The European eIDAS Regulation 910/2014 classifies electronic signatures into 3 distinct legal levels: simple, advanced, qualified. Each level corresponds to a different protection technique and a very different legal force. Choosing the right level is crucial: an INPI signature in advanced mode is rejected, while a qualified signature is accepted at 100%.
This article details the technical, legal and practical differences between the 3 levels — and explains why INPI specifically requires the qualified level.
The 3 levels of electronic signature according to eIDAS
Level 1 — Simple signature (eSignature)
The lightest legal level. A simple click on a "Sign" button, an email validation, an image of a handwritten signature inserted in a Word document. No reliable identity guarantee or document integrity.
- Examples: Adobe Reader signature, Yousign Free, DocuSign Personal, photo of stylus signature.
- Legal value: variable, contestable in court (low burden of proof on the signer).
- INPI acceptance: ❌ refused for sensitive formalities.
Level 2 — Advanced signature (AdES)
Higher level. The signature must:
- Be uniquely linked to the signer.
- Allow signer identification.
- Be created using means under the signer's sole control.
- Be linked to the data so that any subsequent modification is detectable.
The advanced signature is technically secure. But the certificate can be issued by any actor (private company, internal authority), not necessarily a Qualified Trust Service Provider.
- Examples: Yousign Pro, DocuSign Standard, basic AdobeSign with X.509 certificate.
- Legal value: strong burden of proof, accepted in most B2B contracts.
- INPI acceptance: ❌ refused for amendment, cessation, accounts filing.
Level 3 — Qualified signature (QES)
The highest level. All the criteria of advanced signature, plus:
- The certificate is issued by a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) listed on the EU Trust List.
- The signature is created via a Qualified Signature Creation Device (QSCD) audited by the regulator (ANSSI in France).
- The signer's identity is verified face-to-face or via a certified PVID journey.
- Examples: Universign, Yousign Pro+, DocuSign Business Pro qualified, Certigna USB.
- Legal value: equivalent to a handwritten signature (Article 25.2 of the eIDAS Regulation). Maximum probative force.
- INPI acceptance: ✅ required for all sensitive formalities.
Why INPI requires the qualified level
The Guichet Unique handles formalities affecting the French commercial register (RCS). A bad signature on a director change or a business cessation could allow:
- Identity theft and fraudulent signatures to make a company disappear.
- Unauthorised share capital modifications.
- Unauthorised share transfers.
To prevent this, INPI aligned on the highest European standard: an ANSSI-audited certificate, based on a strict PVID identity check, with a certified journey.
The Guichet Unique cryptographically verifies on PDF reading:
- Is the issuer certificate on the EU Trust List?
- Does the certificate OID correspond to a Qualified Trust Service Provider?
- Is the cryptographic level (eIDAS QC = Qualified Certificate) present?
If even ONE check fails, automatic rejection.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Simple | Advanced | Qualified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity verification | Email or weak | Strong | PVID/face-to-face |
| Issuer certificate | None | Any | QTSP on EU Trust List |
| QSCD device | No | No | Yes (ANSSI audited) |
| Document integrity | Variable | Yes | Yes |
| Legal force | Weak | Strong | = handwritten |
| Average cost | €0 | €5-15 | €29-50 |
| INPI acceptance | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Common confusion: "advanced" labels misleading
Some providers communicate aggressively on "advanced" signature, with marketing language sometimes ambiguous. Some call it "secure", "certified", "approved" — words that suggest qualified level but cover advanced level.
To know with certainty:
- Open the signed PDF in Adobe Reader, right-click on the signature → "Signature Properties".
- Check that the level is QES (Qualified Electronic Signature).
- Verify the issuer is on the EU Trust List on eidas.ec.europa.eu/efda/tl-browser.
For your INPI formality, take qualified directly.
€29 ex. VAT, qualified eIDAS signature applied in 2 minutes. 100% acceptance rate.
Sign my summary →Are there exceptions for INPI?
Some standard company formations on the Guichet Unique can be validated via FranceConnect+ in advanced mode if the basic La Poste digital identity is sufficient. But:
- For an SAS or SARL with in-kind contributions: qualified required.
- For an articles amendment: qualified required.
- For an annual accounts filing: qualified required.
- For a business cessation: qualified required.
- For a trademark or patent filing: qualified required.
In all these cases, the externalised qualified signature (SignerSynthèse.fr or other qualified provider) is the most reliable solution.
FAQ
Can I sign with my Adobe Acrobat Pro signature?
It depends on the certificate you use. If it's a self-signed certificate or X.509 certificate without QTSP qualification, no. If it's a certificate from Certigna, Universign, Certinomis (qualified providers), yes.
And with my Yousign Pro plan?
By default, Yousign Pro produces an advanced signature, refused by INPI. To get qualified, you must subscribe to Pro+ and explicitly choose "qualified" level on each send. See providers comparison.
FranceConnect+ qualified or advanced?
FranceConnect+ via La Poste Digital Identity at certified level produces a qualified signature accepted by INPI. At "verified" basic level, the signature is advanced and rejected.
Why is INPI so strict?
Because the legal consequences of a fraudulent signature on the commercial register are severe: bankruptcy of an active company, hijacking of business address, theft of brand. The qualified level guarantees the signer was physically identified, which the advanced level does not always guarantee.
Conclusion
For your French INPI formality, only the qualified level is accepted. Don't try to optimise on advanced or simple "to save money": rejection is automatic and you'll lose more time than the cost of a qualified signature (€29 ex. VAT). Choose qualified directly.