Electronic Signature

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/trustworthy 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. 

In Switzerland the conditions and requirements in this regard are regulated by the Federal Act of 18 March 2016 on the Electronic Signature (SR 943.03, available in German, French or Italian only) and in the Ordinance of 23 November 2016 on the Electronic Signature (SR 943.032, available in German, French or Italian only). The electronic signature and the handwritten signature on a document are hereby considered on a par.

The technical requirements have been defined by OFCOM (Certification services in the area of the electronic signature and other digital certificate applications, SR 943.032.1, available in German, French or Italian only)

Companies that issue and manage qualified and regulated electronic certificates (in accordance with the above-mentioned legal basis and technical regulations) are checked and recognised by the recognition body (KPMG, SCESm 0071). The recognition body reports the recognised certification service providers (CSP) as well as any changes to SAS, which are published in the following list: 


Last modification 22.10.2021

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