Webinar Insights: eIDAS Regulation, ERDS and CEF eDelivery for Postal Service Operators

Last Friday, March 10th, we were invited to attend the Webinar on the eIDAS Regulation, ERDS and CEF eDelivery for Postal Service Operators. It was a valuable opportunity to better understand the projects connected to CEF eDelivery and how they intersect with EU regulations.

What is the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) eDelivery?

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a regulation that defines how the European Commission funds trans-European networks to strengthen connectivity across Europe.

Within this framework, the CEF Telecom guidelines set out the objectives, priorities, and funding criteria for broadband networks and Digital Service Infrastructures (DSIs), including eDelivery networks.

The link between eDelivery and the eIDAS Regulation

A central topic of the webinar was the difference between qualified and non-qualified electronic registered delivery services (ERDS).

• Non-qualified ERDS are already present in the market as commercial products, many of which are monetized and widely used.
• Qualified ERDS, on the other hand, face greater difficulties in private sector adoption. In B2C and B2B contexts, companies demand solutions that are reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly. Qualified ERDS, due to their strict requirements, rarely meet these needs.

Another highlight was the NOBLE project, focused on cross-border exchange of electronic documents. The project aims to harmonize how eDelivery networks interconnect through a single gateway, while authentication responsibilities remain within each domain. This approach still raises questions about the credibility and risks when one party fails to take its responsibilities seriously.

Still a lot of work ahead

The webinar provided valuable insight into how eIDAS and CEF eDelivery are being linked. While progress is evident, significant challenges remain, particularly in balancing compliance with usability for private sector adoption.

It will be especially interesting to see future discussions dedicated to non-qualified ERDS commercial products and their role in real-world communication.

FAQs about eIDAS, ERDS, and eDelivery

What is eIDAS?
eIDAS (Regulation EU 910/2014) establishes a common legal framework across the EU for electronic identification and trust services, including electronic signatures and registered delivery services.

What is an ERDS?
An Electronic Registered Delivery Service (ERDS) ensures that electronic data is sent and received securely, with legal proof of delivery, similar to a registered postal service but in electronic form.

What is CEF eDelivery?
CEF eDelivery is an EU initiative to fund and standardize interoperable cross-border digital communication networks, ensuring secure and reliable electronic document exchange across Europe.

Why do qualified ERDS face adoption challenges?
Qualified ERDS require strict compliance with eIDAS standards, which makes them secure but less user-friendly. Businesses often prefer non-qualified solutions that are faster, cheaper, and easier to deploy.

Conclusion

The intersection of eIDAS, ERDS, and CEF eDelivery represents a critical step in building secure and legally binding digital communications across Europe. While qualified services remain essential for public administrations, non-qualified ERDS are leading the way in commercial adoption thanks to their usability and efficiency.

At eEvidence, we are committed to bridging this gap, offering a registered email service that meets EU trust requirements while remaining practical and accessible for businesses.

Discover how registered email can ensure compliance and usability in your organization.