XAdES, XML Advanced Electronic Signatures, is the ETSI standard for advanced electronic signatures inside XML documents, published as EN 319 132. It builds on the W3C XML Signature and adds qualifying properties, such as the signing time and a reference to the signing certificate, with baseline levels for adding timestamps and validation evidence. Spanish Facturae invoices carry XAdES signatures. Klarbon opens XAdES-signed invoices in beta.
What is in a XAdES signature?
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Version described here | ETSI EN 319 132-1 V1.3.1, July 2024 |
| Builds on | W3C XML Signature (XMLDSig) |
| Placement on invoices | usually enveloped: the Signature element sits inside the signed document |
| Signed properties | signing time, signing certificate, optional signature policy |
| Baseline levels | B, T, LT and LTA, adding timestamps and validation data for long-term validity |
ETSI specifies the XML Schema for these qualifying properties and baseline profiles for business and government use (ETSI EN 319 132-1).
Where is XAdES used for invoices?
| Use | Rule |
|---|---|
| Facturae, Spain | the national Facturae rules for public administrations specify XAdES (BOE, in Spanish) |
For the binary alternative, see CAdES signed file (.p7m).
What does Klarbon do with XAdES?
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Report an enveloped XMLDSig or XAdES signature | beta |
| Open the signed invoice, if Klarbon can read its format | beta, in open an e-invoice |
| Verify the signature, the certificate or its trust | not yet |
Klarbon never signs documents. A converted invoice is a new, unsigned document; keep the signed original.
Related
Frequently asked questions
What is XAdES?
XML Advanced Electronic Signatures, the ETSI standard EN 319 132 for signatures inside XML documents. It builds on the W3C XML Signature and adds signed properties such as the signing time and the signer's certificate.
What is the difference between XAdES and CAdES?
XAdES extends XML Signature. With an enveloped signature it sits inside the XML document. CAdES uses a binary CMS signature structure and can wrap content in a .p7m file or be detached.
Which e-invoices use XAdES?
The Spanish Facturae rules for invoices to public administrations specify XAdES. The signature format is separate from the invoice syntax and its business rules.
Can Klarbon verify a XAdES signature?
Not today. Klarbon reports that a signature is present and opens the signed invoice, in beta, but it does not verify the signature or the certificate.