Overview of Applicability of clarification of DSC

What is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)? 

Purpose‑wise applicability of Individual / Organisation DSC and Sign / Combo Types

Below is a detailed purpose-wise clarification:

1) Hallmark Registration – Organisation Sign Only :

Required DSC: Organization (Class 3) – Sign Only. BIS Hallmarking is issued in the name of a business entity (jeweler/manufacturer). The person signing must represent the organisation legally. Authentication must reflect the entity-level responsibility, not an individual’s personal identity. Digital signature certificates must contain the organization name and authorized signatory details. and person. Ensure authorization on company letterhead is uploaded on the BIS portal.

2) DPIIT (Startup India) – Organization Sign Only :

Required DSC: Organization (Class 3) – Sign Only. DPIIT recognition is granted to a registered entity (LLP, company, or partnership). Verification must establish the identity of the organization, not the personal user. The authorized signatory’s PAN must match the entity’s registration details.

3) RTO / Transport Department – Individual Sign Only. Required DSC:

Individual (Class 2/Class 3 as per state)—Sign Only. RTO services (Vahan, Sarathi, permit renewals, driving license, fitness, etc.) involve personal declarations, individual identity verification, and government mandates for individual verification of the person submitting forms. Even if filing for a company vehicle, RTO systems usually require individual DSC.

4) Tender (e‑Procurement)—Individual OR Organisation Based on Tender Type. Required DSC Options:

Individual Class 3 – Combo/Sign Only and Organisation Class 3 – Combo/Sign Only (depends on portal & tender category). Some procurement portals require the bidder’s authorized signatory to sign—an individual DSC is acceptable. Many government tenders require the DSC to reflect entity details; organization DSC becomes mandatory. Combo DSC (Sign + Encrypt) is often required because

• • Sign = to sign bid documents
  • Encrypt = to securely submit price bids

Check the tender document: “Bidder signing requirement”, PSUs and central government portals mostly prefer organization combo DSC.

5) ICEGATE (Customs) – Individual Sign Only of IEC Authorized Person:

Required DSC: Individual Class 3 – Sign Only. (Specifically of the IEC‑linked authorized signatory). And ICEGATE DSC for customs filing is legally the responsibility of the IEC holder’s authorized person. ICEGATE binds filings to the individual associated with IEC, not just to the entity. Ensures traceability for import/export documents, bills of entry, shipping bills, etc. DSC must match the PAN of the authorized signatory registered at ICEGATE. And Organisation DSC is not accepted.

6) GST / Income Tax / Trademark – Class 3 Sign Only DSC :

Required DSC – Class 3 – Individual or Organisation (as applicable) – Sign Only.

• GST Portal : Authorised signatory of the business can use an individual or Organisation DSC. Class 3 mandate is for enhanced authentication.
• Income Tax Portal : For companies, LLPs, and mandatory categories → Class 3 Individual/Org Sign Only. Used for Income tax return filing, Audit report submission, and e‑Verification of forms
• Trademark (IP India): Portal accepts both individual and Organisation DSC. Only Class 3 (Sign Only) is required, as filings involve legal declarations. The person must ensure the PAN in the DSC matches profile details on the respective portal. And Combo DSC is not needed since encryption is not required for these portals.

Steps to Apply for a Digital Signature Certificate

Quick Summary on Use of Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)