Foreign Trade

Foreign Trade made possible with Digital Signature Certificate.


Foreign Trade and Digital Signature Certificates


Export and Import Organizations (EXIM organizations) can apply for licenses online which means that they can also file accompanying documents electronically on the DGFT website. Since a Digital Signature Certificate ensures authenticity of the document, DGFT has mandated use of Digital Signature Certificates with all electronic documents uploaded on the DGFT site. This means that every EXIM Organisation needs to necessarily have a Digital Signature Certificate for transactions related to the DGFT website. On validating the identity of the sender, authenticity of the documents and validity of the DSC, DGFT then processes the documents for license issuance. In addition to convenience, online submissions of applications on the DGFT website also mean a 50% reduction in license fee for EXIM Organizations.
Organizations can prevent fraudulent practices such as identity thefts by filing bills of entry using a Digital Signature Certificate. If an organisation is filing documents through Custom House Agents, it is important that all documents filed are accompanied by a DSC.
A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is essential for any organisation seeking an Import or an Export License that needs to be registered in the name of one representative authorized to represent the organisation.
Since a Digital Signature Certificate is recognised by the legal system, all documents submitted using a Digital Signature Certificate is considered on par with physically signed documents, and also attract benefits endowed upon them through the Indian Information Technology Act 2000.
Why do I need a Digital Signature Certificate?
A Digital Signature Certificate authenticates your identity electronically. It also provides you with a high level of security for your online transactions by ensuring outright privacy of the information exchanged using a digital certificate. You can use certificates to encrypt information such that only the intended recipient can read it. You can digitally sign information to assure the recipient that it has not been changed in transit, and also verify your identity as the sender of the message.
Where can I use Digital Signature Certificates?
You can use Digital Signature Certificates for the following:
  1. For secure email and web-based transactions, or to identify other participants of web-based transactions.
  2. To prove ownership of a domain name and establish SSL/ TLS encrypted secured sessions between your website and the user for web based transactions.
  3. As a developer, for proving authorship of a code and retaining integrity of the distributed software programs.
  4. For signing web forms, e-tendering documents, filing income tax returns, to access membership-based websites automatically without entering a user name and password etc.