Oberthur Card Systems, a global leader in the smart card industry, today announced that it has supplied the Hungarian Tax Office with the client elements of an innovative tax return system. The new web based system not only offers optimum security, but is also set to significantly reduce processing times.

In accordance with new government legislation, Hungary’s top 500 corporate taxpayers will now have to submit their returns electronically, authenticated by a secure digital signature, by October 2002. The new system means that they no longer have to submit their returns on paper, thus eliminating the need for a physical presence and allowing the forms to be sent securely from a remote location. In preparation for the new scheme, Oberthur has supplied the Hungarian Tax Office with its AuthentIC Web Pack, comprising Java™ based cryptographic smart cards, card readers and related client software. The smart cards have the highest security certification (EAL4+) and supports the AuthentIC application.

This project’s main importance is, that this is the first widespread use of digital signatures in the Hungarian Government sector.

“We are delighted to be working with the Hungarian Tax Office on one of the first and most innovative tax projects in Central Europe” commented Ian Robson, Managing Director, Northern Region, Oberthur Card Systems. “This highly successful implementation puts us in a strong position to attract even more government sector business in this region.”

“We are pleased to be able to offer our top taxpayers a truly world class, secure tax returns system,” commented KirAly LAszlo Gyorgy, President, Hungarian Tax Office. “Our new system delivers three benefits to all parties: simplicity, security and speed,” he concluded.

About Oberthur Card Systems

Oberthur Card Systems, listed on the Euronext Stock Exchange (Code Euroclear 12413) since July 2000, is one of the world’s leading providers of card-based solutions, software and applications including SIM and multi-application smart cards and services ranging from consulting to personalisation.

Innovative products and high quality services ensure Oberthur’s strong positioning in its three main target markets.

• Payment: 52 per cent of revenues in 2001. The company is the world leader and number one supplier for Visa and MasterCard.

• Mobile Communications: 31 per cent of revenues in 2001, with open and interoperable solutions based on Java™ technology.

• Authentication and Network Security: emerging markets in which the company plays a pioneering role, with strong expertise in security and a dominant position in e-commerce and Pay-TV.

Close to its customers, Oberthur Card Systems benefits from an industrial and commercial presence across all five continents.

Oberthur Card Systems is a subsidiary of Francois-Charles Oberthur Group.

Web site: http://www.oberthurcs.com

Contact

Alex Sowden/Sarah Webb/Richard Fogg, Companycare Communications
Tel: +44 (0)118 939 5900
Fax: +44 (0)118 959 9595
e-mail: alexs@companycare.com
e-mail: Sarahw@companycare.com
e-mail: Richard@companycare.com

Wais Wasiri, Oberthur Card Systems
e-mail: w.wasiri@oberthurcs.com

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