What are QTSPs (qualified trust service providers)?

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Qualified Trust Service Providers( QTSPs ) are entities certified at the European level under Regulation eIDAS (electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services) regulation. They play a key role in securing digital interactions by providing trust services that guarantee the security, integrity and authenticity of electronic data and transactions.

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What services does QTSP provide?

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QTSPs provide essential services for digital transformation, including:

  1. Qualified electronic signature: Enables electronic documents to be signed with a legal value equivalent to a handwritten signature.
  2. Qualified electronic seal: Ensures the integrity and origin of documents issued by a legal entity (company, organization).
  3. Qualified electronic time-stamping: Provides reliable proof of the date and time of an electronic transaction or document.
  4. Website authentication services: guarantee the identity of websites via qualified certificates (prevents phishing).
  5. Qualified Electronic Registered Mail (QERM): Similar to paper registered mail, but in digital format.
  6. Certificate management for electronic identification: provide certificates for secure identification.

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Why are they qualified?

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Qualified service provider status is awarded by a competent national or European authority following a rigorous assessment and certification process. This qualification guarantees that the QTSP complies with the highest security and reliability requirements, as well as the European interoperability standards defined by the eIDAS regulation.

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Why are QTSPs essential?

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QTSPs play a central role in Europe's digital transformation by :

  • Strengthening trust in digital exchanges: Qualified services are legally recognized in all member states thanks to their certification.
  • Guaranteeing transaction security: The services provided reduce the risk of forgery, fraud or cyber-attacks.
  • Facilitating European interoperability: They enable seamless interaction between member states' digital systems, thus strengthening the digital single market.
  • Being compatible with eIDAS 2.0: they are essential for initiatives such as EUDI Wallets.

To find out more, see our FAQ on Large Scale Pilots (LSP)or large-scale pilots.

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