You may have heard about the “eCoC”, the electronic Certificate of Conformity, if you work in vehicle manufacturing, importing, fleet management, or even just registering cars across EU borders. But what is it really, and why does it matter so much by 2026?
And what does XML, digital signatures, and a company like eID Easy have to do with it?
Let’s break it down.
Electronic Certificate of Conformity (eCoC) vs Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
What Is a Certificate of Conformity (CoC)?
A Certificate of Conformity, or CoC, is a document that proves a vehicle meets all EU rules for safety, emissions, and roadworthiness. It’s issued by the manufacturer when the vehicle is produced.
In the past, this document was usually a paper form. You’d need it when registering a vehicle, especially in another EU country.
What Is an Electronic Certificate of Conformity (eCoC)?
An eCoC is simply the digital version of that same certificate, with the same data, but sent and stored in a structured digital format, instead of on paper.
What Does XML Have to Do with It?
The EU has decided that, from July 2026, vehicle conformity certificates must no longer be printed and mailed around. Instead, they must be sent in a structured digital format called XML.
XML (short for eXtensible Markup Language) is a format designed for structured data. It’s not something you’d read like a Word doc, it’s perfect for machines to read, and process automatically.
With XML, authorities can:
- Pull out vehicle data instantly,
- Validate it without human error, and
- Store it in centralized systems for long-term use.
⚠ But simply creating a file in XML isn’t enough. The file also has to be digitally signed to prove it came from the right manufacturer and hasn’t been tampered with.
What Type of Signature Do You Need For eCoC?
When it comes to electronic Certificates of Conformity (eCoCs), the EU requires an identity-based digital signatures — you can’t just scribble a name on a PDF and call it compliant.
Under the eIDAS Regulation, eCoCs must be signed using advanced or qualified electronic signatures or seals that:
- Are linked to a verified identity
- Are created using trusted certificates
- Are cryptographically secure and tamper-evident
- Can be validated across all EU countries
The required format for signing structured XML data like eCoCs is called XAdES — short for XML Advanced Electronic Signature. It ensures that the signature is:
- Bound to the XML content itself
- Valid even decades later (long-term validation support)
- Legally recognized in every EU member state
→ Read more about different signature types for eCoC: Advanced and Qualified XML-Based Signatures From eID Easy
Why Is eID Easy Writing About This?
This is exactly where eID Easy steps in.
We don’t just offer generic eSignature solutions. We focus on identity-based, legally valid digital signatures and seals for structured documents, like XML-based eCoCs, that must meet the highest compliance levels under EU law.
At eID Easy, we provide:
- eIDAS-compliant eSignature and eSeal solutions, including Advanced and Qualified options
- Full support for XAdES, the only signature format designed for XML
- Integration with Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs) to ensure your signature is backed by a verified legal identity
TL;DR
- eCoC = digital version of a vehicle’s Certificate of Conformity
- Mandatory from 5 July 2026 — paper certificates will no longer be accepted
- Must be in XML format, signed digitally, and sent securely
- eID Easy helps manufacturers and developers make this happen — fast and with confidence
Need Help With XML-based eCoC?
We’re already helping companies across Europe gear up for the 2026 deadline.
Read more
→ Check out our developer guide for XML-based digital signatures
→ Read more about the deadline
Or just reach out with your questions — we’re here to simplify digital trust, not complicate it.
