In Hong Kong, electronic signatures are recognized as a valid legal instrument. The Electronic Transactions Ordinance provides the legal framework for the use of electronic signatures and establishes a tiered signature system.
An electronic signature, or a simple electronic signature, is any letters, characters, numbers or other symbols in digital form attached to or logically associated with an electronic record, and executed or adopted for the purpose of authenticating or approving the electronic record. The law provides very standard requirements for the validity of simple electronic signatures:
01
The signature must be attached or logically associated with the signed document in a way allowing to identify the signatory.
02
The signature needs to indicate the signatory’s authentication or approval of the information contained in the signed document.
03
The signature should be based on the reliable technology.
04
The parties have consented to the use of the electronic signature.
pdfFiller electronic signatures satisfy the simple electronic signature requirements under the laws of Hong Kong.
A digital signature is an electronic signature generated by transforming the electronic record using an asymmetric cryptosystem and a hash function to ensure the authentication of the signatories and avoid tampering with the signed document. To be valid under the Hong Kong laws, a digital signature must:
01
Allow to identify the signatories by matching private and public keys.
02
Indicate if the document has been altered after the moment of signing.
03
Use a digital certificate issued by the certified authority.
Do Hong Kong Laws Require a Consent For the Use of Electronic Signatures?
Yes. One of the requirements for the validity of electronic signatures is that the parties must consent to the use of the particular electronic signature method. Also, the law provides that if an information needs to be given to a person, the information can be provided in the form of an electronic record only if the recepient consents to the use of electronic records.
Electronic Signature Validity in Court and Business
Hong Kong laws provide that an electronic record shall not be denied admissibility in evidence in any legal proceeding on the sole ground that it is an electronic record. Also, if a law requires information to be in writing, this requirement should be satisfied by providing information in the electronic if it is available for further use, access, and reference.
Therefore, electronic signatures are generally valid in Hong Kong.
When it comes to evidence, the law states that unless there is evidence to the contrary, the information signed with a valid digital signature is by default correct. For information signed with a simple electronic signature, an asserting party needs to provide proofs confirming the validity and authenticity of that evidence.
Use of Electronic Signatures In Transactions With Governmental Agencies
In Hong Kong, if a government entity is a party to a transaction, parties may use only digital signatures.
Exceptions to the Use of Electronic Signatures
When signing the following documents in Hong Kong, the parties must use only traditional signatures:
01
Wills, codicils, or any other testamentary documents.
02
Trust agreements, except resulting, implied, or constructive trusts.
03
Power of attorney.
04
Any instrument which is required to be stamped or endorsed under the Stamp Duty Ordinance, except a contract note.
05
Government conditions of grant and leases.
06
Any deed, conveyance, or other document mentioned in the Land Registration Ordinance that may affect any land, apartments, or premises in Hong Kong.
07
Any assignment, mortgage, or legal instrument under the Conveyancing and Property Ordinance, or any contract related to the transfer or disposal of immovable property or any interest in it.
08
A document effecting a floating charge per section 2A of the Land Registration Ordinance.
09
Oaths and affidavits.
10
Statutory declarations.
11
Judgments or orders of court.
12
A warrant issued by a court or a magistrate.
13
Negotiable instruments, except cheques marked as “not negotiable”.
14
Court, tribunal, administrative, and other legal proceedings, unless any rule of law relating to those proceedings provide for its application.
15
Various proceeding documents specified in the Schedule 2 to the Electronic Transactions Ordinance.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. This page provides a background on the legal framework for electronic signatures in the respective country. This page is not legal advice and should not be used or relied upon as legal advice. You should seek legal counsel regarding any legal questions you have regarding the use of electronic signatures in this jurisdiction. To the maximum extent permitted by law, airSlate provides this page and the material on this page on an “as-is” basis. airSlate disclaims and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to this page or the material on this page, express, implied, or statutory, including representations, guarantees, or warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or accuracy.
Last updated: September 2024
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