If you are an Importer or Exporter and want to use services on the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) portal, then having a DGFT Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is mandatory.
Without a valid Class 3 DSC for DGFT, you cannot log in, submit applications, or complete approvals related to IEC, authorization, or DGFT filings.
This guide explains everything you need to know about DGFT Class 3 DSC, including the process, mandatory requirements, common errors, pricing, and why choosing a professional DSC vendor is important.
Quick Answer
To apply for a DGFT Class 3 DSC, an IEC (Import Export Code) Certificate is mandatory. Without a valid IEC number, DGFT Digital Signature Certificate cannot be issued. The process includes enrollment, video verification, payment, and downloading the DSC into a compatible USB token.
What Is DGFT Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate?

A DGFT Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is a high-security digital signature used specifically for authentication and authorization on the DGFT portal.
It is required by:
- Importers
- Exporters
- IEC holders
- Firms and companies registered on DGFT
This DSC ensures secure login, legally valid submissions, and protected transactions on the DGFT website.
Why Is IEC Certificate Mandatory for DGFT DSC?
The IEC Certificate is the most critical requirement for DGFT Class 3 DSC registration.
Key Reasons:
- IEC number is a mandatory field in DGFT DSC application
- DGFT portal verifies DSC mapping using IEC details
- Any mismatch in IEC details causes DSC failure
⚠️ Important:
If you do not have an IEC Certificate, you cannot apply for DGFT Class 3 DSC.
DGFT Class 3 DSC Process – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Before applying, keep all documents ready.
Documents Required:
- IEC Certificate
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Organization proof (Company / LLP / Firm)
- Registered mobile number & email ID
If you are applying on your own, ensure that all details exactly match across documents.
Step 2: Why Hiring a DSC Vendor Is the Best Option
Applying for DGFT DSC without professional support can lead to:
- Wrong data entry
- Verification rejection
- DSC issued but not working on DGFT portal
That is why hiring an experienced DSC vendor like Digital Signature Spot is strongly recommended.
A professional vendor understands:
- DGFT-specific DSC requirements
- Correct certificate configuration
- CA and CCA guidelines
- DGFT portal compatibility
This makes the process safe and error-free.
Step 3: Enrollment & Submission to Certifying Authority
After document submission, the vendor completes the DGFT DSC enrollment and submits the application to the Certifying Authority (CA).
During submission:
- Mobile OTP
- Email OTP
are required from the applicant.
⚠️ You may process the application yourself if you do not wish to share OTPs, but self-processing DGFT DSC is not recommended due to its critical nature.
Step 4: Video Verification & Approval
Once enrollment is complete:
- You receive a verification application ID
- PAN-based video verification must be completed
During video verification, you must show:
- Original PAN Card
- Company / firm proof
After successful verification, the DGFT DSC enrollment is approved.
Payment & eSign Process
Approval alone does not complete the process.
After enrollment approval:
- Log in to your eKYC account
- Complete DGFT Class 3 DSC payment
- Set your Download Key / Download Password
Without setting the download key, DSC cannot be downloaded.
Download DGFT Class 3 DSC in USB Token
Using:
- Application ID
- Download Key
you can download your DGFT Class 3 DSC into a USB token.
⚠️ The USB token must be compatible and have a new serial number
(e.g. HYP2003, WatchData ProxKey, mToken).
Common Errors in DGFT Class 3 DSC
Digital Signature Certificates are highly sensitive. Even a small mistake can make the DSC unusable.
❌ Common Errors:
- Incorrect IEC number
- Organization name mismatch
- Wrong branch code
- Incorrect DSC type selection
- Payment failure
- Video verification rejection
In many cases, DSC gets issued but fails to work on the DGFT portal.
Solution: How to Avoid DGFT DSC Errors
The safest solution is to hire a professional DSC vendor.
If you apply on your own:
- Payment reclaim can be difficult
- Re-verification causes delays
- Re-issue may require extra cost
A professional vendor handles all technical and compliance issues for you.
