Digital Signature For DGFT
Directorate of General Foreign Trade (DGFT) Digital Signature is one of the many types of Digital Signature Certificates. The DGFT Digital Signature Certification is for importers and exporters. A Digital Signature authenticates electronic documents in a similar manner a handwritten signature authenticates printed documents. This signature cannot be forged and it asserts that a named person wrote or otherwise agreed to the document to which the signature is attached. The recipient of a digitally signed message can verify that the message originated from the person whose signature is attached to the document and that the message has not been altered either intentionally or accidentally since it was signed. Also, the signer of a document cannot later disown it by claiming that the signature was forged. In other words, Digital Signatures enable the “authentication” and “non-
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO GET DGFT DSC:
DGFT DIGITAL SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE:
1. Application Form duly filled in with blue Inc. (Please find application form in Downloads Link)
2. Applicant’s Self Attested Passport Size Photograph.
3. Banker or Gazetted officer Attested Applicant PAN copy.
4. Banker or Gazetted officer Attested Applicant ADDRESS PROOF copy.
5. Banker Attested Company Bank Statement (For 3 months).
6. Self Attested (With Designation Seal) Company PAN Copy.
7. Self Attested (With Designation Seal) Company VAT or Service TAX or LABOUR Registration copy.
8. Self Attested (With Designation Seal) Company Latest IT Return Acknowledgement .
9. Self Attested (With Designation Seal) Company IEC Registration Copy.
10. Self Attested (With Designation Seal) Company Incorporation Certificate For Ltd Company.
11. Self Attested (With Designation Seal) Company MOA For Ltd Company.
12. Self Attested (With Designation Seal) Partnership Deep for Partnership company.
IMPORTANT NOTES :
With the above documents the following conditions will apply.
I. Validation of signature on application forms: At least one identity or address proof should contain signature of applicant. If absent, subscribers should submit their signatures validated by the bank where they hold a bank account.
II. Validity of the Address Proof: In case of any utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and telephone bill, in the name of the applicant , the recent proof, but not earlier than 3 months from the date of application should be attached.The Address in the Address Proof Should match to the Address filled in the Application Form.
III. All signatures including DSC Applicant and authorized person should be with blue ink only.
IV. The Name, designation, office address and contact number of the attesting officer should be clearly visible.
V. The mobile number and E-
VI. Section 3 of Application form should contain signature of applicant and Section 4 should contain
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Electronic Filing of
What is a Digital Certificate?
A digital certificate is like the identity of an individual, when the person transacts/interacts through the internet, it uniquely identifies any individual on the internet. It consists of an electronic file called “key pairs” containing the ‘Private key’ and ‘Public key’ of the individual to whom the certificates belongs, which is digitally signed by the CA(Certifying Authority) to become a legally valid Digital Certificate/Digital ID.
What is a Digital Signature?
A Digital Signature is the electronic equivalent of a physical signature and can be used to electronically sign any document or transaction. One needs to have a valid digital certificate to create a digital signature.
Digital Certificates and DGFT
Digital Certificates for the importer and exporter community can be used to securely log on to the DGFT Online License Filing Application and can be used to electronically sign the License Application Form, which is filled online. It ensures that the data is secure and cannot be viewed or altered by any unauthorized person. It will also improve on response time taken while applying for a license with DGFT.
What are the benefits of using Digital Certificates?
A Digital Certificate can be used to electronically sign any document or transaction. It ensures that the data is secured and is not viewed or altered by any unauthorized person. It will also improve on response time taken while applying for a license with DGFT. Digital Certificates issued by a valid Indian CA hold good in a court of law in accordance to the Indian IT Act 2000.
What are the Precautions to be taken with Digital Certificates?
Since Digital Signatures have legal validity and are at par with physical signatures, it is the responsibility of the certificate holder to keep his certificate safely and not share it with any individual. Recommended is USB Token for storing the certificates securely. Also, in case the certificate is lost or the iKey is stolen, it is the responsibility of the individual to revoke his certificate and obtain a new one. Certificates issued will be valid for a period of one year and need to be renewed after a
What is the required Documents for DGFT digital signature
| Upload requisite documents in digital format (GIF/JPG) as detailed below | ||
| A | Documents for Proprietorship firms |
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| B | Documents for Partnership firm |
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| C | Documents for LLP firm/ Government Undertaking/ Public Limited Company/ Private Limited Company/ Section 25 Company |
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| D | Documents for Registered Society/ Trust |
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| E | Documents for HUF firms |
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IEC (Import Export Code) – How to Apply for It, Benefits
In this age of cut-throat competition, everyone wants to grow their business beyond the limits of the domestic market. However, doing business globally isn’t just a cup of tea for everyone. Before going global, you need to follow several procedures and laws in place and get different registration and license. IEC (Import Export Code) license is one of such prerequisites when you’re thinking of importing or exporting from India. It is also known as Importer- Exporter Code.
