Czech Republic: new eGovernment measures

New laws will come into force on 1 July 2009 to improve the speed, reliability and efficiency of public communications with state or public administration bodies.

The changes allow individuals, and require certain companies, to set up data boxes for electronic communication with public sector authorities.

Once a data box is established, all communication from the authorities will be delivered directly to the data box only. Regardless of how often the addressee collects its correspondence, documents are deemed to have been received 10 days after delivery.

Every company and branch of a foreign business which is registered in the Commercial Register and every company established by statute will automatically have a data box set up for them by the Czech Ministry of Interior. The password for access will be sent to the company’s statutory body or the director of the branch. Any change in these details should therefore be registered promptly in the Commercial Register. 

Individuals and businesses wishing to set up a data box should submit a written request by post, email or in person at the Czech Ministry of Interior or at contact CzechPOINT. Electronic requests should use a secure electronic signature. Paper requests should contain a notarized signature or be signed in front of an authorised person from Ministry or contract CzechPOINT. Voluntary data boxes are free of charge and will be set up within 3 business days of the request being submitted.

Law: Act No. 300/2008 Coll., on Electronic Operations and Authorised Conversion of Documents