2021-06-28-KPMG_Global-European_Union_–_COVID-19_Digital_Certificate_5页_474kb

GMS Flash Alert Summary: European Union - COVID-19 Digital Certificate

Core Content

The European Union (EU) introduced the COVID-19 Digital Certificate (also known as the "Digital Green Pass" or "EU Digital COVID Certificate") as a temporary measure to facilitate free movement among EU member states and certain associated countries during the pandemic. The certificate is designed to prove that a person has been vaccinated, tested negative for COVID-19, or has recovered from the virus.

Main Points

• Purpose: To restore freedom of movement within the EU and simplify travel by providing a standardized way to verify health status.
• Implementation: The certificate was proposed in March 2021 and is expected to be formally approved by June 2021. It will be applicable starting from 1 July 2021.
• Eligibility: All nationals residing in the EU are eligible for the certificate, regardless of vaccination status.
• Certificate Types:
  • Vaccination: Issued to those fully vaccinated with EMA-approved vaccines.
  • Test Result: Recognizes negative NAAT tests (e.g., RT-PCR, rapid antigen).
  • Recovery: Issued to individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, with a minimum of 11 days post-positive test.
• Validity: The certificate is valid in all EU countries, as well as Iceland and Liechtenstein. Switzerland and Norway are in a test phase.
• Format: The certificate includes a QR code that can be displayed digitally or printed. It contains personal information such as name, date of birth, and the issuing country, along with vaccine details, test information, or recovery dates.
• Data Security: The QR code is verified without processing personal data. Only the digital signature is checked during verification.
• App Usage: The EU does not produce a single app; instead, each country develops its own app for issuing and validating the certificate.
• Temporary Measure: The certificate is set to be suspended within 12 months from 1 July 2021, or once the WHO declares the end of the international health emergency.

Key Information

• Vaccination Requirements:
  • Certificates are issued for EMA-approved vaccines.
  • Member states may include non-EMA-approved vaccines.
  • Travelers vaccinated outside the EU may still be eligible if their country is recognized.
• Testing Requirements:
  • Negative NAAT tests are accepted.
  • Antibody tests are not included, though this may change.
  • Test must be taken within 48 hours of arrival in most countries.
• Recovery Requirements:
  • Certificates are issued after 11 days from a positive test.
  • Antibody tests are not yet accepted as proof of recovery.
• Travel Restrictions:
  • Countries may impose additional restrictions, but must justify such decisions to the EU.
  • The certificate does not require vaccination, as it also covers testing and recovery.

KPMG Note

• Employers in the EU are encouraged to inform employees about the certificate and promote its use to ease travel.
• The certificate is free of charge and can help reduce quarantine and testing requirements.
• It is a temporary measure aimed at restoring freedom of movement, and should be used where applicable.

Additional Notes

• The EU Digital Certificate is a framework proposed by the European Commission and approved by the EU Parliament and Council.
• The European Parliament has published a video explaining how to use the certificate.
• The certificate is not a travel document but a health verification tool.

Footnotes

• The certificate is sometimes referred to as the "EU Digital COVID Certificate."
• The certificate is available in the official language(s) of the issuing country and English.
• For more information, refer to the EU newsroom and Re-open EU website.
• Contact Daida Hadzic (EMA Head of Quality) for further assistance in the Netherlands.

Contact Information

• Daida Hadzic
  • EMA Head of Quality
  • Tel: +31 6 532 54 599 (m)
  • Email: Hadzic.daida@kpmg.com

Disclaimer

• The information in this document is provided by the KPMG International member firm in the Netherlands.
• KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee.
• KPMG firms are independent and legally distinct entities.