Within the framework of a call for tender process, the Federal Public Service (FPS) for Foreign Affairs has entrusted Zetes with the personalisation of Belgian e-passports. The contract, which becomes effective on 1 May 2014, covers a period of five years. Around 400 000 passports are expected to be produced each year.
During the five-year contract, Zetes Group will personalise and distribute e-passports for Belgian citizens. Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, will provide its Sealys range of highly secure e-passport 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 personalised 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 e-passport project will contribute to Zetes Group’s results from 2014 onwards.
This 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 e-passport 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 objectives to satisfy both Belgian citizens and, by extension, the Government, 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.