Within the framework of a call for tender process, the Federal Public Service (FPS) for Foreign Affairs entrusts Zetes with the personalisation of Belgian ePassports. The contract, which becomes effective on May 1st 2014, covers a period of 5 years. Around 400,000 passports are expected to be produced each year.

Secure personalisation and delivery

During the 5 year contract, Zetes Group will personnalise 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 recognised 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 personnalised 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

This new contract re-affirms Zetes’ positionning 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 says, "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 customisation 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 objective to satisfy both Belgian citizens and, by extension, the Governement, who has trusted us with this project."

The Zetes Group has its headquarters in Belgium and employs more than 1000 people across 16 countries in EMEA. Its subsidiary, Zetes South Africa, has its head-office in Johannesburg, with regional offices in major centres.

Editorial contacts
Sarah Dheedene
+32 2 728 37 48
sarah.dheedene@zetes.com

Kim Heylen
+32 3 260 96 42
E kim.heylen@newsenginepr.com

About
Zetes is an international Group highly specialised in identification & mobility solutions. Connecting what matters is at the heart of our business: physical movements and digital flows, our customers and their critical data, but also consumers and corporations, citizens and governments. By using the most innovative technologies, we allow our customers to improve speed, quality and accuracy in order to be on the leading edge of their industry. This has made us a pioneering leader on our market.
The Zetes Group has its headquarters in Belgium and employs more than 1000 people across 16 countries in EMEA. Zetes aspires to achieve sustainable profits and growth; its consolidated revenues for 2012 amounted to €214 million. More info: www.zetes.com 

Zetes People ID
Zetes’ People ID division provides public authorities with secure solutions to correctly identify their population and comply with the highest international requirement for document issuing and the organisation of democratic elections. We have over 10 years’ experience implementing sensitive projects for governments and supra-national organisations. Reliability is what characterises our solutions, which are combined with our flexibility and ability to execute. This approach allows us to give the best guarantees for citizens to prove who they are and exercise their democratic rights.