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What's an eDOC format?

eDOC is the official electronic document signature format used in Latvia.

Written by Toomas Pihl

eDOC is the official Latvian electronic document format used to digitally sign legally binding documents. It is widely used by individuals, businesses, and public institutions in Latvia for secure electronic transactions.

An eDOC file is essentially a digitally signed container that can include one or more documents along with electronic signatures and related metadata. The format ensures document integrity and allows recipients to verify who signed the document and whether its content has been altered.

eDOC is part of the Baltic e-signature ecosystem and is closely related to other regional formats such as Lithuanian aDOC and Estonian ASiC (formerly BDOC). It supports both advanced and qualified electronic signatures in compliance with EU standards.

Technical Overview

eDOC is a container-based electronic document format ASiC. It is based on XML and ZIP container principles and is designed to package documents together with their electronic signatures and validation data.

A typical eDOC file contains:

  • One or more original documents (e.g. PDF, DOCX, or other supported formats)

  • One or more electronic signatures

  • Signature metadata (such as signing time and certificate information)

  • Validation data to ensure authenticity and integrity

The eDOC format ensures that:

  • Signed documents cannot be altered without invalidating the signatures

  • All signatures are cryptographically linked to the exact document content

  • Multiple parties can sign the same container

Unlike aDOC, eDOC has historically been more flexible in terms of supported file types and structure, which makes it easier to use in different scenarios within Latvia.

However, similar to other container-based formats, the eDOC file must always be handled as a single unit. Extracting or modifying files inside the container will invalidate the signatures.

When to Use eDOC

eDOC is best suited for:

  • Domestic transactions within Latvia

  • Communication with Latvian public authorities

  • Situations where local compliance and familiarity are important

For international use cases or when sending documents to recipients outside Latvia, consider using PDF with embedded signatures or ASiC containers for better compatibility.

ASiC vs eDOC vs PDF (PAdES)

Feature

ASiC (BDOC/ASiC-E)

eDOC (Latvia)

PDF (PAdES)

Type

Container format (ZIP-based)

Container format (XML/ZIP-based)

Embedded signature in PDF

Primary Use Region

Estonia / International (EU)

Latvia

Global

User Familiarity

Medium

Low (outside Latvia)

Very high

File Structure

Multiple files in one container

Multiple files in one container

Single document

Multiple Documents

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

❌ No (1 file per PDF)

Multiple Signers

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Signature Standard

XAdES

XAdES

PAdES

eIDAS Compliance

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Qualified Signature Support

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Ease of Opening

Requires specific tools (e.g. DigiDoc)

Requires local tools (eParaksts)

Opens in any PDF reader

User Experience

Technical

Technical

Simple & familiar

Tamper Protection

✅ Strong

✅ Strong

✅ Strong

Best for Cross-Border Use

⚠️ Medium

❌ Low

✅ High

Best for Local Compliance

✅ Estonia

✅ Latvia

⚠️ Depends on context

Human Readability

❌ Not directly

❌ Not directly

✅ Yes

Adoption in Business

Medium

Low

Very high

Typical File Extension

.asice / .bdoc

.edoc

.pdf

Further Resources

For more detailed and official information about the Latvian eDOC format, the following resources may be helpful:

  • Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC). Official provider of e-signature services in Latvia. https://www.lvrtc.lv

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