History of the Agency
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2001
The Law on the Identity Cards of the Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina was adopted. The Law on Central Registers and Data Exchange was adopted, regulating the establishment and functioning of the Main Center for Data Processing at the BiH level, which keeps various registers on the citizens of BiH, so as procedures for accessing, exchanging, and protecting that data.
2002
A decision to establish the Directorate for the Implementation of the CIPS Project (Citizen Identification Protection System) was adopted by the Council of Ministers of BiH on April 29, 2002, and published in the Official Gazette of BiH number 12/02. With this decision, the Directorate was founded as a temporary institution tasked with creating a system of central registers and data exchange for BiH citizens, as well as issuing identity cards and passports containing biometric data.
The Directorate was founded as a temporary organisation, to cease operations once the CIPS project was implemented. However, since 2002, and as a result of several decisions of the Council of Ministers of BiH, the CIPS Directorate has outgrown its basic mission, implemented far more projects than envisaged, and maintained a vast system.
The Directorate for the Implementation of the CIPS Project was a temporary organisation founded in 2002 to create a system of central registers and data exchange for BiH citizens. The Directorate became the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina (IDDEEA) in 2008.
2003
Competent authorities began activities on receiving requests for issuing ID cards and Driving licences.
The beginning of the daily distribution of documents to the locations of competent authorities. (one Fiat brava vehicle)
Three SEAT INCA vehicles for document distribution were purchased.
The beginning of the centralized passport personalization project.
2004
Work on the personalisation of identity cards and driving licences begins under a four-brigade system (24/7). In 2004, 1 540 000 IDs and 650 000 driving licences were completed.
The process of centralising passport personalisation has been completed. Blank passport forms and passport personalisation equipment were gathered from all competent authorities and stored in the Center for Personalisation.
2005
Renovation of the premises of the Center for personalisation for the requirements of the Vehicle Registration Project.
2006
Activities on amendments to the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina were conducted and a system of passive voter registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina was launched. It was the foundation of the Central Voter Register. Transition to passive voter registration in BiH to maintain the Central Voter Register, which implies using data from the central records of data on the permanent and temporary residence of citizens of BiH, maintained within the CIPS projects.
CIPS registers were an initial point for the development of the Central Voter Register (CBS) of all BiH citizens eligible to vote. These registers contain important and accurate data creating the foundation to determine the right to vote for every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Following the adoption of this foundation for the creation of the Central Voter Register, the use of the existing Central Voter List, maintained by the Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was no longer in use.
Based on that and in compliance with the law, the Directorate for the Implementation of the CiPS Project, and then the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange, provided active support for the election process in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the general elections held in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022, as well as the local elections held in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020.
The first activities on the construction of a backbone information and telecommunication system began in 2006, connecting all locations for issuing personal documents, competent authorities, police authorities, and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC). The CIPS SDH network encompassed the whole communication system, which consists of a transport and access network that connects institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The idea and concept of constructing a network in CIPS was initiated to provide a quick, reliable, and cost-effective link for the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2007
The Agency played a crucial role in setting the actions needed for visa liberalisation into operation by streamlining the personal document issuance process. Through the institutional resolution of the status of the Directorate for the Implementation of the CIPS Project, the institutional framework for the identity document system in Bosnia and Herzegovina was formed in compliance with EU Regulation 2252, which came into effect in December 2004. preparatory work was all focused on identifying the organisation and outlining potential legal remedies to create the Agency.
Considerable efforts were made to enhance the laws on JMB, BiH citizen identity cards, and permanent and temporary residence, which serve as the foundation for the issuing of travel documents, and the creation and effective administration of the so-called Identity Chain.
Specific plans for the issuance of biometric travel documents, as well as specific activities related to amendments to the Law on Travel Documents, are determined and adopted.
A new network, the SDH network, was formally introduced in November. One of the critical concerns and resources that allow all police and security organisations in the whole country to effectively exchange data, documents, information, and communications is the SDH network. End users may communicate quickly and securely thanks to the recently created high-capacity network, which is owned and operated independently by the Agency. This system was established in two phases, in the first, the Ministry of Security of BiH, SIPA, Border Police of BiH, as well as entity, cantonal, and Brčko District police authorities were connected. Alongside these initiatives, attempts were undertaken to integrate city and municipal election commissions into this network; initially, this was done for a total of 52 places in order to strengthen the electoral system of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2008
The Law on the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina was passed in July 2008, laying the grounds for future growth in the areas of personal document issuance, maintenance of registers and data exchange, as well as for establishing new solutions and services within the jurisdiction of the Agency.
