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Dear Operator
For the 2010 monitoring period, the DEHSt (German competent authority) waived the requirement to use a signature card and a card reader to electronically sign the messages that were sent through the VPS. However, the DEHSt recently confirmed that the use of an electronic signature will become a mandatory requirement for the submission of the 2011 annual emissions report.
Accordingly, we strongly recommend you go through the process of setting up a qualified electronic signature (QES) as soon as possible as the process might take a long time. You will find below a quick step-by-step guide and suggestions to set up the VPS, request a signature card and purchase a card reader.
Step 1 : Install the VPS (Germany's Virtual Post Office = an email client)
The VPS looks like an email system (Outlook, Thunderbird, Lotus): it works like a mailbox and keeps track of in and outgoing messages. You first need to install it on your computer, open an account (called 'P.O.Box') and request the DESHt to activate the account before you can use it.
First of all, I strongly suggest you read carefully the Installation Guide that can be downloaded here. In particular, you have to make sure you have the right version of JAVA installed in your computer (JAVA 6).
Second, you need to download the VPS Postbox software and install it in your computer:
- Download the DEHSt-VPSMail here
- Open the DESHt-VPSMail
- Select 'Operator'
- Complete the Business card with your information
- Name of P.O. Box: select a random nickname
- Selection of encryption/decryption certificate: select 'create', insert a pin (pin contains six numbers and has to be created individually - it is very important to remember the pin) and save the certificate on your computer with a name of your choice
- Capture a screenshot of the business card and email it to
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The DEHSt will then activate your postbox and confirm the activation in a VPS message. You can then use the VPS to send and receive messages.
Download the administrator form, complete it, sign it and send it to the DEHSt via your VPS Mail account.
For more information, please check this page.
Step 2a : Install your QES (by requesting a signature card from a trust center)
A QES signature card looks like a credit card that you can use to electronically sign the messages that are sent though the VPS.
You need to request your signature from a trust center that is as well the signature card provider. The list of signature card providers can be downloaded here.
For example, you can the company D-Trust, select D_Trust_Bestellen . Make sure you select the 'Standard Signaturkarte' either for 2 years or 4 years. The application process requires a legally valid proof of identity. Your identity may be confirmed by a notary or the German consulate in your country of residence.
Step 2b : Install your QES (by buying a card reader)
Signature card and card reader are needed together to apply your dignital signature (QES) when sending a message through the VPS. A card reader looks like a portable credit card reader. Before sending a message through the VPS, you will insert the signaturecard into the card reader that is connected to your computer through the USB port which will allow you to electronically sign the message before it is sent.
You can find the list of card readers here.
For example, you can buy the Cherry SmartTerminal ST-2000U - just Google it to see from which online store you can buy it (e.g. Amazon).
More information here.
For any question, please read carefully the DEHSt web site and guidance documents. If you have any general question, you may write to
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. For any technical question on the VPS, you can write to
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. There is also a useful FAQ here.
Remember the key web pages are:
- Digital Communication at the DEHSt
- Configuring a VPS Postbox
- Electronic signature
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