XAdES (XML Advanced Electronic Signature)
Definition
Four XAdES profiles of increasing maturity, aligned with PAdES and CAdES:
• XAdES B-B: basic XML signature with minimal ETSI attributes. Use case: one-off signing of an XML sample without date constraint.
• XAdES B-T: adds a qualified timestamp RFC 3161. Standard for electronic invoices and EDI flows where issue date must be proven.
• XAdES B-LT: long-term validation with certificate chain and embedded revocation data. Remains verifiable after the original certificate expires.
• XAdES B-LTA: periodic archive timestamps to maintain evidential value over 10+ years. Essential for tax archives and regulated registers.
XAdES vs PAdES: choose XAdES to sign a native XML document (Factur-X invoice, PEPPOL schedule, EDI exchange). Choose PAdES to sign a PDF (contracts, quotes, HR documents). Both formats are legally equivalent — the difference is technical: the format suited to the document type.
XAdES variants: enveloping XAdES (the XML document is included in the signature structure), enveloped XAdES (the signature is added to the document), detached XAdES (signature stored in a separate file). Certyneo handles all three variants via REST API. See the PAdES / XAdES / CAdES comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What is the XAdES format?
XAdES (XML Advanced Electronic Signatures, ETSI EN 319 132 standard) is the European standard for digital signature of XML documents. Adopted by the eIDAS regulation, it is used to sign structured XML files: electronic invoices (Factur-X, PEPPOL), EDI slips, administrative declarations.
What is the difference between XAdES and PAdES?
The two formats are legally equivalent; the difference is technical. XAdES is chosen to sign a native XML document (Factur-X invoice, PEPPOL slip, EDI exchange) and PAdES to sign a PDF (contracts, quotes, HR documents). The right format is the one suited to the document type.
What are the four XAdES profiles?
By increasing maturity: XAdES B-B (basic XML signature), XAdES B-T (adds a qualified RFC 3161 timestamp), XAdES B-LT (long-term validation with embedded revocation data, verifiable after certificate expiration) and XAdES B-LTA (periodic archival timestamps for probative value over 10 years and more).
When to use XAdES B-T rather than B-B?
XAdES B-T adds a qualified timestamp: it is the standard profile for electronic invoices and EDI flows where the issue date must be proven. XAdES B-B, without a timestamp, is suitable for the one-off signing of an XML sample without date constraint.
Related guides
Related terms
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