What is MIME type "application/vnd.etsi.timestamp-token"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

application/vnd.etsi.timestamp-token is a vendor-specific MIME type defined by ETSI.
It packages a time stamp token that confirms data existed at a specific time.
The token contains a cryptographic hash and digital signature details to prevent tampering.

Files using this MIME type, like those with the TST extension, are used to prove that a document or data set was created at a given time. They are common in systems requiring strong verification of document authenticity.

Main use: Validating the creation time of digitally signed documents.
Other uses: Secure archiving, legal evidence, and ensuring data integrity.
Functionality: It embeds cryptographic proof of a trusted time from a trusted authority.

This structure helps maintain trust in data handling and supports legal and regulatory compliance.

Associated file extensions

.tst

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/vnd.etsi.timestamp-token

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.etsi.timestamp-token">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');    
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {    
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/vnd.etsi.timestamp-token');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.tst

FAQs

What is the primary use of application/vnd.etsi.timestamp-token?

This MIME type is used to transmit a Time Stamp Token (TST), which provides cryptographic proof that specific data existed at a certain time. It is defined by ETSI standards and is crucial for digital signature validation and long-term archiving.

How do I configure Apache to serve .tst files correctly?

To ensure correct handling, add the AddType directive to your .htaccess or main configuration file. Use the line: AddType application/vnd.etsi.timestamp-token .tst.

Why does my browser download the file instead of displaying it?

Browsers do not have built-in viewers for application/vnd.etsi.timestamp-token because it contains binary cryptographic data. The browser defaults to downloading the file so it can be processed by external verification tools like OpenSSL or PDF signature software.

How do I verify a file with this MIME type?

You cannot simply read this file; you must validate it against the original document using a Time Stamping Authority (TSA) client or command-line tools. For example, you can use openssl ts -verify to check the token's signature and integrity.

What happens if the server sends application/octet-stream instead?

If the server sends application/octet-stream, the client treats the file as generic binary data. While the file content remains valid, it is best practice to configure the specific MIME type to help applications automatically associate the file with the correct security tools.

Is application/vnd.etsi.timestamp-token safe to open?

Yes, this file type contains data hashes and digital signatures, not executable code, making it safe from a malware perspective. However, its purpose is security-related, so you should ensure the token actually corresponds to the document you are verifying.

What file extension is associated with this MIME type?

The standard extension for this MIME type is .tst. You can learn more about how this extension is used in different operating systems by visiting file-extension/tst/.

General FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.