# Setting up an eHerkenning connection
# What is meant by a connection?
A connection means a connection between the application of the service provider (your website) and the Signicat Identity Broker.
# What is needed to connect to the Signicat eHerkenning/eIDAS Broker?
To connect to the Signicat Identity Broker, you must provide us with a number of details. These are as follows:
- Contract
- Self-declaration
- PKIoverheid certificate (type Private Services CA G1)
- Organisation identification number (OIN)
# What kind of files must be supplied to set up an eHerkenning connection?
In order to set up the eHerkenning connection, we need metadata and a service catalogue in .xml format. These must meet the requirements as set out by the Afsprakenstelsel.
You can find examples of the metadata and service catalogue on the following pages (click on the appropriate link to open the page):
- Service provider & Broker requirements (opens new window) (see note below)
- Metadata requirements (opens new window)
- Service catalogue requirements (opens new window)
TIP
In the linked documents, a service provider is also referred to as a dienstverlener (DV) and Broker (or eHerkenning Broker) as Herkenningsmakelaar (HM).
# Will we be informed when a certificate is about to expire?
On a best effort basis, we will try to inform you when a certificate is about to expire. However, the ultimate responsibility rests with you as a service provider. So make sure that your organisation provides new certificates to Signicat's technical support department in a timely manner. Public certificates can simply be emailed.
# Is it necessary for eIDAS to set up a separate connection next to eHerkenning?
No, this is not necessary. eHerkenning and eIDAS can be accessed via the same connection. Therefore, there is no need to set up a separate connection for the different eIDs. However, to make a service an eIDAS service, the eIDAS classifiers need to be added to the service in the catalogue.
Some applications cannot handle serving multiple eID over a single connection. In that case, we recommend setting up two separate connections.
# Service names in the service catalogue
Within eHerkenning, services can be specified by entering them in the service catalogue. It is important to use clear names. View the official manual "Handleiding Dienstencatalogus" containing the obligations and advice on filling in the required fields in the eHerkenning - Handbooks and support (opens new window) page.
Note
The name of the service is very important important. For example, the names 'Department 1' & 'Department Municipality X' will not be clear enough for the user. The user should immediately know what to do with it based on the name of the service. For example, if you are applying for a subsidy, call the service 'Apply for a subsidy'.
Is your question not listed? You can reach our Technical Support department Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm via email <technicalsupport@signicat.com> or by calling + 31 (0)88 012 0210.