
Audit trails document every signature movement.
Legal basis
eIDAS (EU Regulation 910/2014): Regulates electronic identification and signatures throughout Europe.
ZertES (CH Federal Act, SR 943.03): Swiss framework for electronic signatures.
Both recognize the QES as a full-fledged handwritten signature.
More information: EU eIDAS Regulation | Swiss Certificate
Practical use cases in business
Companies are already using ZertES and eIDAS in many areas:
Real estate: Handle rental and purchase contracts digitally.
Finance: Account openings, loan agreements.
Human resources: employment contracts, NDA, onboarding.
Healthcare: Patient approvals, data protection agreements.
SMEs & startups: investor contracts, supplier agreements.
With SignnTrack, companies can seamlessly integrate these processes into their workflow – from contract preparation to audit-proof archiving.
Best Practices: How Companies Implement ZertES & eIDAS Correctly
To ensure that electronic signatures are used in a legally compliant and efficient manner, companies should follow these steps:
Consider standards: For international business, plan for ZertES and eIDAS.
Choose a reliable tool: A platform like SignnTrack that covers both standards.
Manage access rights: Define clear roles and permissions.
Train employees: Training on legal basics and application.
Secure documentation: Store all signatures in an audit-proof manner.
In this way, companies benefit from fast, secure and internationally valid contract conclusions.
Additional Insights: Digital Signature Compliance and Security
When comparing eIDAS vs ZertES, companies should also look beyond legal frameworks and focus on the technical and operational aspects of electronic signatures. Both standards recognize three main signature levels — the einfache elektronische Signatur (EES), fortgeschrittene elektronische Signatur (FES), and qualifizierte elektronische Signatur (QES). The QES offers the highest level of trust, equivalent to a handwritten signature under both EU and Swiss law.
Modern digitale Signatur Software such as SignnTrack ensures compliance with these frameworks by combining AES-256 Verschlüsselung and secure identity verification. AES-256 is currently considered one of the safest encryption methods for protecting documents and user data. This strong encryption standard helps organizations meet the strict requirements of GDPR-compliant e-signature software EU 2025, safeguarding every stage of contract processing.
Furthermore, SignnTrack’s cloudbasierte Signatur-Lösung supports industries that rely heavily on secure digital transactions — from insurance contract management to real estate agreements and digitaler Arbeitsvertrag workflows. Each document is signed, stored, and archived with full traceability, providing complete legal protection and transparency.
For businesses expanding internationally, adopting a solution that supports ZertES and eIDAS regulation electronic signature is key. This ensures every PDF elektronische Signatur or online unterschreiben PDF action remains legally binding across borders. Companies that embrace AI contract review and KI-gestützte Dokumentenerkennung can further automate compliance and accelerate approval cycles — making digital signatures not only secure but also a strategic advantage for 2025 and beyond
FAQ
1. What is the difference between ZertES and eIDAS?
ZertES is valid in Switzerland, eIDAS in the EU. Both recognize qualified electronic signatures (QES) as legally valid.
2. Are eIDAS signatures valid in Switzerland?
Yes, QES are mutually recognized through international agreements.
3. What types of signatures are there?
Simple Electronic Signature (EES)
Advanced Electronic Signature (FES)
Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
4. Is the electronic signature GDPR compliant?
Yes, as long as a provider such as SignnTrack is used, which guarantees data protection, encryption and hosting in the EU/CH.
5. Which industries will benefit in particular?
Real estate, finance, HR, healthcare, as well as SMEs and international corporations.
6. How secure are electronic signatures?
Highly secure with AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication, and audit trails.
7. Can I try SignnTrack for free?
Yes, you can start a free trial.
8. What are the advantages of a QES compared to a handwritten signature?
Speed, digital archiving, international validity and high security.
9. Can an electronic signature be challenged in court?
Only in exceptional cases, if technical or legal standards have not been met.
10. Does the QES completely replace the handwritten signature?
Yes, legally both are equal.
11. Do I need additional hardware to use it?
No, SignnTrack is cloud-based with no additional equipment.
12. What authentication methods are possible?
SMS-TAN, two-factor authentication, ID verification.
13. Is the electronic signature also useful for small companies?
Yes, SMEs in particular save time and money.
14. How is the identity of the signatory secured?
Through certificate authorities, ID checks and digital certificates.
15. Can international contracts be signed digitally?
Yes, ZertES and eIDAS ensure legal validity in CH and EU.
16. Which documents may be electronically signed?
All business-related contracts, except for very rare special cases (e.g. wills).
17. Is the electronic signature allowed in the healthcare sector?
Yes, for patient approvals and privacy documents.
18. How long are electronic signatures valid?
They are valid indefinitely as long as the certificates do not expire.
19. Where are the signed documents stored?
On secure AWS servers in Switzerland/EU with backup.
20. What happens when a certificate expires?
The signature remains valid, but the certificate must be renewed for new signatures.
21. How does the FES differ from the QES?
FES offers higher security than EES, but does not offer full legal equality like QES.
22. Can multiple people sign a document?
Yes, you can use SignnTrack to manage multiple signatures.
23. Are there mobile apps for SignnTrack?
Yes, SignnTrack is mobile-optimized and usable on iOS/Android.
24. Is an electronic signature environmentally friendly?
Yes, it significantly reduces paper consumption and CO₂ emissions.
25. What is the legal basis for the ZertES?
The Federal Act on Electronic Signatures (SR 943.03).
26. What is the legal basis for eIDAS?
The EU Regulation No. 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services.
27. Are electronic signatures valid in the US?
Yes, through the ESIGN Act and UETA, but independent of ZertES/eIDAS.
28. Can external partners sign documents?
Yes, customers, suppliers and partners can be easily integrated.
29. Is SignnTrack audit-proof?
Yes, with audit trails and tamper-proof storage.
30. How quickly is it possible to conclude a digital contract?
In a few minutes instead of days or weeks with paper.
31. How much does it cost to use SignnTrack?
There are flexible tariff models for SMEs, start-ups and large companies.
32. Does SignnTrack support multilingualism?
Yes, the platform is optimized for DE, EN, FR, IT, ES.
33. Can contracts be signed offline?
No, electronic signatures require digital infrastructure.
34. How does SignnTrack protect against identity theft?
Through strong authentication and certified trust centers.
35. Can I upload and sign existing PDFs?
Yes, PDF upload and instant signing are possible.
36. What integrations does SignnTrack offer?
Interfaces to CRM, ERP and cloud storage.
37. How does SignnTrack support remote work?
Contracts can be signed in a timely manner, regardless of location.
38. Is the platform scalable?
Yes, from sole proprietors to large corporations.
39. Can I export the audit trail?
Yes, all signature protocols are exportable.
40. Why SignnTrack over other providers?
Because it is ZertES & eIDAS compliant, secure, user-friendly and internationally recognized.
Start your free trial with SignnTrack today and benefit from fast, secure and legally compliant contract processing.
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