XAdES, QES and eSeal for eCoC
For information only; no rights can be derived from it. Only the electronic CoC (IVI) is legally valid.
An eCoC is only valid once it is sealed or signed with an eIDAS-compliant XAdES signature. After sealing, nobody can change anything without breaking the seal.
Who may sign?
The manufacturer or the EU representative named on the type-approval document. The identity in the certificate must match that legal entity. A random employee, a bodybuilder who is not the final manufacturer, or an outside party without a mandate cannot simply sign. If the wrong entity signs, the eCoC can be rejected.
QES or company eSeal?
- QES (Qualified Electronic Signature): linked to a person. A practical start for low volumes, for example a trailer builder doing around a hundred units a year.
- Company eSeal: linked to your company. Better for higher volumes and automation.
Many smaller manufacturers start with a QES and move to an eSeal later. An advanced seal is enough; a qualified seal is not required. Both must be eIDAS-compliant and support XAdES.
How On Road does it
On Road provides signatures and seals through our partner eID Easy. Sealing is always the last step, once the file has passed the checks. A correction becomes a new version with a new seal.
Because the seal belongs to your own company, you issue your eCoCs yourself, independent of your technical service.
FAQ
What is XAdES?
XML Advanced Electronic Signature: the European standard for signing or sealing an XML file.
Do I need a qualified seal for an eCoC?
No. An advanced seal is enough, as long as it is eIDAS-compliant and supports XAdES.
QES or eSeal: which one?
For low volumes a QES is a simple start. For higher volumes or automation a company eSeal is more practical.
Who may sign an eCoC?
The manufacturer or EU representative named on the type-approval document.
Where do I get a QES or eSeal?
Through On Road, with our partner eID Easy.
Can I change a sealed eCoC?
No. You create a new version and seal it again.
Demo
Not sure whether to pick a QES or an eSeal? Let's look at it together. Mail hello@on-road.com.