Introduction: What is eIDAS?
eIDAS (EU Regulation 910/2014) provides the legal and technical framework for secure electronic signatures, seals, timestamps, and identity services across the EU and affiliated jurisdictions. Virifi’s solution aligns with ETSI eIDAS signature standards to ensure compliance, interoperability, and legal validity for signed digital content.
Supported Advanced Signature Formats
Each signature format maps to a specific data type and usage context. All are supported by Virifi and meet ETSI baseline signature profiles.
PAdES (PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures)
Standard: ETSI EN 319 142-1
Target: PDF documents
Features: Maintains visual integrity; fully viewable in tools like Adobe Acrobat
Use Case: Contracts, financial reports, scanned documents
XAdES (XML Advanced Electronic Signatures)
Standard: ETSI EN 319 132-1
Target: XML documents
Features: Signature embedded as XML elements; ideal for structured data
Use Case: Digital forms, e-Government exchanges, XML-based workflows
JAdES (JSON Advanced Electronic Signatures)
Standard: ETSI TS 119 182-1
Target: JSON payloads
Features: Extends JWS/JOSE for advanced and qualified signatures
Use Case: Mobile apps, API transactions, JSON contracts
CAdES (CMS Advanced Electronic Signatures)
Standard: ETSI EN 319 122-1
Target: Binary data using Cryptographic Message Syntax (CMS)
Features: Supports detached and enveloped signature formats
Use Case: System-to-system messaging, archival signatures, digital archives
Note: While not emphasized in front-end flows, CAdES is fully supported for backend and legacy integrations where CMS is a standard.
Format Comparison Overview
Format | Structure | Target Data Type | Common Use | Viewer-Friendly |
PAdES | PDF embedded | Legal docs, scanned forms | ✅ | |
XAdES | XML elements | XML | eGov, contract data | ⚠️ |
JAdES | JSON structure | JSON | APIs, modern apps | ✅ |
CAdES | CMS/ASN.1 binary | Any binary | Backend systems | ❌ |
Reference Standards