Simple Electronic Signature in Public Procurement 2026
Simple electronic signature (SES): the lowest signature level under eIDAS. Definition, distinction from AES and QES, and use in public procurement.
Definition: Under Article 3(10) of the eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, the simple electronic signature (SES) is the most basic form of electronic signature – data in electronic form which is attached to or logically associated with other electronic data and which is used by the signatory to sign.
Last updated: January 2026 · Legal basis: Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) Art. 3, 25
What is a simple electronic signature?
The simple electronic signature (SES) is legally the lowest signature level under the eIDAS Regulation and offers the lowest level of authenticity and integrity protection. Typical examples of SES are: scanned handwritten signatures, email signatures (sender details), PIN entries, or simply ticking a checkbox in a digital form. The SES does not require a cryptographic link to the signatory and offers no reliable protection against subsequent tampering.
Distinction from other signature types
The eIDAS Regulation distinguishes three signature levels with different security levels.
| Signature type | Security level | Identification evidence | Tamper protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple electronic signature (SES) | Low | No | No |
| Advanced electronic signature (AES) | Medium | Yes | Yes |
| Qualified electronic signature (QES) | High | Yes, by authorised trust service provider | Yes, legally equivalent to a handwritten signature |
Significance in public procurement
The simple electronic signature is generally not sufficient for legally binding procurement documents. In public procurement, bids, declarations, and procurement documents are often subject to formal requirements; the required signature level depends on national rules and the specifications of the contracting authority in the respective procurement procedure.
For the submission of bids on e-procurement platforms, most contracting authorities require at least an advanced electronic signature (AES), which ensures a unique attribution to the signatory and the integrity of the data. The qualified electronic signature (QES) is required in particular for declarations subject to formal requirements (e.g. notarised documents, powers of attorney).
In the below-threshold area and for simple procedural steps (e.g. enquiries, bidder information), the simple electronic signature may be sufficient.
Related terms
FAQ
Is a scanned signature sufficient as a simple electronic signature for procurement documents? A scanned signature qualifies as a simple electronic signature. Whether it is sufficient for specific procurement documents depends on national rules and the requirements of the contracting authority – for legally binding bids it is usually not sufficient.
What is the difference between a simple and an advanced electronic signature? The AES must be uniquely attributable to the signatory, allow their identification, and be linked to the data in such a way that subsequent changes are detectable. The SES does not require these technical conditions.
Last updated: January 2026 All information provided without guarantee. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.
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