On 23 December 2021, the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo approved the Law No.08/L-022 on Electronic Identification and Trust Services in Electronic Transactions (“LEITSET”). This law regulates electronic identification, as usage of data to represent natural or legal persons, as well as usage of trust services in electronic transactions and documents. The law entered into force on 07 January, 2022.
The adoption of the LEITSET aims to contribute to Kosovo’s digital agenda and its investment climate by facilitating distant transactions, electronic payment, and electronic trading as a whole. The global pandemic COVID-19 has emphasized the importance of the adoption of such a law. In absence of LEITSET, during COVID-19 clients and companies were conducting in-person visits and carrying transactions in cash as there was an insufficient legal basis for digital transactions.
The LEITSET establishes the basis for digital transactions and offers new tools and mechanisms to Kosovo companies. By adopting the new tools that the law introduces, companies in Kosovo will benefit by shifting from traditional ways to a more innovative environment of doing business. Such a shift will impact their business environments and likely upgrade their performance and security. Implementing electronic means of doing business creates a competitive advantage especially for companies in the financial industry, ICT and others, it is more time-efficient and often safer than traditional methods.
The system of electronic identification and authentication as introduced in LEITSET is expected to be fully functional at a large scale by 2023. The process of electronic identification and authentication can be initiated only at the request of the legal or natural person subject to such identification. To ensure secure access to public and private services, the possession of a Digital Identity Portfolio is necessary for such access. Further, this Law sets forth the principal conditions of using qualified electronic signatures and seals, as well as a conformity assessment of the devices that create such electronic signatures and seals.
The information in this document does not constitute legal advice on any particular matter and is provided for general informational purposes only.