Zetes Industries, a provider of automatic identification of goods and people, has been contracted with the production of the electronic identity card for Belgians abroad. This card will be issued on request to Belgian nationals domiciled outside Belgium who register with the local Belgian embassy or consulate.

The distribution of the cards, which has started with a pilot phase in Lille, France will be extended to all European countries during the third and fourth quarters of this year. By the end of 2010, all Belgian embassies and consulates will be ready to issue the eID.