Quick Summary
🖊️ Class 3 DSC
- For GST, income tax, MCA filings
- For e-tenders (Combo version)
- Works on most government portals
- Available as Signing or Combo
- Starting at ₹1,599/year
- Most businesses need this
🌐 DGFT DSC
- Only for DGFT portal
- IEC, import/export licensing
- EPCG, Advance Authorization
- Cannot be used on GST/IT portals
- Starting at ₹2,799/year
- Only exporters & importers need this
What is a Class 3 DSC?
A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is the most widely used type of DSC in India. It is issued under the Information Technology Act and can be used for signing and/or encrypting electronic documents on a wide range of government portals and business platforms.
Class 3 DSC comes in two variants:
- Class 3 Signing DSC: Used for signing documents only. Suitable for GST filings, income tax returns, MCA individual forms, EPFO, and most e-government services.
- Class 3 Combo DSC (Sign + Encrypt): Includes both signing and encryption. Required for e-tender submissions, company-level MCA filings, and certain EPFO/NIC portal transactions.
What is a DGFT DSC?
A DGFT Digital Signature Certificate is a special type of DSC specifically issued for use on the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal. It is technically also a Class 3 certificate, but it is configured and approved specifically for the DGFT portal by the Ministry of Commerce.
DGFT DSC is mandatory for:
- Applying for or modifying an IEC (Importer Exporter Code)
- Filing applications under EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) scheme
- Applying for Advance Authorisation
- Filing MEIS / SEIS / RoDTEP benefit claims
- Any other submission on the dgft.gov.in portal
Key point: A DGFT DSC cannot be used on the GST portal, Income Tax portal, or MCA21. It only works on the DGFT portal. Similarly, a standard Class 3 DSC does not work on the DGFT portal.
Full Comparison Table
| Feature | Class 3 DSC (Signing) | Class 3 Combo DSC | DGFT DSC |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST Portal | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Income Tax Portal | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| MCA21 Portal | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| e-Tender Portals | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| EPFO / ESI | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| DGFT Portal | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes (only) |
| Price (1 year) | ₹1,599 | ₹2,499 | ₹2,799 |
| Who Needs It | Individuals, proprietors | Companies, tender bidders | Exporters & importers only |
Who Should Buy Which DSC?
Buy a Class 3 Signing DSC if you:
- Need DSC for filing GST returns, income tax, or EPF
- Are a director signing MCA forms as an individual
- Are a CA or tax professional who needs DSC for audit reports
- Are a salaried person or professional whose accounts are under audit
Buy a Class 3 Combo DSC if you:
- Are a company (Pvt Ltd, Public Ltd) with compliance filings on MCA
- Bid on government tenders via GeM, CPPP, NIC, or state portals
- Need sign + encrypt functionality for your filings
- Handle EPF/ESIC filings as a company signatory
Buy a DGFT DSC if you:
- Are an exporter or importer needing access to the DGFT portal
- Need to apply for, modify, or surrender an IEC
- File EPCG, Advance Authorisation, or RoDTEP benefit claims
- Operate an export/import business and need to comply with DGFT regulations
Can you buy both? Yes. Businesses that both trade internationally and have domestic compliance obligations often hold both a Class 3 Combo DSC and a DGFT DSC. JS & Co. offers these at a discounted combo rate. Contact us to discuss your requirements.