The Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina (IDDEEA BiH) has finally begun providing electronic certificates for digital representation in the ID cards of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina as of June 1st of this year. This action offers several advantages to citizens and is a major step towards modernising personal documentation in our nation.
Since 2012, there has been a law prescribing that electronic certificates should be incorporated into ID cards. Unfortunately, citizens have been using chip-equipped ID cards without registered electronic certificates for the last 12 years.
In particular, IDDEEA BiH is designated as a certified body under the Law on Electronic Signatures of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the issuance of qualified electronic certificates. Additionally, it is accountable for electronic certificates and electronic signatures related to identification documents under the Law on the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The process of registering electronic certificates allows the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to comply with EU regulations regarding digital identity. This facilitates better information sharing with other EU members and is a significant step towards Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration into European flows. By carrying out these initiatives, IDDEEA BiH also contributes to the achievement of the SDG 7EU Digital Strategy and to enhance e-government services.
IDDEEA BiH, in compliance with its legal obligation, enabled the registration of electronic certificates on ID cards for free. The fact that this service is free is significant because supplementary expenses frequently act as an obstruction to the general adoption of new technology. Furthermore, IDDEEA BiH proposed to the BiH Council of Ministers that the amount of payment for the use of an electronic certificate for digital signing be set at 0 KM. If the Council of Ministers approves this proposal, citizens will be able to enjoy all of the benefits of electronic certificates for digital signatures at no cost for their issue.
The implementation of this initiative required major support and collaboration with other institutions. In this regard, IDDEEA BiH extended special thanks to all ministries of interior affairs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly the Ministry of Interior of Sarajevo Canton (MUP KS), the Ministry of Interior of Una-Sana Canton (MUP USK), and the Ministry of Interior of Bosnian Podrinje Canton (MUP BPK). These institutions were the first to recognise the significance of this decision and offer the required assistance for its implementation.
The introduction of electronic certificates in ID cards is a significant step forward for Bosnia and Herzegovina, helping to achieve some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1 and SDG 9) related to the availability of modern identification documents, as well as innovation and infrastructure. This will make many administrative processes easier, provide faster and safer access to many services, and improve the overall efficiency of public administration. Citizens will be able to use their ID cards in line with modern digital standards, improving both quality of life and business opportunities.