By completing duties related to document security, the Agency has been entrusted with a major assignment under the Roadmap toward the visa-free regime for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Without delay, the Agency began to deploy fingerprint data and biometric image technology in order to introduce the system and issue travel credentials that fulfilled ICAO EC standards. The Agency, in cooperation with the competent authorities, has started activities to ensure the appropriate implementation of administrative measures that ensure the integrity of the personalization and distribution process. Programs have been established and training processes have been launched, as well as ethical codes on anti-corruption of officials working in the ID system. Also, measures were taken to establish a system and record of lost and stolen documents. Additionally, steps were taken to set up a system and keep track of documents that had been lost or stolen. To strengthen system security and physically safeguard places associated with document issuance procedures, more actions were taken.
During this year, all significant activities focused on drafting of the internal acts and the establishment of the organizational structure of the Agency. Project tasks included implementing biometric travel documents, upgrading and transferring internal systems, and acquiring the requisite technology and procedures for providing biometric travel documents.
2009
Migration of the IDDEEA system: The process of migrating the registers of the Directorate for the Implementation of the CIPS Project to a single platform was initiated in 2008 as a regular activity of the Directorate. Migrations included registers of a personal identification number, permanent and temporary residence, identity cards, and identity cards for foreigners.
New registers are established: Register of travel documents, Register of vehicle registration, and Register of fines and misdemeanours are established through combined efforts of the engineers of the CIPS Directorate and the ministries of interior, in certain segments and with the support of outsourcing companies.
Adoption of regulations: The Agency has initiated numerous changes to laws and regulations governing the field of identification documents and adopted numerous regulations related to the work of the Agency, especially those concerning security aspects and required for the process of issuing biometric travel documents, as well as liberalisation of the visa regime.
Issuing of biometric passports started: The beginning of issuing of biometric passports represents another activity initiated at the times of the Directorates for Implementation of the CIPS Project. It is an activity directly bound to the liberalisation of the visa regime. According to the original plan sent to the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the CIPS Directorate, the beginning of issuing of the biometric passport was at the end of 2010. After considerations at the 12th session of the Council of Ministers of BiH, held on May 31, 2007, it was concluded that all procedures were to be completed by the end of 2009. As planned, on July 1, 2009, the system of biometric passports was launched. In October 2009 issuance of biometric passports with electronic memory element for BiH citizens had begun, and in December 2009, an expert commission visited BiH and decided that the system and way of operations in BiH met European criteria. This year, a system of cooperation with Interpol was established.
A new concept of vehicle registration: As of September 2009, the activities on the introduction of the new concept of vehicle registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina were carried out. The Agency, within its purview, provided and distributed to competent authorities new documents for vehicle registration such as certificates of title, vehicle registration certificates, and stickers. The most important stage in this process was starting to personalise the registration plates with international sign for BiH, which superseded the previous solution. A new concept enabled centralized plate personalization and supply and delivery of the essential registration documents.
2010
Visa-free regime: The Agency was a crucial actor in providing Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens with a visa-free regime for Schengen countries, allowing BiH citizens to travel without a visa as of December 15, 2010, with passports personalised by the Agency.
Development strategy: IDDEEA development strategy 2010-2015 was adopted, positioning the Agency as a key institution in the field of identification documents and electronic government.
Second-generation biometric passport: Since May 1, 2010, all passports issued have been second-generation passports with Extended Access Control (EAC), making Bosnia and Herzegovina one of the world’s first countries to issue such a biometric passport.
Internal PKI system: By introducing the internal PKI system, the Agency enabled the issuance of smart cards to users of the system for accessing applications, using network resources, digital signing, and encryption of emails and electronic documents.
Identity card system: A biometric data verification system was also introduced for identity cards as well, improving the security of the system for issuing identification documents and the integrity of the central registers.
