Terms of Reference (ToR) for ETSI TC ESI Working Group for Post Quantum Cryptography (ESI PQC)
Approved at ESI#89, March 2026
Scope
The TC ESI PQC Working Group is responsible for making recommendations for the PQC migration of existing ESI deliverables, and producing guidelines and migration strategies on PQC for ESI stakeholders.
Activities includes:
- Producing a roadmap for PQC migration of existing ESI deliverables
- Providing recommendations and change requests for the PQC migration of existing ESI deliverables
- Producing guidelines, recommendations and strategies for the PQC migration of PKI and trust services infrastructures
Areas of activity
The work of the TC ESI PQC includes:
- Post Quantum cryptographic signatures and certificates
- Post Quantum public key infrastructures
- Policies for post quantum migration of trust services infrastructure
- Protocols for trust services on PQC
When required, an appropriate liaison with other Technical Bodies will be established. This may include information exchange, consultation or co-ordination.
Note, this working group covers the specific context of TC ESI in alignment with the work done in TC CYBER QSC.
Organisation and working methods
TC ESI PQC shall work in accordance with the ETSI Directives and, in particular, the Technical Working Procedures.
TC ESI PQC deliverables shall be approved by the overall TB, i.e. TC ESI.
Participation
Participation in TC ESI PQC is open to all ETSI members in accordance with the Technical Working Procedures. Observers and non-members may participate at the discretion of the Chairman in line with clause 1.4 of the Technical Working Procedures.
Collaboration with other bodies (both inside and outside ETSI)
The tasks described above will require liaisons with relevant bodies within ETSI as well as outside ETSI according to the rules prescribed by the ETSI Directives.
Examples are listed below:
- ETSI CYBER QSC
- IETF
- W3C
- NIST
- FESA