DGFT Digital Signature: IEC Setup, EKU Purposes and Portal Registration
DGFT requires a Class 3 DSC with the right Extended Key Usage and IEC-linked registration. Here's the complete setup for Bangalore exporters and importers.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal is where exporters and importers file for IEC issuance, IEC modification, licence applications and export incentive claims. Every filing needs a Class 3 DSC — but not every Class 3 DSC works on DGFT out of the box.
What DGFT actually requires
Two conditions: the DSC must be a Class 3 certificate, and the Extended Key Usage (EKU) of the certificate must include DGFT as a permitted purpose. Many providers issue Class 3 DSCs without specifying DGFT in the EKU — those certificates then fail at signature verification on the DGFT portal, with cryptic errors.
How to register your DSC on DGFT
- Log in to the DGFT portal with your IEC-linked credentials.
- Go to Services → Digital Signature → Register DSC.
- Insert your token, select the certificate, and sign the registration request.
- The system validates the DSC against your IEC. Success = you can now sign filings; failure = check EKU or IEC-PAN mismatch.
If your existing MCA DSC doesn't work on DGFT
Two options. If the EKU is missing DGFT, you'll need to reissue with DGFT specified at application. If the IEC and PAN don't match, correct the IEC on DGFT (via IEC Modification) first, then re-register the DSC.
Turnaround for a DGFT-ready DSC in Bangalore
1 hour from complete documents. If you also need IEC modification (e.g. to update authorised signatory), add 3–5 working days for DGFT to approve the modification before the DSC can be registered.