DGFT portal guide: registration, login, DSC, and key services

How Do You Complete First-Time Registration?

Step-by-step registration

1. Go to dgft.gov.in. Click Login → Register to create a new account.
2. Enter your details. Email (becomes your User ID), mobile number, password. Both email and mobile are verified via OTP.
3. Get a Class 3 DSC. You cannot submit an IEC application without one. Get it before proceeding (see section 2 below).
4. Register your DSC. My Dashboard → Register Digital Signature. Download and run the DGFT DSC Utility (emBridge). Plug in USB token, select certificate, click Register DSC.
5. Apply for IEC. Services → IEC → Apply for IEC. Fill business details, upload documents, pay Rs 500 online.
6. Sign and submit. Sign with your registered DSC. IEC is typically issued within 24-48 hours.
7. Register on ICEGATE. After IEC approval, register at icegate.gov.in for electronic customs filing (shipping bills for exports, bills of entry for imports).

Documents needed for IEC

• PAN card of the entity (firm/company)
• PAN and Aadhaar of proprietor/partners/directors
• Cancelled cheque or bank certificate with account details
• Address proof of business premises (utility bill, rent agreement, or sale deed)
• Certificate of incorporation / partnership deed (for companies/partnerships)
• Passport-size photograph of the applicant

DSC setup and registration

Class 3 DSC is mandatory for all DGFT filings. Class 2 was discontinued after December 31, 2020. A "Class 3 Signing only" DSC on a USB token is sufficient. Encryption capability is not required.

CCA-licensed certificate authorities

Prices exclude GST. 2-year validity is most cost-effective. Full list of licensed CAs at cca.gov.in.

What you need to get a DSC

• PAN card of the authorized signatory
• Aadhaar card
• Passport-size photograph
• In-person or video verification by the CA (mandatory since July 2024)

Login and authentication

Aadhaar vs DSC authentication

Adding an authorized signatory

1. Log in as the primary IEC holder
2. Go to Manage Profile → Authorized Signatories section
3. Add person's details: name, PAN, Aadhaar, email, mobile
4. The new signatory creates their own DGFT login (email/mobile)
5. They register their own Class 3 DSC on the portal
6. They link the IEC to their profile and can file on behalf of the entity

Forgot password / Account recovery

1. Click "Forgot Password" on the login page
2. Enter your registered email ID
3. OTP sent to registered email and mobile (valid 15 minutes)
4. Enter OTP and set a new password
5. If both email and mobile are lost: register a new account and re-link your IEC using DSC authentication

Key portal services

eBRC self-certification

Path: Services → eBRC → Generate eBRC

1. View IRMs (Inward Remittance Messages) transmitted by your bank to DGFT
2. Select relevant IRM(s). Only IRMs with same currency and same bank account can be clubbed
3. Match IRM(s) to corresponding shipping bill number(s)
4. System auto-fills bank name, purpose code, currency, and amount
5. Verify and submit to generate eBRC. Bulk upload via Excel template also available.

Advance Authorisation

Duty-free import of raw materials/inputs for export production. Exempts Basic Customs Duty, IGST, and Compensation Cess.

Path: Services → Advance Authorisation/DFIA → Fill Form ANF-4A online with export products, input materials, HS codes, SION or ad-hoc norms, quantities and values. Upload documents, pay fee, sign with DSC.

Export obligation: typically 6x the duty saved within 18 months (extendable by 12 months). See our Advance Authorisation guide.

EPCG scheme

Import capital goods (machinery, equipment) at zero duty against 6x export obligation over 6 years.

Path: Services → Online E-com Application → EPCG → Fill Form ANF-5A. See our EPCG guide.

RoDTEP scrip transfer

RoDTEP e-scrips can be used to pay basic customs duty on imports or transferred to other IEC holders.

1. Go to Credit Ledger → Transfer Scrip
2. Enter recipient's IEC number and scrip amount
3. Recipient logs in → Credit Ledger → Approve Scrip tab
4. Recipient verifies, enters OTP, and approves the transfer

RCMC verification

All RCMC issuance is electronic since April 2022 through the DGFT Common Digital Platform.

Path: e-RCMC module → Create account with IEC → Fill application → Upload documents → Pay Rs 5,000 → Submit with DSC. See our RCMC guide.

Application status tracking

Path: My Dashboard → IES Application Room. Track IEC, AA, EPCG, DFIA, RCMC and other applications in real time. Statuses: Under Process, Approved, Rejected, Deficiency Letter Issued. IEC status can also be checked without login using your IEC number.

Troubleshooting common issues

DSC not detected

1. Remove and reconnect the USB token to a different port
2. Install/update token drivers from your CA's website (eMudhra, Capricorn, etc.)
3. Ensure the DGFT DSC Utility (emBridge) is installed and running. DGFT will not detect DSC without it
4. Run the utility as Administrator
5. Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall. They can block USB token communication
6. Close other applications that may be accessing the token (GST portal, MCA portal)
7. Ensure port 1585 is not blocked by your firewall

Browser compatibility

• Microsoft Edge. Best for DSC signing operations. Use IE mode if needed.
• Chrome. Works for browsing but has known issues with WebSocket policies that break emSigner. After Chrome updates, DSC setups can suddenly fail.
• Firefox. Partial support with proper Java configuration.
• Safari. Not supported for DSC operations.

Clear cache and cookies, disable unnecessary extensions, allow pop-ups for dgft.gov.in.

Document upload issues

• Format: PDF only. Black and white preferred.
• Size: Maximum 1 MB per file. Compress or split if larger.
• Naming: No spaces or special characters in filenames (use Invoice_123.pdf, not Invoice #123.pdf)
• Limit: Maximum 5 documents at a time.

Payment gateway failures

• Payment failed mid-transaction: Check status at the Bharatkosh "Track Your Payment" page. If status shows "Fail Ref", reinitiate a fresh transaction.
• Money debited but shows unsuccessful: Refund is processed automatically in 5-7 business days. Do not make a second payment until you confirm the first one failed.

DGFT helpdesk and support

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Sources & citations

• DGFT Official Portal (dgft.gov.in)..
• DGFT IEC User Manual V4.1..
• DGFT DSC & Aadhaar eSign FAQs v3.1..
• DGFT Profile Management FAQs v4.0. Controller of Certifying Authorities (cca.gov.in). EBRC Self-Certification Manual. RoDTEP Advisory (DGFT).

Update history

• 2026-08-11 First published.