Electronic communication, open networks safety: electronic signatures, common regulatory framework

COMMUNITY MEASURE : Commission Decision on the publication of reference numbers of generally recognised standards for electronic signature products in accordance with Directive 1999/93/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. PURPOSE : Annex II f and Annex III to Directive 1999/93/EC establish the requirements for secure electronic signature products. The task of drawing up the technical specifications needed for the production and placing on the market of products taking into account the current stage of technology, is carried out by organisations competent in the standardisation area. CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) within EESSI (European Electronic Signature Standardisation Initiative) are offering an open, inclusive and flexible European platform for consensus building in support of the development of the Information Society in Europe. They have developed standards for electronic signature products (CWA-CEN workshop agreement and ETSI TS-ETSI technical specification) on the basis of the requirements of the Annexes to Directive 1999/93/EC. This Decision states that reference numbers of generally recognised standards for electronic signature products are laid down in the Annex. The Commission shall review the operation of this Decision within two years from the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (that is 15 July 2005) and report to the Committee established under Directive 1999/93/EC.