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19 Aug '13

Zetes awarded contract for Belgian electronic passport

Within the framework of a tender process, the Belgian Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs entrusted Zetes with the personalization of Belgian ePassports. The contract, which becomes effective in May 2014, covers a period of 5 years. Around 400,000 passports are expected to be produced each year.

Secure personalization and delivery

During the 5-year contract, Zetes Group will personalize and distribute ePassports for Belgian citizens. Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, will provide its Sealys range of highly secure ePassport booklets, embedded with the latest generation ICAO software. To achieve this, Zetes will leverage existing processes, which have been proven during similar projects, as well as its secure IT infrastructure. The Zetes Group has the internationally recognized ISO 27001 certification, which governs the security management of information systems and guarantees the protection of citizen data.

Starting from the second half of 2014, around 400,000 passports will be personalized and distributed each year. Zetes will also be responsible for secure distribution of passports to any authorities involved. To ensure secure delivery of passports, its Zetes Express division is equipped with a Proof of Delivery solution developed by the Group's GoodsID division.

The ePassport project will contribute to Zetes Group's results from 2014 onwards.

Re-enforcing Zetes' credentials in the identity and travel document market

The new contract re-affirms Zetes' positioning in the field of secure documentation. In an industry where references play a key role in the award of new contracts, Zetes has established itself with eID, driving licenses and health card projects. This project marks the group's second reference for ePassport production services.

Alain Wirtz, CEO of the Zetes Group commented: "We are delighted the Belgian authorities have shown renewed confidence in our team. Our partnership with Gemalto allows us to take care of all transactions related to the issue of electronic passports, from production of secured booklets to customization and final delivery to the municipalities. A passport is proof of a citizen's identity and opens the door to international travel. Every Belgian citizen expects to hold an e-passport which is as secure as possible and delivered on time. Our teams will place every effort to achieve these objectives, to satisfy both Belgian citizens and, by extension, the government, who has trusted us with this project."