DGFT Digital Signature Certificate: Complete Guide for Importers & Exporters (2026)
If you hold an Import Export Code (IEC) and use the DGFT portal for licence applications, RODTEP claims, or advance authorisation, you need a DGFT-specific DSC — a standard Class 3 certificate will not work. This guide explains why, what documents you need, what it costs, and how to use it on dgft.gov.in.
What Makes DGFT DSC Unique?
A DGFT DSC is a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate issued specifically for use on the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal at dgft.gov.in. While technically a Class 3 certificate, it differs from standard Class 3 in one critical way: it is marked with a DGFT-specific policy OID (Object Identifier) in the certificate's extended attributes.
This policy OID tells the DGFT portal that the certificate has been issued under the specific PKI policy applicable to DGFT transactions. A standard Class 3 certificate — even a valid one from a licensed CA — does not contain this OID and will be rejected by the DGFT portal.
Who Needs a DGFT DSC?
Any entity that transacts on the DGFT portal needs a DGFT DSC:
- IEC holders — any importer or exporter with a valid IEC who files applications on dgft.gov.in
- Proprietorships with IEC — the proprietor's individual DGFT DSC is required
- Companies with IEC — an authorised director or signatory's DGFT DSC is needed
- Custom House Agents (CHAs) — who file on behalf of importers/exporters
- Freight forwarders and logistics companies — that interface with DGFT on client behalf
DGFT Portal Activities That Require DSC
The DGFT portal is the single gateway for a wide range of trade-related applications and claims. DSC is required for:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| IEC Amendment | Updating company name, address, bank details on IEC certificate |
| RODTEP Scrip Application | Claiming Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products |
| Advance Authorisation | Duty-free import of raw materials for export production |
| EPCG Licence | Export Promotion Capital Goods scheme applications |
| MEIS / SEIS Claims | Merchandise and services export incentive scheme claims (legacy) |
| Status Holder Application | Applying for Export House, Star Trading House status |
| Annual Progress Report | APR filing for advance authorisation and EPCG licences |
| Redemption of Licences | Closing out export obligations on advance auth and EPCG |
Documents Required for DGFT DSC
The DGFT DSC application requires more documentation than a standard Class 3 DSC because it must be linked to your trade credentials:
For Proprietorship / Individual
- PAN Card of the proprietor
- Aadhaar Card of the proprietor
- Passport-size photograph
- IEC Certificate (Import Export Code)
- GST Registration Certificate
- Bank statement (last 3 months, showing business transactions)
- Active mobile number linked to Aadhaar
For Company / LLP
- PAN and Aadhaar of the authorised signatory (Director/Partner)
- Passport-size photograph of the signatory
- IEC Certificate
- GST Registration Certificate
- Authorisation Letter on company letterhead
- Board Resolution authorising the signatory
- MOA/AOA or Certificate of Incorporation (for LLPs)
Cost of DGFT DSC in 2026
DGFT DSCs are priced slightly higher than standard Class 3 certificates due to the additional policy requirements and verification involved:
| Applicant Type | DGFT DSC (1 Year) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Individual / Proprietorship | ₹3,500 | USB crypto token + courier delivery |
| Company / LLP / Partnership | ₹3,500 | USB crypto token + courier delivery |
| Foreign National Signatory | ₹8,000 | USB crypto token + courier delivery |
A GST invoice is provided for all purchases. Processing time is typically same-day for individual applications with complete documents, and 1–2 days for company applications.
How to Use Your DGFT DSC on dgft.gov.in
- Install the eToken driver on your computer (Windows 7/8/10/11). The driver is supplied with your Akham token or downloadable from the CA's portal.
- Register on DGFT portal: Log in to dgft.gov.in → My Dashboard → Profile → DSC Registration. Select your DGFT certificate from the picker and enter your token PIN.
- Start your application: Navigate to the relevant licence, scrip, or amendment form.
- At the signing step: Ensure your USB token is plugged in. Click "Sign with DSC" — the portal invokes the eToken, you enter your PIN, and the form is digitally signed.
- Submit: The signed application is submitted. You will receive an application reference number for tracking.
The DGFT portal uses its own signing utility (not emsigner). Ensure you have the DGFT-specific DSC signer utility installed, which is linked on the portal's Downloads section.
Common Issues and Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Certificate rejected as "invalid" despite being valid Class 3 | You have a standard Class 3 DSC, not a DGFT DSC. Apply for a new DGFT-specific certificate. |
| Certificate not detected on portal | Check that eToken driver is installed and token is plugged in. Restart browser. |
| PIN locked (too many wrong attempts) | Contact Akham for token unlock assistance. Token locks after 5 incorrect PIN entries. |
| IEC not linking to DGFT DSC | Ensure the IEC certificate on record at DGFT matches the entity details in your DSC application. |
| Browser compatibility issues | The DGFT portal works best on Chrome (latest) and Edge on Windows. Avoid Firefox for DSC signing. |
Get Your DGFT DSC — Same-Day for Proprietors
DGFT DSC at ₹3,500 including USB token and delivery. Documents via WhatsApp. Authorised CA provider in Mumbai.
Apply for DGFT DSC on WhatsApp