Electronic digital signature (EDS) plays an important role in modern business in Belarus, as it ensures the security of electronic documents and information used in commercial transactions. It is important that companies and individual entrepreneurs who work in Belarus are familiar with the application and legislation governing the use of EDS in order to ensure the legal and technical correctness of electronic documents and transactions. To do this, you will benefit from the advice of our experienced lawyers.
Knowledge about the use of EDS allows companies and individual entrepreneurs to sign and verify electronic documents, as well as conduct electronic transactions among themselves, taking into account all security and legality requirements. This helps to reduce the time and costs associated with paperwork, improve the efficiency of business processes and reduce the risks of fraud and unauthorized access to confidential information.
An electronic signature is mandatory in Belarus for use in electronic document management related to the provision of public services to companies and individual entrepreneurs in the e-government system. Thus, understanding and proper use of an electronic digital signature helps businesses comply with legislation and modern requirements in the field of electronic data security.
What is an electronic digital signature?
Electronic documents include an electronic digital signature that certifies the information contained in the document. An EDS is similar to an ordinary signature and certifies the signing of a document by a certain person of the company or an individual entrepreneur.
EDS is used to confirm tax returns, invoices, various types of payments, reports to the Federal Tax Service, contracts, including for credit and insurance services.
To activate the EDS, a special key is used, which is stored by the owner of the signature or authorized persons, and it has a certain validity period. Currently, an access key can be obtained for a period of one to three years. The validity period of the electronic key must be monitored, since the electronic document has legal force, in particular when signed during the validity of the public key certificate.
The owners of the key for the use of an electronic digital signature
Companies, individual entrepreneurs and individuals can act as key holders for using an electronic digital signature when working with electronic documents.
It is important to distinguish between the concepts of EDS for legal entities and individuals. For example, a high-ranking manager may have access to the company’s electronic signature, but at the same time, nothing prevents him from creating an EDS for personal needs as an individual entrepreneur.
To work with the systems of the Social Protection Fund, the owner of an EDS can issue an attribute certificate.
The attribute certificate of a company or individual entrepreneur defines the powers of an individual, the main one of which is the signing of electronic documents on their behalf. The same person can be the owner of several attribute certificates.
What kind of media can an EDS be on?
The key information needed to access the digital signature can be stored on flash drives or in SIM cards of A1 and MTS mobile operators. When using flash drives, AvPass or AvBign software is loaded onto a USB drive, which have certain differences. The personal (private) key is placed in a specialized electronic container protected by a password. The user sets the password during the creation of the request file (when generating a key pair – public and private). Both AvPass and AvBign devices can contain multiple containers at the same time.
AvBign does not use the computer’s RAM during activation, since cryptographic transformations take place inside the media. However, this software option is more expensive.
To receive a mobile EDS from a telecom operator, you must purchase a SIM card with support for the electronic signature function and go through the EDS registration procedure.
Today, the most popular option is a USB drive.
How to get an electronic digital signature
The National Center for Electronic Services, which has 44 registration points throughout Belarus, is engaged in the registration of an electronic digital signature in Belarus. To receive an EDS, you need to prepare a package of documents.
According to the regulations for the registration of EDS, an electronic signature can be issued to an individual (entrepreneur or company representative) only in his personal presence (a notarized power of attorney will not work). Personal presence is also required when making changes to the registration information. You can issue an EDS in one visit to the registration center. Our lawyers will help you collect and fill out the necessary documents.
The validity period of the EDS can be extended remotely by leaving a request on the Unified Portal of electronic Services. However, it is worth remembering that this option is not available to ID card holders. This is a document that is issued to citizens of Belarus to confirm their identities on the territory of Belarus. In addition, you will not be able to obtain an additional attribute certificate for working with the Social Protection Fund of the Population online.
Electronic digital signature for individual entrepreneurs
Since July 1, 2024, individual entrepreneurs have been equated with companies in terms of filing tax returns: both submit declarations in the form of electronic documents. Until that time, individual entrepreneurs need to issue certificates of electronic digital signature, otherwise they will not be able to submit tax reports.
To issue an EDS, an individual entrepreneur will need to contact the registration center personally with a passport, a completed questionnaire, a copy of the certificate of state registration, as well as a copy of the receipt for payment for services.
The cost of an electronic digital signature
From February 1, the cost of registration of EDS increases by 15% regardless of the media used. For example, for an electronic digital signature on a carrier using AvPass software, the price of which currently stands at 99.1 rubles (excluding VAT), you will have to pay 113.95 rubles. The cost also depends on how long the EDS is issued.
Contact us
If you have any questions related to the design and use of an electronic digital signature, we will be happy to help you! Our long-term experience in the field of electronic document management will help you in resolving any disputes.
Phone and e-mail communication options are available for your convenience:
- +375293664477 (WhatsApp/Telegram/Viber);
- info@ambylegal.by.