2012
The Law on the Identity Card of Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina was amended. Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to have identity cards with an embedded electronic memory element, thanks to preparations made in compliance with this law. The Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina may enter a qualified certificate into an identity card with an electronic memory element, according to the law. This established the conditions for the registration of electronic certificates in identity cards issued by the Agency as a CA body, allowing the Agency to effectively fulfill one of its fundamental legal responsibilities in terms of issuing electronic certificates and electronic signatures in the field of identification documents.
2013
Electronic identity card (e-ID card) and driving licences introduced: As of March 2013, the Agency had begun to personalize identity cards with electronic memory elements with a qualified certificate containing electronic signature for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The introduction of e-ID cards and new driving licences with enhanced security elements is a contribution to the security of the comprehensive system of personal documents and one of the obligations to maintain the visa-free regime for BiH citizens. However, at the time, the Agency was unable to begin issuing electronic signatures due to a lack of regulations and implementation documents as required by the Law on Electronic Signature. Those documents are yet to be passed in 2017. European Commission positively evaluated the start of issuing of e-ID cards in Bosnia and Herzegovina, acknowledging progress in information society and e-government.
Introduction of local border traffic permits: The Agency was responsible for providing a conceptual design for personalisation of local border traffic permits for the citizens of the Republic of Croatia who live in the borderland. In cooperation with the Republic of Croatia, an agreement on border traffic and border crossings was established. The Agency set technical requirements for issuing local border traffic permits, trained officers, and provided equipment for the Border Police of BiH. The Agency is in charge of technical issues, i.e. personalization of local border traffic permits and maintenance of central registers.
2014 - 2015
Issuance of the new generation of biometric passports using polycarbonate data pages has begun. Smart tachographs are the second generation of digital tachographs (GEN2) adopted by Regulation (EU) 165/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on tachographs in road traffic.
Biometric travel document of the third generation (SAC) – passports of the latest generation personalized with the most modern technology as recommended by the International Organization for Civil Aviation. (ICAO)
The launch of a new generation of biometric passports with a polycarbonate data page.
Procurement and delivery of travel certificates for:
- BiH citizens for the Ministry of Civil Affairs,
- foreigners for the Ministry of Security.
2017 - 2018
In this year, implementing acts from the Law on Electronic Signature were passed, namely: Rulebook on the Register of Certifiers (Official Gazette of BiH, 14/17), Rulebook on the measures and procedures for the use and protection of electronic signature, electronic signature formation devices and the certification system (Official Gazette of BiH, 14/17) and Rulebook on detailed requirements for issuing qualified certificates (Official Gazette of BiH, 14/17).
Based on these implementing acts, the necessary conditions were created for the start of activities related to the Agency’s registration in the register of certifiers, that is, the preparation of processes, resources, and human capacities necessary for certification and issuance of electronic signatures.
Activities have been undertaken to introduce electronic signatures. Funds and assistance were provided by the European Union Delegation for the implementation of the project preparing the Agency for certification and registration in the register of certifiers.
2020
During 2020, the Agency launched many initiatives relating to certifier registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to current Bosnia and Herzegovina rules, such registration is carried out by the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on the previously completed CA body certification process by the EU’s competent certification house. The European Union Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina provided equipment and extra funds for the certification process via IPA programs.
2021
Processes aligned with international standards: Personalisation, technical processing, storage and transport of identification documents, license plates, and vehicle registration documents; register maintenance, strengthening the capacity of the network for data transmission and software support for authorities are processes that continuously follow the ICAO 9303 standard and other relevant EU standards to ensure that all requirements related to the level of security and protective measures of identification documents are fully met, and all work processes are aligned with European and international regulations and recommendations. In 2021, the re-certification of the Agency and external supervision for the implementation of the ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 standards were carried out.
