Compliance · 21 CFR Part 11

21 CFR Part 11
Compliant E-Signatures

FDA-compliant electronic signatures and records for pharmaceutical, biotech, clinical research, and medical device organizations. Complete audit trail, unique user authentication, and tamper-evident records.

Free plan available · No credit card required · ESIGN Act compliant

FDA
21 CFR Part 11 compliant
Full
Audit trail required
Unique
User authentication
Tamper
Evident records
Key Features

Everything You Need

Built-in features that save time and close deals faster.

FDA Requirements

21 CFR Part 11 Technical Requirements — All Met

FDA's 21 CFR Part 11 establishes specific technical requirements for electronic signatures in regulated industries: unique user ID and password, system access controls, secure audit trails, and tamper-evident documentation. Zignature satisfies each requirement through authentication controls, comprehensive logging, and cryptographic document sealing.

  • Unique user identification — each signer authenticated by unique credentials — no shared accounts.
  • Closed system controls — access controls limit system use to authorized individuals only.
  • Tamper-evident audit trail — any post-signing alteration is cryptographically detectable.

21 CFR Part 11 Technical Requirements — All Met

FDA's 21 CFR Part 11 establishes specific technical requirements for electronic signatures in regulated industries: uniq...

Included on all plans
Electronic Records

Complete Electronic Records for FDA Inspections

21 CFR Part 11 requires that electronic records be accurate, complete, consistent, legible, and retrievable throughout the records' retention period. Every Zignature-signed document is stored with its full audit trail in a format that is readable, printable, and producible on demand — satisfying FDA inspection and regulatory review requirements.

  • Readable and printable — all records accessible in human-readable format for inspection.
  • Consistent and complete — audit trail captures all signature events without gaps.
  • Long-term retrievability — documents accessible for FDA-specified retention periods.

Complete Electronic Records for FDA Inspections

21 CFR Part 11 requires that electronic records be accurate, complete, consistent, legible, and retrievable throughout t...

Included on all plans
Controlled Access

Closed System Validation and Access Controls

Zignature operates as a closed electronic system — access controlled through unique user authentication and role-based permissions. System validation documentation, user training records, and access logs are available to support your 21 CFR Part 11 validation requirements for regulatory submissions.

  • SOC 2 validation documentation — third-party audit supporting your system validation needs.
  • Role-based access controls — restrict system access to trained and authorized personnel only.
  • Training documentation — user training records and access authorization logs available.

Closed System Validation and Access Controls

Zignature operates as a closed electronic system — access controlled through unique user authentication and role-based p...

Included on all plans
Use Cases

Works for Every Scenario

From simple agreements to complex multi-party workflows.

Clinical Trial Informed Consent

IRB-approved informed consent forms for human subjects research — 21 CFR Part 11 compliant signatures for FDA-regulated studies.

GMP Batch Records

Pharmaceutical batch record sign-offs with unique user authentication — Part 11 compliant for current Good Manufacturing Practice compliance.

Quality Management Documents

SOPs, deviation reports, CAPA documentation, and change control records — signed with 21 CFR Part 11 compliant electronic signatures.

Medical Device DHF Documents

Design History File documentation sign-offs for 21 CFR 820 compliance — electronic signatures with complete audit trail.

Laboratory Notebook Sign-Off

Electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) record authentication for regulated research — Part 11 compliant signature and date entries.

Supplier Quality Agreements

Vendor quality agreements and supplier audit acknowledgments — Part 11 compliant execution for pharmaceutical supply chain compliance.

How It Works

Up and Running in Minutes

No training required. Send your first document today.

1

Choose Your Template

Pick from pre-built compliant templates or upload your own document — our system applies the right compliance rules automatically.

2

Configure Compliance Settings

Enable HIPAA BAA, GDPR DPA, identity verification, or QES as required for your regulatory environment.

3

Send to Signers

Recipients get a secure link and are guided through the signing process with all required disclosures and consent flows.

4

Archive with Full Audit Trail

Every transaction is sealed with a tamper-proof certificate of completion — ready for audits, regulators, and legal proceedings.

FDA-Compliant Signatures for Regulated Industries

Join pharma, biotech, and medical device companies using Zignature. Free to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

What is 21 CFR Part 11?

21 CFR Part 11 is the FDA regulation (Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations Part 11) that establishes the criteria under which electronic records and electronic signatures are considered trustworthy, reliable, and equivalent to paper records and handwritten signatures. It applies to records required by FDA regulations and submitted to FDA.

Which industries must comply with 21 CFR Part 11?

21 CFR Part 11 applies to FDA-regulated industries including: pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, clinical research organizations (CROs), contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), food and dietary supplement manufacturers, cosmetic companies, and any organization submitting electronic records to FDA.

What are the key 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic signatures?

Key requirements include: (1) unique user authentication — each signer must be uniquely identified, (2) each electronic signature must be linked to its respective electronic record, (3) electronic signatures executed after August 20, 1997 must be accompanied by a statement that the signature is the legally binding equivalent of a handwritten signature, and (4) a complete audit trail must record all signature events.

Is Zignature suitable for clinical trial informed consent under Part 11?

Yes. Zignature satisfies the Part 11 requirements for informed consent signatures in FDA-regulated clinical trials: unique participant identification, secure audit trail, tamper-evident records, and long-term retrievability. For studies also requiring IRB review, your IRB must approve the electronic consent process prior to implementation.

Does Zignature provide system validation documentation for Part 11?

Yes. Zignature provides SOC 2 Type II certification, which serves as third-party validation documentation supporting your system validation requirements. Enterprise plans include access to validation documentation packages including system description, test evidence, and data integrity specifications to support your regulatory submissions.

What is the difference between open and closed systems under Part 11?

A closed system (§11.10) is an environment where access is controlled by persons responsible for the electronic records. A closed system requires specific controls including access limits, audit trails, and system validation. Zignature operates as a closed system — access is controlled through unique user authentication and organizational role assignments.

How long must 21 CFR Part 11 electronic records be retained?

Retention periods depend on the specific FDA regulation the records satisfy. Clinical trial records may require retention for 2 years after marketing application, GMP records for 1-3 years after product release, and device records for 2 years after commercial distribution. Zignature stores all records indefinitely with configurable retention policies on enterprise plans.

Does Zignature support the 21 CFR Part 11 requirement for audit trails?

Yes. Zignature's audit trail documents all document creation, modification, access, and signing events with user identity, date, time, and a description of the action. The audit trail is computer-generated, cannot be disabled by users, and is independent of the operator — satisfying 21 CFR Part 11 §11.10(e) audit trail requirements.

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