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Do you need to register your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) on the DGFT portal?
DGFT DSC registration allows you to use your digital signature for applicable online activities on the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal. The registration process requires a valid DSC, the required token drivers, and the supported signing utility.
The steps below follow the current DGFT registration process and official guidance.
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is used to digitally sign and authenticate online transactions and documents.
DGFT is the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, which provides online services related to India's import and export activities.
DGFT DSC registration means registering your eligible digital signature with the DGFT portal so that it can be used for applicable online services and actions.
After successful registration, the registered digital signature details can be viewed on the DGFT portal, and the active DSC can be used for applicable IEC-related activities.
Before starting the registration process, keep the following ready.
1. DGFT Portal Login
You should have valid login credentials for the DGFT portal.
2. Valid Digital Signature Certificate
Make sure your DSC is valid and available for use.
3. DSC USB Token
If your DSC is stored on a USB token, connect the token to your computer before starting the registration process.
4. USB Token Driver
Your computer must be able to detect the DSC token. Install the appropriate driver for your token if required.
5. Required Signing Utility
DGFT's current guidance refers to the required signing utility and token drivers as part of the setup process. The official DGFT guide specifically mentions installing the required USB token drivers and eMudhra utility as a one-time setup.
6. DSC Token PIN
Keep your DSC token PIN/password ready because it may be required during the signing process.
The applicable DSC requirements can depend on the entity and the DGFT use case.
The current DGFT registration guide refers to Type 2 or Type 3 IEC-based DSC / Aadhaar options for proprietors or members of the firm. Earlier DGFT FAQ guidance also describes IEC-based, individual-based, and organization-based token validations for different entity types.
Before purchasing or using a DSC, check the latest DGFT requirements for your entity and the service you need to use.
Follow these steps to complete your DGFT DSC registration.
Step 1. Login to DGFT
Open the DGFT portal and log in to your account.
Step 2. Open DSC Registration
Go to My Dashboard → View and Register Digital Signature Token.
Step 3. Connect Your DSC Token
Connect your DSC USB token to your computer and make sure the required token driver and signing utility are running.
Step 4. Click "Register New DSC"
Click Register New DSC to start the registration process.
Step 5. Select Your DSC
Choose the required DSC provider and select your digital certificate.
Step 6. Enter Your Token PIN
Enter your DSC token PIN/password when prompted.
Step 7. Complete Registration
Complete the digital signing process and wait for the confirmation message.
Step 8. Verify Your DSC
Check the registered digital signature details on the DGFT portal to confirm that your DSC has been successfully registered.
After successful registration, check the current digital signature details on the DGFT portal.
DGFT's official FAQ states that after successful registration, the digital signature details can be viewed under the current digital signature details section.
Make sure:
If the correct details are visible, your DSC registration has been completed successfully.
Here are some common problems and things you can check.
If DGFT says that your DSC token is not detected:
DGFT's FAQ specifically advises checking whether the eMudhra utility is installed and running when the portal shows a "DSC is not inserted" type error.
If your certificate does not appear in the certificate list:
Then open the DSC registration page again.
If the registration fails:
If the issue continues, check the latest DGFT help/troubleshooting guidance.
A token PIN error usually means that the entered PIN does not match the PIN required by the token. Check the PIN carefully.
Do not repeatedly enter random PINs because some USB tokens can have security restrictions after multiple incorrect attempts.
If your USB token is connected but DGFT says that the DSC is not inserted, first check the signing utility and token driver.
DGFT's FAQ specifically mentions checking that the eMudhra utility is installed and running for this type of issue.
A digital signature with an expired certificate cannot be treated as a valid active certificate for new signing purposes. Check the certificate validity before starting the registration process.
If the certificate has expired, obtain/renew an appropriate DSC and follow the applicable DGFT registration process.
If multiple certificates are available on your computer or token, make sure you select the certificate that belongs to the correct user/entity and is applicable to your DGFT use case.
Always check the certificate details before signing.
These two processes are different.
Getting a DSC: First, you obtain a Digital Signature Certificate from an authorized certificate provider.
Registering DSC on DGFT: After you have the appropriate DSC, you register it with the DGFT portal when required for the applicable service.
In simple words:
Get DSC → Prepare USB Token/Required Utility → Register DSC on DGFT → Use the registered DSC
Digital signatures help authenticate online actions and provide a way to digitally sign applicable applications and transactions.
DGFT uses digital signature functionality for relevant IEC and other online activities. The official DGFT documentation explains that, after successful DSC registration, users can view the active digital signature details and perform applicable actions on their IEC.
A properly registered DSC can help you complete applicable online processes without relying on physical signatures.
Once your DSC is successfully registered and active, it can be used for applicable DGFT online activities that require digital signing.
Depending on your account, entity type, and the service being used, this can include relevant IEC-related actions and online applications.
Always check the current DGFT instructions for the specific service you are using.
NOTE: Read our blog: DGFT DSC vs Class 3 DSC
Before starting the process, check the following:
DGFT DSC registration becomes much easier when your DSC token, driver, signing utility, and PIN are ready before you start.
The basic process is:
Login to DGFT → My Dashboard → View and Register Digital Signature Token → Register New DSC → Select Token → Select Certificate → Enter PIN → Complete Registration → Verify DSC Details
If your DSC is not detected or the registration fails, check the token driver and signing utility first. For the most accurate requirements, always follow the latest instructions available on the DGFT portal.
Disclaimer: This article was last updated in August 2026 and is intended for general informational purposes only. DGFT rules, DSC requirements, portal features, and registration procedures may change from time to time. Please check the latest information on the official DGFT portal before completing DSC registration. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).