Application for registration of the Agency in the Registry of Certifiers submitted: After establishing official legal assumptions, the Agency began actions to meet all of the requirements for registration in the Register of Certifiers, allowing qualifying certificates to be issued on BiH citizens’ identity cards. With the financial assistance of the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Agency was able to procure the necessary hardware and software solutions for the use of electronic signatures through two projects. Furthermore, the Agency’s processes and services were fully prepared to ensure the trustworthy and secure issuance of qualifying certificates. In compliance with EU Regulation 910/2015 and the external supervision conducted on September 30, 2021, it was certified that all equipment, services, and processes fully meet the standards and measures prescribed by the Regulation. As it met all of the requirements, the Agency began the procedure and submitted a request for registration into the Registry of Certifiers, together with all relevant documents. The Decision on the Fee for Entering a Secure Qualified Certificate (certificate) for Digital Signature in the Electronic Memory Element of the ID Card was initiated and sent to the Council of Ministers for adoption this year. The BiH Council of Ministers has yet to implement the aforementioned decision hence, the Agency has not yet begun issuing qualifying certificates for digital signatures.
We improve the election process: The Agency is involved in an initiative to incorporate new technologies into the electoral process through the planning and implementation of the Pilot Project. All professional and technological resources of the Agency will be made available at the request and initiative of CiK BiH to strengthen integrity through the use of data related to electronic and biometric identification, all in compliance with the regulations of competent authorities and laws associated with personal data protection.
We contribute to the fulfillment of SDG goals: Through constant improvement and monitoring of international standards and systematic and responsible management of identification documents and registers, the Agency contributes to the building of strong institutions, supporting justice and the rule of law (SDG 16), and through the digitization of services, partnerships are encouraged to achieve the goals of sustainable development ( SDG 17). The Agency thereby provides key prerequisites for the achievement of a greater range of UN Sustainable Development Goals, advances societal modernization, and facilitates the shift to a digital society. All of these developments undoubtedly have a favourable effect on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ability to fully realise its sustainable development goals.
IDDEEA contributed to the achievement of the strategic and general development objectives outlined in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Strategic Framework by providing resources and achieving target accomplishments.
2022
The Agency became a certification body: As of April 15, 2022, the Agency was enrolled in the register of certifiers and became a certified body capable of issuing qualified certificates in the identity cards of Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens (electronic signatures) that will be fully recognised in legal transactions both within and outside of the country. The certificates inserted into the identity card will be valid while using electronic services and electronic signature services provided by all legal bodies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, thereby promoting the digital society in the best possible way. The benefits for the state, society, and citizens are numerous, the most important certainly are: the availability of services to citizens at any time and from any place, with the use of an ID card and a computer; greater transparency of institutions that provide services; and faster business.
Improvement of technical conditions for register maintenance: During this year, the Agency successfully modernized its technology resources by implementing new technological platforms using its own resources. In addition to improving certain applications by upgrading to more advanced technology, the Agency created entirely new applications to handle certain more demanding business operations. Additional efforts were undertaken to enhance the functioning of current applications by integrating new modules, allowing for more efficient data exchange between users. All of these operations aim to modernise the technological infrastructure of the Agency while also improving the user experience, providing them with faster, more efficient, and more intuitive access to data exchange and management. The Agency continues to strive for constant improvement of the quality of services that it provides to its users, as well as to optimize internal operations to increase efficiency and productivity.
Continuous document issuance process: In 2022, the processes of personalization, technical processing, storage, and transport of identification documents, license plates, tachograph cards, and local border traffic permits and vehicle registration documents proceeded smoothly, although the Agency faced aggravating circumstances due to budget approval delays for the current year. Despite this, the Agency managed to sign the necessary contracts with suppliers while also ensuring the efficiency and dependability of the document issuance process.
Implementation of the IPA II project: Through the IPA II project (IPA 2017 and IPA 2019), equipment worth about 4 million KM was delivered to the Agency, which significantly modernized the work of the information system. Initially, faster and more efficient operation of all information systems within the Agency was enabled, which resulted in improved productivity and a better response to users. In addition, the modernization of the information system brought improvements in terms of data security, which ensures the protection of sensitive information and compliance with the latest standards in the field of information security. A more efficient information system enables easier integration with other relevant institutions or partners, improves the exchange of information, and provides the Agency with the tools required for faster decision-making, better resource planning, and improved communication within the organization. All this together contributes to increasing the efficiency and productivity of the Agency, which is crucial for its ability to perform its functions and meet the needs of its users.
