In this blog, we discuss the international document regulations you need to know when making a digital transformation.
60+ countries have standards and legal frameworks for eSignatures and digital transactions. This list grows each year, which makes it challenging for international organisations to deliver compliant business processes.
International document regulations by country
We've included an A to Z summary of the most common international eSignature laws. It will help the next time you extend your technology into a new region, you can be certain you are complying with local directives.
Argentina
We start with our only A on the list, Argentina.
Ratified in 2001, Digital Signature Law 25.506 is similar to the laws followed by EU Member States. Digital signatures have the same status as handwritten signatures and basic eSignatures are recognised and enforceable.
What key point should we bear in mind?
Digital signatures are effective in fulfilling handwritten signature requirements for local regulations, but not for public deed requirements.
Canada
Canada has the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This law regulates the use of consumer data to ensure privacy and maintain security.
There is a legal foundation for the use of eSignatures in Canadian commerce. They have the same status as handwritten signatures. However, their legal validity can also be governed by provincial or federal law.
Active in Canada?
Ensure regional requirements are met for any documentation being signed.
Chile
Law No. 19.799 is different from most other regulations on this list. As part of this law, Chile doesn’t necessarily require contracts to feature a written signature.
If legally competent parties reach an agreement verbally, on a written document or electronically, the agreement is generally regarded as valid.
What’s the origin of Law No. 19.799?
It emerged in 2002 to make electronic signature laws consistent in eCommerce.
Costa Rica
The Law of Digital Signatures, Certificates and Electronic Documents gives eSignatures legal recognition. The eSignature is registered once the certifier sends the digital certificate.
What is the regulatory body called?
The Directorate of Digital Signature Certifying, under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
European Union
Since becoming law in July 2016, eIDAS has provided a consistent legal framework and single market for the recognition of electronic signatures and identities across all EU Member States.
Three levels of assurance exist within eIDAS.
- Basic - eSignatures cannot be denied legal effect and are recognised as admissible in legal proceedings
- Advanced - Allows for the unique ID and authentication of the signer and enables the verification of the integrity of the document
- Qualified - These are the only type issued by a government-recognised and trusted Certificate Authority. They are the only eSignatures to automatically have the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature
Need more detail?
Article 25 maintains the fundamental legal rule that all eSignatures and verification services shall be admissible as evidence.
Hong Kong
We travel to Asia now. Hong Kong’s Electronic Transactions Ordinance (updated in 2004) provides eSignatures with the same legal status as handwritten signatures. It also includes a voluntary recognition scheme for certification authorities. It is designed to strengthen public confidence.
What is the basis for the law?
It was introduced to encourage Hong Kong’s eCommerce sector. Governmental transactions have different requirements.
India
India’s Information Technology Act was passed in 2000. It was based on the United Nations Model Law on Electronic Commerce 1996 (UNCITRAL).
In India, a written signature isn’t always required to create a valid contract. Indian law does however recognise the enforceability of eSignatures.
Next steps?
Using digital signatures in India requires additional technical and legal requirements. Make sure you explore what those are specifically for your business.
Kuwait
Kuwait’s regulation is called Law No. 20 of 2014 (‘ET Law’). It covers electronic records, messages, information, documents and signatures.
What does it specifically cover?
Under Article 19, a signature is deemed a protected electronic signature if it meets certain conditions. This is a long list. More information is available here.
Malaysia
Malaysia's Digital Signature Act is regulated by the Electronic Commerce Act 2006. It states that a written signature is not always required to create a valid contract.
Does the Digital Signature Act have a purpose then?
Malaysian law recognises the enforceability of eSignatures, so it’s better being safe than sorry.
Mexico
Mexico is regulated by many different laws and by numerous legal organisations depending on where the document is signed:
Which organisation should I speak to?
Your next step should be to secure the services of a local partner.
Qatar
Enacted in 2010, Qatar's e-Transactions and e-Commerce Law is modelled on UN and EU laws. It does not apply to any documents relating to family and personal status.
Are there similarities to Kuwait’s regulation?
Yes, in Qatar a valid eSignature must meet an extensive list of criteria.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Electronic Transactions Law states that eSignatures are the legal equivalent of written signatures. However, an eSignature's effectiveness is entirely dependent on the integrity of the certification authority.
Does this increase the number of legal proceedings?
Under Saudi Arabian law, a written signature is not always required to create a contract. Therefore, you may be called upon in court to demonstrate proof.
Serbia
Serbia enacted its Electronic Signature Law allowing legal use in 2009. In principle, this means that the validity of an electronic document may not be challenged simply because it is electronic.
How unique is Serbian law?
Certificates can only be issued to people with Serbian personal identification numbers. Non-resident Directors who want to obtain qualified electronic signature certificates must first secure temporary residency in the country.
Singapore
Singapore’s law is straightforward. The 2010 Electronic Transactions Act made eSignatures admissible in court.
Will ink based signatures be phased out?
Not just yet. However, a Qualified Electronic Signature automatically has the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature.
South Africa
We've covered South Africa’s eSignature regulations in depth before.
Essentially two types of eSignatures apply:
- Electronic - Legal and enforceable
- Advanced Electronic - This is the equivalent of an eIDAS Qualified eSignature. It carries the same legal status as a handwritten signature
Switzerland
Switzerland was one of the first European countries to recognise e-signatures.
What’s its law called?
The Federal Law on Electronic Signatures
United Arab of Emirates (UAE)
The UAE’s Electronic Commerce Law specifies that any eSignature has legal force if it meets certain requirements. However, their use must be reasonable. This is generally based on the transaction’s type, value and importance.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, eSignatures cannot be legally used on documents that include transactions and issues relating to personal law such as marriage, divorce and wills.
United States of America
ESIGN was adopted by the US Federal Government in 2000. In addition to ESIGN, every state has its own eSignature law.
The majority of states' laws are based on UETA and allow the use of eSignatures for various agreements and contracts. Prior consent by all parties is customary.
Any more important reading materials?
This summary and explanation are vital for any business operating in the United States.
One final point on international document regulations
Esignatures are legally distinct from digital signatures. An eSignature can be as simple as a name entered in an electronic document. Digital signatures are often used in regulatory filings to implement eSignatures (so that they are cryptographically protected).
The key takeaway with any international regulation is to ensure you know the difference between the two types and which regulations apply to documentation or contractual agreements, whether that be close to home or across the world.
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