In March 2020, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) informed that it would no longer provide printed Certificates of Pharmaceutical Products (CPP) but only electronically signed and authenticated ones, that would enable EMA to continue to be able provide certificates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Agency considers electronic CPPs as the permanent way of issuing certificates.

EMA published a guidance on the format and safety features of the electronic certificates, as well on as measures to help regulatory authorities of importing countries confirm their validity. It also produced an official letter with information that might be useful for regulators when handling the electronic certificates.

On the use of electronic CPPs, WHO agrees with this initiative, which does not contradict the current guidelines. The Organization recommends other regulators issuing certificates consider this approach too, and urges regulators receiving certificates to accept the electronic signature.