External audit for ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 standards was performed: The Agency underwent the process of external monitoring for ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 standards. The process revealed that the standards are fully applied, and recommendations were given for further resource optimisation to raise the quality of the work processes of the Agency even further. long-standing practice of re-certification in line with the ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 standards demonstrates its commitment to maintaining high standards in its operations and continuous improvement, ensuring the integrity, reliability, and security of all work processes in the Agency, which is crucial when managing sensitive information and providing high-quality services.
2023
Providing new e-services for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina: During this year, the Agency has provided new electronic services for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as an open data portal, publicly available electronic services on the Agency’s website, and the initiation of the electronic identity project, which will enable citizens of BiH to access various services of the Agency and other institutions. One of the most important electronic services under this project is remote electronic document signing.
Successful implementation of the IPA 2017 Project: The implementation of the IPA project “Strengthening the Capacities and Information System of IDDEEA” has been completed. Through this project, the Agency has implemented rules, mechanisms, and web tools for standardizing the publication of information of public interest, such as certain types of statistical data. This will make the activities of the Agency more transparent and efficient, thereby strengthening the fight against corruption and enabling progress in economic development and investment. Activities to improve services to competent authorities using the resources and software packages provided by this project are underway. Activities have also been launched to develop new application modules for data communication between the Central Election Commission and IDDEEA in BiH. This would improve the efficiency of data exchange between these two institutions, particularly in generating the central voter register in BiH.
Stability of the IDDEEA telecommunication network: Maintenance of network stability and active monitoring of its status, despite challenges with a shortage of IT experts, have proceeded smoothly. Network availability has been exceptional throughout the year, with monitoring and active status tracking performed on a 24/7 basis. In order to facilitate easier management of registers and their administration, the development of new applications and the refinement and updating of existing applications were carried out using internal resources.
Document personalization: The process of personalizing and transporting identity cards, driving licenses, travel documents, registration plates, tachograph cards, and local border traffic permits during 2023 was carried out flawlessly and continuously. Necessary agreements for the purchase of identity cards and driving license forms for a four-year period have been concluded, and procedures for public procurement of license plates have been initiated, ensuring continuous operation in the future.
Transparency in operations: In compliance with the newly adopted Law on freedom of access to information at the level of institutions in BiH (Official Gazette of BiH, 61/23), which relates to the area of proactive transparency, the Agency regularly published and updated information within its purview on its website during 2023. In this way, citizens of BiH have been provided with easy access to relevant information about the activities of the Agency, contributing to a more transparent and accountable operation of the institution. Such an approach to proactive transparency represents a step forward in building the trust of citizens in institutions and strengthening democratic values in society.
Digitalization: The Agency is preparing new strategic objectives, and is working on establishing new electronic services and platforms related to digital identity and digital signatures. We actively participate in digital transformation and the establishment of e-government. Our main goal is to establish the digital identity of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, enabling the use of public services and trusted services in G2C oriented services. Additionally, we aim for our communication resources and qualified certificates, as well as to digital identity, to facilitate the easier operation of any authority, institution, or business entity that provides user-oriented electronic services.
2024
Introduction of e-Identity: By implementing the e-Identity service, the BiH Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange (IDDEEA) has provided citizens with a wide range of services that they can perform online, i.e. without physical presence. In addition to viewing their personal records, citizens are now able to activate an electronic signature. Moreover, with all the advantages for citizens, many institutions as well as companies can use the electronic signature service to modernize their business and communicate with users. The Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina constantly plays a key role as the bearer of digital transformation in the country, laying the foundations for more efficient, transparent, and modern administrative processes, and providing the basis for further progress and development in the digital age, while simultaneously promoting the importance of digitization for the future development of the society.
Implementation of the Twinning project: Improving Service Delivery for Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina through Strengthening the Capacity of the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina (IDDEEA BiH) is a Twinning project between Italy, Finland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, financed by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance.
The specific focus of the project is on the technical improvement of the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina (IDDEEA BiH), and by modernizing and strengthening the technical capabilities of IDDEEA. The aim is to improve the use of e-services, improve the security and quality of information systems, development of the concept of open data, harmonization with the EU acquis, and strengthen human resources.
The Agency is also working on the implementation of a digital wallet in accordance with European regulations such as eIDAS 2.0. The digital ID wallet is expected to be introduced by the end of the year.