DGFT Class 3 DSC Pricing
| Validity | Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| DGFT 1 Year | ₹1,450 |
| DGFT 2 Years | ₹2250 |
| DGFT 3 Years | ₹2900 |
➕ USB Token Charges: ₹500 extra (if required)
Prices may vary depending on Certifying Authority and services included.
Why Choose Digital Signature Spot? (EEAT Section)
Digital Signature Spot is one of India’s leading Certified Registration Authorities (RA).
Our Trust & Experience:
- ✔ Issued 1,00,000+ Digital Signatures in 2025
- ✔ Specialized in DGFT, MCA, GST, Income Tax DSCs
- ✔ 100% CCA-compliant process
What We Provide:
- DGFT Class 3 DSC issuance
- Complete verification guidance
- Payment & eSign assistance
- USB token support
- 24×7 technical support
Final Expert Recommendation
If you are:
- An Importer or Exporter
- An IEC holder
- A DGFT portal user
👉 Always apply for DGFT Class 3 DSC through an experienced professional vendor.
A wrong DSC can lead to:
❌ DGFT login failure
❌ Application rejection
❌ Loss of time and money
📞 Apply for DGFT Class 3 DSC Today
If you want to apply or renew DGFT Class 3 DSC, contact Digital Signature Spot.
We ensure:
- Fast approval
- Error-free DSC
- End-to-end technical support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – DGFT Class 3 DSC
1. What is DGFT Class 3 DSC?
DGFT Class 3 DSC is a high-security Digital Signature Certificate required to access and use services on the DGFT portal, including IEC-related applications, authorizations, and approvals.
2. Is IEC mandatory for DGFT Class 3 DSC?
Yes. A valid IEC (Import Export Code) Certificate is mandatory to apply for DGFT Class 3 DSC. Without IEC, DGFT DSC cannot be issued.
3. Which DSC is required for DGFT portal?
The DGFT portal requires a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (Signing DSC) mapped with the correct IEC details.
4. Can I apply DGFT Class 3 DSC without a vendor?
Yes, you can apply on your own, but it is not recommended. DGFT DSC is sensitive, and small mistakes in IEC details, organization name, or verification can cause rejection or non-working DSC.
5. How long does DGFT Class 3 DSC approval take?
DGFT Class 3 DSC usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on document verification, video verification, and payment completion.
6. Is video verification mandatory for DGFT DSC?
Yes. Video verification is mandatory as per CCA guidelines. You must show your original PAN card and organization proof during verification.
7. What documents are required for DGFT Class 3 DSC?
Required documents include:
- IEC Certificate
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Organization proof (Company / Firm / LLP)
- Mobile number and email ID
8. Why is my DGFT DSC not working after issuance?
Common reasons include:
- Incorrect IEC number
- Organization name mismatch
- Wrong DSC type
- Old or incompatible USB token
In most cases, DSC is issued but fails on the DGFT portal due to incorrect configuration.
9. What is the price of DGFT Class 3 DSC?
DGFT Class 3 DSC pricing is approximately:
- 1 Year: ₹1,450
- 2 Years: ₹1,700
- 3 Years: ₹2,500
USB token charges (₹500) may be extra if required.
10. Can DGFT Class 3 DSC be renewed?
Yes. DGFT Class 3 DSC can be renewed before or after expiry. Renewal is faster and more cost-effective if your existing USB token is compatible.
11. Which USB token is required for DGFT DSC?
DGFT DSC works with new serial USB tokens such as:
- HYP2003
- WatchData ProxKey
- mToken
Old or unsupported tokens may cause download or login issues.
12. Is it safe to buy DGFT Class 3 DSC from a vendor?
Yes. Buying DGFT DSC from a trusted and certified DSC vendor is safe and recommended. Vendors ensure correct IEC mapping, error-free verification, and technical support.
13. How can I check DGFT DSC approval status?
You can check DGFT DSC approval status through:
- Your DSC provider portal
- eKYC login account
- Email/SMS updates after verification
14. Who should apply for DGFT Class 3 DSC?
DGFT Class 3 DSC is required for:
- Importers & Exporters
- IEC holders
- DGFT registered firms
- Consultants handling DGFT applications









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