Key Takeaways
- A Class 3 DSC is the highest-assurance CCA-certified digital signature, mandatory for most ICEGATE and DGFT filings.
- A DGFT DSC covers both DGFT and ICEGATE portal filings, including AD Code mapping, bills of entry, and shipping bills.
- Procurement takes 30 minutes with video KYC; we also load the token and map it on ICEGATE/DGFT portals.
- Certificates are valid for 1, 2, or 3 years; renewal requires fresh identity verification.
- We are authorized partners of vSign, XtraTrust, ProDigiSign, eMudhra and other CCA-licensed Certifying Authorities.
What is a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate?
A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the highest class of cryptographic verification issued under the guidelines of the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, India. Governed by the Information Technology Act 2000, a Class 3 DSC provides high-assurance security, verifying the authenticity, non-repudiation, and integrity of electronic document submissions. It is mandatory for most online regulatory filings on ICEGATE and DGFT portals for importers and exporters.
Why Your Business Needs a Class 3 DSC
For businesses engaged in international trade, a Class 3 DSC is mandatory for most online regulatory platforms. It is required to file import/export declarations such as bills of entry and shipping bills on ICEGATE, submit licensing requests on the DGFT portal, apply for electronic Registration-cum-Membership Certificates (e-RCMC), and register bank AD Codes at customs ports.
💬 Why Exporters Should Choose the DGFT DSC
If you are an exporter, the DGFT DSC is the most practical choice. Unlike a standard Signature or Combo certificate, a DGFT DSC works on both the DGFT portal and the ICEGATE customs portal. This means a single certificate covers IEC applications, COO filings, DGFT permissions, AD Code mapping, bills of entry, shipping bills, and e-RCMC — using just one Signing DSC.
Signature vs Encryption vs Combo vs DGFT: Which Do You Need?
| Certificate Type | Purpose | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | Authenticates identity and legally signs documents | ITR, GST, MCA, EPFO, ICEGATE, standard registrations |
| Encryption | Secures sensitive data files before transmission | Encrypted email and data exchange |
| Combo | Both Signature + Encryption on one token | e-Procurement, IREPS, GEM, Government Tenders, AD Code mapping |
| DGFT | Signature-only certificate for DGFT portal filings | IEC update/modification, COO application, DGFT permissions, e-RCMC |
Certified USB Hardware Cryptographic Tokens
Under CCA security guidelines, digital certificates cannot be downloaded directly as local files onto a computer. Instead, they must be securely stored on password-protected, FIPS-compliant USB hardware tokens (such as HYP2003, mToken, ProxKey, or InnaITKey). This physical layer of security prevents unauthorized users from copying or exporting your private keys, protecting your business from transaction fraud.
CCA-Licensed Certifying Authorities We Work With
Class 3 DSCs are issued exclusively by Certifying Authorities licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), Government of India. As an authorized partner, we procure certificates from the following trusted CAs:
All CAs listed above are licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), Government of India. View the official CCA licensed CA list.
Procurement and Port-Mapping Process: Step-by-Step
Obtaining and mapping a digital signature involves precise identity verification and software configuration. We assist your trade teams through the process:
Profile Selection & Document Assembly
We analyze your business model to determine whether an Organizational or Individual Class 3 Combo certificate is required, and assemble your corporate registration documents.
Video & OTP Verification Coordination
We guide your authorized signatory through the mandatory mobile OTP and secure 30-second video verification processes required by licensed Certifying Authorities (CAs).
Hardware Token Loading
Once identity verification is complete and approved by the CA, we load the cryptographic keys onto a certified USB hardware crypto-token.
ICEGATE & DGFT PKI Mapping
We configure the necessary browser drivers and run the required Java PKI utilities to register and map your physical USB token inside your corporate ICEGATE and DGFT user profiles.
Required Document Checklist
- PAN card copy of the applicant (authorized signatory).
- Aadhaar Card copy or valid passport/voter ID for address verification.
- For Organizational DSC: Company PAN, GST Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation, Board Resolution, or official Authorization Letter.
- An active, linked mobile number and corporate email address for verification.
- FIPS-compliant USB hardware crypto-token (such as HYP2003).
Why Exporters & Importers Choose One Link Exim Solutions
One Link Exim Solutions is a corporate EXIM facilitation and advisory firm based at Petrapole Land Customs Port, Bongaon, West Bengal. We coordinate CCA-certified Class 3 DSC procurement and ICEGATE/DGFT token mapping for Indian businesses, with a strict focus on regulatory facilitation — not tax, audit, or accounting.
Phone/WhatsApp: +91 89720 58527
Email: onelinkeximsolutions@gmail.com