When a qualified signature is worth it

01 · Name the requirement

Name the requirement

Ask whether a statute, a registry, or the counterparty requires a qualified signature for this act. If the answer is no, a standard signature may be what counsel recommends. If the answer is yes, do not send a standard request and describe it as qualified.

02 · Keep the option in Enterprise

Keep the option in Enterprise

QES for Europe is an Enterprise option and is priced separately from Essential and Pro. It is not included because a page mentions Europe. Confirm the option is on the account before you promise it to a customer.

A qualified signature is worth it when the law in front of you asks for that level, and not because the menu looks more serious.

03 · Do not mix the labels

Do not mix the labels

Advanced, qualified, and standard appear in European texts as different levels. The product's ordinary signature is a standard electronic signature. Country pages say the same thing in plainer words. Use their wording when you answer a customer.

• ✓Does this act require a qualified signature?
• ✓Is QES for Europe enabled on the account?
• ✓Are we describing the ordinary flow as QES?
• ✓Will we store the PDF and the record either way?

04 · Evidence still matters

Evidence still matters

Whatever level you use, keep the completed PDF and the completion record. The record includes a SHA-256 hash of the final file. A qualified process does not remove the need to store the file.

05 · Decide before sending

Decide before sending

Choose the level with counsel, then send. You cannot relabel a completed standard signature as QES after the fact. If the level was wrong, send a new document.