Zetes has begun producing the new Belgian electronic ID card. Yesterday, at a press conference in Lokeren attended by the Minister, Pieter De Crem, the Ministry of the Interior announced the launch of this eID in 25 pilot communities.
Brussels, 15 January 2020
Zetes has been in charge of manufacturing the eID since its launch in 2003, and today it supports the Belgian authorities in modernising the ID document for all Belgians and other residents of the Kingdom. This new document has several new features and some security-enhancing improvements.
Cutting-edge techniques and a world first
The card now has two chips instead of just one: a contact chip and a contactless chip. The contactless chip allows the eID to act as a travel document, with the possibility of reading it at border crossings, whilst the contact chip continues to be used for the citizen's online interactions with, amongst others, the authorities. It also allows the possibility of adding an electronic signature. As a travel document, the eID is also fully compliant with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
The design has also been completely revised and has new elements to combat counterfeiting even more efficiently. The presence of the photo combining a perforation technique on the front and laser printing on the back of the card is an innovation in the field. It is also a world first. With the main photo and the fact that it is saved on both chips of the card, this visual element is present in five different locations, and therefore a very strong security feature.
A highly secure document
The Belgian eID is a key document for all Belgian citizens, and its use in electronic form and via the Web is increasing. Above and beyond managing a high-performance document able to foil any attempt at reproduction, the management of citizens’ data with a view to personalisation also requires high security. That is why the eID production site has the most advanced certifications, such as ISO 27001.
In its capacity of travel document, the eID will hold the information of two fingerprints, a technique which is already widely in use and integrated in the passports.
Through its ZetesConfidens division, which holds QTSP status (Qualified Trust Service Provider), Zetes will also handle the issuing of authentication and electronic signature certifications, in accordance with European eIDAS regulations.
- FIN -
For more information
Corporate Communications Manager
Mathilde Alves Nunes
T +32 2 790 37 48
E mathilde.alves@zetes.com
About Zetes
Zetes is a technology company specialising in supply chain optimisation and citizen identification solutions. Our Supply Chain Solutions help companies achieve agility, visibility and traceability across their connected supply chain. Our People Identification division provides public authorities and supranational institutions with solutions to enable authentication of citizens in view of the issuing of secure ID and travel documents and the creation of national registers or voters’ lists.
Zetes is headquartered in Brussels and has more than 1,300 employees in 22 countries across EMEA with a revenue of €286.2 million in 2018. In 2017, Zetes became a subsidiary of the Panasonic Corporation. For more information visit www.zetes.com or subscribe to our newsletter. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Zetes People ID
The People ID division of Zetes provides secure solutions that allow governments to accurately identify their populations and satisfy the strictest international requirements concerning the issuing of documents and the organising of democratic elections. Zetes has more than 10 years' experience in the implementation of sensitive projects for governments and supranational organisations. Zetes’ government solutions are characterised by reliability, combined with flexibility and operational capability. Through this approach, citizens are secure in their ability to prove their identity and exercise democratic rights.
