Electronic Signature
An electronic signature is a technical procedure for confirming the authenticity of electronic documents and the identity of the signatory. It is based on a secure infrastructure (PKI) operated by certification service providers (CSPs). Recognised CSPs comply with the legal requirements of Federal Act on Electronic Signatures and ensure quality, reliability, and security.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
An electronic or digital signature is a technical procedure that proves the identity of the signatory and the authenticity of an electronic document or electronic data. This requires a certification infrastructure, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which is formed by trusted third party providers. These are so-called certification services providers CSP. They offer solutions for the secure transmission of data and provide evidence that the quality, security and reliability of the services provided comply with the applicable standards. The electronic signature and the handwritten signature on a document are hereby considered to be of equal value.
Legal basis
In Switzerland the conditions and requirements in this regard are regulated by the:
- Federal Act on the Electronic Signature (SR 943.03, available in German, French or Italian only)
Federal Act of 18 March 2016 on the Electronic Signature - Ordinance on the Electronic Signature (SR 943.032, available in German, French or Italian only)
Ordinance of 23 November 2016 on the Electronic Signature
OFCOM (Federal Office of Communications) is in charge of the
- Technical and administrative regulations concerning certification services in the area of the electronic signature and other digital certificate applications, SR 943.032.1
(document available in german, french or italian only)
Companies (providers of certification services) that issue and manage qualified and regulated electronic certificates (in accordance with the above-mentioned legal bases and technical regulations) in Switzerland verified and recognised by the recognition body KPMG (SCESm 0071). The recognition body notifies the SAS of the recognised certification service providers (CSP) and any changes, which are published in the following list. Note: KPMG AG is currently the only accredited recognition body in Switzerland.
Recognised Certification Service Providers (CSP)
These lists include all CSP that comply with the requirements of the Federal Act on Electronic Signatures. A service provider not included in the directory may, however, use certificates from a recognised certification service provider to provide its own services. To determine whether such a form of collaboration exists, contact the provider directly.
However, the basic principle applies: Every CSP in Switzerland or even abroad can be recognised by bodies (conformity assessment bodies or the recognition body KPMG AG in Switzerland). The Federal Act on Electronic Signatures provides for a simplified recognition procedure for providers that have been recognised abroad in accordance with requirements that are equivalent to Swiss regulations.
For software and service developers
Trusted List (formatted in XML)
A list of recognised certification providers and services (Trusted List) formatted in XML according to ETSI TS 119 612 Electronic Signatures and Infrastructures (ESI); is available at
https://trustedlist.tsl-switzerland.ch/tsl-ch.xml.
Further information on this XML list can be found on the webpage
https://uri.tsl-switzerland.ch/TrstSvc/TrustedList/schemerules/CH/
Further information
Index
Relevante Themen
Swiss Accreditation Service SAS
The Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS) is Switzerland’s national accreditation body and part of SECO. It accredits conformity assessment bodies in accordance with international standards, thereby fostering trust and ensuring comparability.
Accreditation System
This section explains the basics of accreditation in Switzerland, its system and its importance for quality, trust and international recognition – supplemented by the legal basis, data protection and FAQs.
Accreditation Process
Find out how accreditation works at SAS – from requirements and regulations to the relevant documents. The content also shows how accreditation is applied in various fields and everyday life.
Contact
Swiss Accreditation Service SAS
Holzikofenweg 36
CH - 3003 Bern