eIDAS Regulation

eIDAS defines three levels of electronic signature:

1. **Simple Electronic Signature (SES):** Any electronic data attached to other data used for signing. No specific security requirements. Sufficient for most business contracts.

2. **Advanced Electronic Signature (AES):** Uniquely linked to the signatory, capable of identifying them, created using data under the signatory's sole control, and linked to the signed data so any change is detectable.

3. **Qualified Electronic Signature (QES):** An AES created by a qualified signature creation device based on a qualified certificate. QES has the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature in all EU member states — the highest legal standard.

Most e-signature APIs (including Signbee) provide SES, which is legally valid for standard business contracts. QES is only required for specific regulated transactions.