The new Law on Archival Material and Archival Activity will start to apply as of 1 June 2026 and introduces significant obligations for companies and institutions, particularly in the area of electronic archiving, digital document management and long-term preservation systems for electronic records.

Under the new legal framework, electronic documentation and electronic archives gain substantially greater practical and legal importance. Holders of archival and documentary material are required to ensure that electronic documents are preserved in their original form, in a manner that guarantees the durability and integrity of electronic records.

At the same time, the Law provides that public electronic archival material must be stored at a minimum of two physically separate locations, one of which must serve as a disaster recovery location situated at least 100 kilometers away from the primary location.

In this text, you will learn about the new legal requirements, what an electronic archiving system should contain and what companies should undertake before the Law becomes applicable.

This page forms part of our legal expertise in the areas of business operations and corporate compliance.

• Electronic Archiving Becomes an Important Part of Legal Compliance Obligations for Document Management

The Law further requires the establishment of an appropriate information system for office and archival operations, as well as internal procedures for handling electronic documents. In addition, legal entities will need to establish an archival classification plan, a list of archival material and a list of documentary material with retention periods, as well as appoint a responsible person or organizational unit for archival operations.

Particularly important is the fact that documentary material may only be destroyed in accordance with a legally prescribed procedure and, in certain cases, with prior approval from the State Archives.

In practice, this means that companies should timely conduct a legal and organizational review of their document management systems, electronic archiving procedures and internal policies regarding the retention and protection of business records.

Timely compliance is especially important for companies handling a large volume of contracts, HR documentation, financial records, electronic correspondence and digital business processes.

• Practical Recommendation Before 1 June 2026

Companies should timely carry out a legal and organisational assessment of their archiving and document management systems. In practice, this most commonly includes:

• preparation of internal acts and procedures;
• establishment of archival classification plans and retention lists;
• appointment of responsible persons;
• implementation of policies for electronic retention and destruction of documentation.

Timely compliance is particularly important for companies working with a significant number of contracts, electronic documents, HR documentation, financial records and business correspondence.

• Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Law start to apply?

The Law on Archival Material and Archival Activity starts to apply as of 1 June 2026.

Must electronic documents be retained in their original form?

Yes. The Law provides that electronic archival and documentary material must be preserved in the original form in which it was created.

Is the company required to establish an electronic archiving procedure?

Yes. The Law requires the establishment of procedures for handling electronic documents.

Is destruction of old documentation permitted?

Only in accordance with a legally prescribed procedure and, in certain cases, with the approval of the State Archives.

Legal Support for Electronic Archiving and Compliance

Electronic archiving is no longer merely a technical matter, but also an important component of legal compliance and corporate governance. Timely legal support can assist companies in establishing a compliant system for electronic archiving, protection and management of documentation in accordance with the new legal requirements in North Macedonia.