When considering whether you should use a Qualified Electronic Signature (later in this article described with an acronym QeS) a couple of questions come to mind, what legal value does it have? Is it widely accepted?
A QeS does not only have the same legal value as a handwritten signature, but QeS is also a safer option. For example, in the case of handwritten signatures, when two counterparties based in different locations have to sign the document, they might face numerous challenges related to its safety and integrity. It means that the parties will have to send the papers that need to be signed to each other using post services, courier services, or fax. When using the services listed, there is a possibility that the parties might experience a delay, or the document might get lost or forged. These vulnerability-causing problems are solved by the use of a QeS.
According to the eIDAS regulation Article 25, “An electronic signature shall not be denied legal effect and admissibility as evidence in legal proceedings solely on the grounds that it is in an electronic form or that it does not meet the requirements for qualified electronic signatures.” The 25th Article also highlights that “A qualified electronic signature based on a qualified certificate issued in one Member State shall be recognised as a qualified electronic signature in all other Member States.” To put these terms into simpler words, that means that your QeS cannot be denied according to legal matters.