DGFT Digital Signature
Certificate

DGFT DSC (Directorate General of Foreign Trade Digital Signature Certificate) is a special class of DSC issued with DGFT-specific certificate extensions. It is mandatory for all businesses and individuals who transact on the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) — including importers applying for IEC, exporters filing for licences and schemes, and anyone accessing EPCG, Advance Authorisation, or export promotion portals.

Yes, if you are doing any filing on the DGFT portal — including IEC registration, IEC annual return (mandatory from FY 2023-24), EPCG, Advance Authorisation, or any scheme application — you need a DGFT DSC. There is no alternative; the DGFT portal specifically validates DGFT-class certificates and rejects other DSC types.

Both are Class 3-grade certificates at the security level, but DGFT DSC contains additional Object Identifiers (OIDs) required by the DGFT portal. A regular Class 3 DSC does not carry these OIDs and cannot be used on the DGFT portal. However, a DGFT DSC can be used on all portals that accept Class 3 DSC — making it backwards compatible with GST, MCA, Income Tax, and EPFO portals.

Yes. DGFT DSC includes the functionality of a Combo DSC (Sign + Encrypt) and works on all portals where Class 3 or Combo DSC is accepted — including GST, MCA21, Income Tax, EPFO, NIC/GeM portals, and ICEGATE. It is the most versatile DSC available.

For individual DGFT DSC: PAN card, Aadhaar card, a recent passport-size photograph, and a valid mobile number and email address. For company DGFT DSC: additionally the company's incorporation certificate, IEC certificate (if already obtained), and an authorisation letter on company letterhead designating the authorised signatory.

DGFT DSC is issued on the same business day once documents are submitted and video KYC is completed. In Hyderabad, same-day delivery to your office is available. For clients outside Hyderabad, the token is dispatched same day via courier, typically reaching you in 1–2 business days. We also provide remote assistance for installing the DSC driver and registering on the DGFT portal.