IEC (Import Export Code) is required by anyone who is looking to kick-start his/her import/export business in the country. It is issued by the DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade). IEC is a 10-digit code that has lifetime validity. Predominantly importers merchants cannot import goods without the Import Export Code and similarly, the exporter merchant cannot avail benefits from DGFT for the export scheme, etc. without IEC.
Situations Where IEC is Required
- When an importer has to clear his shipments from the customs then it’s needed by the customs authorities.
- When an importer sends money abroad through banks then it’s needed by the bank.
- When an exporter has to send his shipments then it’s needed by the customs port.
- When an exporter receives money in foreign currency directly into his bank account then it’s required by the bank.
Steps Involved in IEC (Import/Export Code) Registration
- Visit the DGFT website.
- Click on the ‘Services’ tab on the homepage.
- Select the ‘IEC Profile Management’ option from the drop-down list.
- A new page will open. Click on the ‘Apply for IEC’ option on the page.
- Click on the ‘Register’ option. Enter the required details and click on the ‘Sent OTP’ button.
- Enter the OTP and click on the ‘Register’ button.
- Upon successful validation of the OTP, you will receive a notification containing the temporary password which you can change after logging into the DGFT website.
- After registering on the DGFT website, login to the website by entering the user name and password.
- Click on the ‘Apply for IEC’ option on the DGFT website.
- Fill the application form (ANF 2A format), upload the required documents, pay the required fees and click on the ‘Submit and Generate IEC Certificate’ button.
- The IEC code will be generated by the DGFT. You can take a printout of your certificate once the IEC code is generated
Documents required for IEC (Import Export Code) Registration
For IEC Code Registration, the following documents are required:
- Individual’s or Firm’s or Company’s copy of PAN Card.
- Individual’s voter id or Aadhar card or passport copy.
- Individual’s or company’s or firm’s cancel cheque copies of current bank accounts.
- Copy of Rent Agreement or Electricity Bill Copy of the premise.
- A self-addressed envelope for delivery of IEC certificate by registered post.
Benefits of IEC Registration
Expansion of Business
IEC assists you in taking your services or product to the global market and growing your businesses.
Availing Several Benefits
The Companies could avail several benefits of their imports/ exports from the DGFT, Export Promotion Council, Customs, etc., on the basis of their IEC registration.
No Filing of returns
IEC does not require the filing of any returns. Once allotted, there isn’t any requirement to follow any sort of process for sustaining its validity. Even for export transactions, there isn’t any requirement for filing any returns with DGFT.
Easy Processing
It is fairly easy to obtain IEC code from the DGFT within a period of 10 to 15 days after submitting the application. There isn’t any need to provide proof of any export or import for getting IEC code.
No Need For renewal
IEC code is effective for the lifetime of an entity and requires no renewal. After it is obtained, it could be used by an entity against all export and import transactions.
Cases Where Import-Export Code (IEC) is Not Mandatory
According to the latest circular issued by the government, IEC is not mandatory for all traders who are registered under GST. In all such cases, the PAN of the trader shall be construed as a new IEC code for the purpose of import and export. Import Export Code (IEC) isn’t required to be taken in case the goods exported or imported is for personal purposes and isn’t used for any commercial purpose. Export/ Import done by the Government of India Departments and Ministries, Notified Charitable institutions need not require getting Import Export Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IEC mandatory?
Yes. An Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is a significant business identification number that is mandatory for import to India or export from India. A person/entity cannot export or import without obtaining an IEC unless specifically exempted. However, IEC is not necessary for services exports, except when the service provider is taking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
How much time does it take to get the IEC code?
Once the online application is submitted by paying the appropriate fees and requisite documents, IEC will be auto-generated. The DGFT will send an intimation regarding the allotment of IEC to an applicant through an SMS and e-mail along with a hyperlink through which the e-IEC can be downloaded and printed.
Can individuals obtain IEC?
Yes, individuals acting as proprietors of a business can obtain IEC registration. Individuals can use either the name or the name of their company to apply for IEC registration.
How can I print my IEC certificate?
You can take print out of your IEC certificate by the below process:
- Visit the DGFT website.
- Click on the ‘Services’ tab on the homepage.
- Select the ‘IEC Profile Management’ option from the drop-down list.
- A new page will open. Click on the ‘Print IEC’ option on the page.
- Verify your details and click on the ‘Print IEC’ button.
Should I update my IEC profile annually?
Yes. It is mandatory to update the IEC profile every year. In case of non-updation of the IEC profile, it will be deactivated. A deactivated IEC can be reactivated upon its successful updation. However, reactivation is subject to the condition that any other action should not be taken for violation of any provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy.
Is Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) required to apply for IEC?
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is not compulsory to apply for an IEC. The IEC application can be signed through Aadhaar authentication. DSC has been introduced in IEC to strengthen the IEC issuance and modification processes.
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