Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Rail

Certification service provider according to the Signature Act Voluntary accreditation

Do you want to offer certification services? Here's how you can obtain accreditation from the relevant body.

Detailed description

As a certification service provider, you can voluntarily apply for accreditation from the relevant authority. Accreditation grants you a seal of approval from the authority. You are then entitled to refer to yourself as an accredited certification service provider and to invoke the proven security of your services in legal and business transactions.

 

Information

Prerequisites

You can demonstrate that your offer complies with the regulations of the Signature Act and the Signature Ordinance. Further information on the requirements can be obtained from the responsible authority.

Documents required

You will need to submit documents. The relevant authority can provide you with more detailed information.

Please note

Please contact the relevant authority to find out about any special requirements.

Deadlines

Deadlines may apply. The relevant authority will provide you with more detailed information.

Procedure

  • You should contact a testing and certification body early on. They can, for example, advise you on your questions in advance.
    • If necessary, have her check and confirm that the requirements are met in advance.
    • You can freely choose the testing and advisory center from the list on the website of the Federal Network Agency.
  • Once the fulfillment of the requirements has been verified and confirmed by a testing and certification body, you submit the application for accreditation.
    • You can submit the application in writing or by means of a document that bears a qualified electronic signature in accordance with the Signature Act.
  • The relevant authority will review your application.
  • Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive accreditation.

Processing time

Inquire about the processing time with the responsible department.

Fees

The responsible authority charges fees for processing your application, the amount of which depends on the time required. Additional costs for expenses may also be incurred, which you will also have to pay.

Legal remedies

Lawsuit before the Administrative Court

Links on hamburg.de

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Rail

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Keywords: Certification services, voluntary accreditation Electronic signature, voluntary accreditation of certification services Signature Act, voluntary accreditation of certification services

Last updated: 15.02.2026