In compliance with the Council of Ministers Resolution No.171/2005, of November 4th, the Electronic Certification System (SCEE) was created and the Electronic Certification Entity of the State (ECEE) - Public Key Infrastructure – was installed.

According to the Decree-Law No.16/2012, of January 26th, which approves the Government Information Network Management Center’s (CEGER) Organic Law, points h) to m) of number 2 in the 2nd Article, appoints CEGER as a Certification Authority under ECEE. In this context, the State’s Common Certification Entity (ECCE) was created.

ECCE is accredited by the National Security Cabinet Office (GNS) as a Certification Service Provider. ECCE status can be assessed in the Trusted List of supervised/accredited Certification Service Providers available online on the GNS’s website.

ECCE provides the Government (Government Information Network users), Sovereignty Organs (Legislative Process users) and all Direct and Indirect Public Administration Entities with mechanisms for secure electronic identification in their electronic transactions.

All services provided by ECCE, as well as all certificates issued by this entity, are in compliance with current legislation regarding electronic signatures, having full recognition and acceptance. Certificates issued by ECCE allow qualified electronic signature with legal probative value.

ECCE Objectives

  • Offer ECCE certificate users the necessary tools to ensure the safety and the legal validity of their electronic transactions;
  • Contribute to processes dematerialization, either within the Public Administration or in its interactions with other entities, ensuring electronic security;
  • Encourage and contribute to the application and services development using electronic signatures, for the benefit of Public Administration and Portuguese Citizens;
  • Provide the required conditions in the use of new technologies, fostering the development of a digital culture, enabling the development of the Information Society;
  • Contribute to enhance the use of electronic signature processes within the Public Administration in a fast and more effective manner.

Certificate Types Issued by ECCE

The different types of certificates issued by ECCE are:

Qualified Electronic Signature Certificates

  • Signing legal documents for probative value;
  • Secure electronic transactions.

Authentication Certificates

  • User authentication in services;
  • Secure electronic transactions.

Confidentiality Certificates (Encryption)

  • Ensuring information security in submission and storage processes;
  • Document access authorization.

Server Certificates (SSL, VPN, Code Signing)

  • Communication security;
  • Equipment and systems safety.

What are the digital certificates advantages?

A digital certificate is the only possible way of ensuring the technical and legal identity of a person on electronic environments. It is an indispensable tool for institutions that aim to provide internet services.

A digital certificate allows documents electronic signing, ensuring a signed electronic document recipient that the received document is the original and has not been manipulated since its signature. Thus, the author of an electronic signature cannot deny the authorship of that signature (nonrepudiation assurance).

A digital certificate also allows communication encryption. Only the recipient is authorized to access the information.

The use of digital certificates contributes to reduce time and resources required in administrative procedures, while also ensuring their safety.

Who can apply for certificate issuance in ECCE?

Only Direct and Indirect Public Administration Entities can apply to ECCE for electronic certificates issuance.

What are the associated fees with the issuance of qualified electronic certificates?

The related fees are:

  • € 150.00 (first time certificate issuance);
  • € 100.00 (certificate renewal).

The issued qualified electronic certificates are supplied in a smartcard, complying with international safety standards. An USB smartcard reader is provided to all new users. The issued certificates are valid for a three year period.

In the cases of smartcard loss, destruction or an applicant mistake in the certificate issuance data, a new smartcard will be issued and a renewal fee will be charged.

In the cases of a smartcard malfunction, faulty manufacture or an issuance error by ECCE staff, a new smartcard will be issued with no fees associated.

Special signed Protocols or pre-established administrative guidelines can determine lower fees.

How to Request Certificate Issuance to ECCE?

All Digital Certificates should be requested to CEGER using a mandatory specific Form that should be requested by:

E-mail:

certificacao@ecce.gov.pt

Phone:

(+351) 213 923 466 / 00

Letter, using the address:

CEGER - Centro de Gestão da Rede Informática do Governo
Avenida Defensores de Chaves, nº 6, 6º piso
1000-117 Lisboa
PORTUGAL

Electronic Certification System   of   the   State

Sistema de Certificação Electrónica do Estado (SCEE)

The Electronic Certification System of the State (SCEE) – was created by Decree-Law nº 116-A/2006, of 16th June 2006, to assure the unity, the integration and effectiveness of the strong digital authentication systems in the electronic relations of individuals or legal entities with the State and among public entities.