The duty of care section Electronic Administrative Communications Modernisation Act or Wmebv (in Dutch, Wet modernisering elektronisch bestuurlijk verkeer) came into effect on 1 January 2024. It had been previously communicated that the remaining portion of the law – electronic messaging – would come into effect on 1 July 2024. This date has been postponed until 1 January 2025, allowing administrative bodies more time to implement the law.
What changes with the Wmebv?
It becomes mandatory for administrative bodies to always be able to receive formal messages from citizens and organisations, as well as conduct business electronically at all times. The government must also continue to offer the option of communicating by postal mail. Government bodies must assess for themselves if they are sufficiently accessible electronically, ensuring they comply with the law. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) has compiled a practical checklist within a guidance document to assist governmental bodies.
Implementation
To support administrative bodies with the implementation, a guidance document has been prepared. It provides answers to various questions:
- What types of messages does this pertain to?
- Which digital channels can I open to comply with the law?
- What are the reliability levels for digital channels?
- What costs should I anticipate?
For more information about the law and its progress, refer to the file on the Electronic Administrative Communications Modernisation Act (in Dutch).
