DIGITAL SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE (DSC)

A digital signature certificate is a secure and encrypted electronic key that the certifying authority provides in order to validate and confirm the identity of the person holding the certificate. Public key encryptions are used to generate digital signatures.

A digital signature certificate (DSC) contains details about the user, including their name, pin code, nationality, e-mail address, certificate issue date along with the name of the certifying authority.

BENEFITS OF DIGITAL SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE

BENEFITS	DESCRIPTION
Sophisticated security measures	The improved security aspects of the DSC prevent unauthorized access to the records and documents. No one is allowed to alter your document's content, counterfeit your signature, or tamper with the records. The signature is cross-checked and authenticated by your DSC.
Authentication	A DSC facilitates in the validation of the owner's personal information while performing business online.
Data integration	Documents that have been digitally signed are secure and unalterable once they have been signed. Governmental agencies usually seek these certifications in order to double-check and confirm business transactions.
Reduced cost and time	You can electronically sign the PDF files and submit them much more swiftly than physically signing the paper copies and scanning them to send via email. It is not necessary for a Digital Signature certificate holder to be physically present in order to conduct or authorize the business.

Types of Digital Signature Certificates (DSC’s):

The kind of DSC to apply for depends on the applicant and the reason for which the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is being sought. There are three different kinds of digital signature certificates that the certifying authorities issue:

• 1. Class 1 Digital Signature Certificate: These are made available to individual and private subscribers and are used to verify that the user's name and email address from the specified subject is stored in the database of the competent authority.
• 2. Class 2 Digital Signature Certificate: These are given to the company's director/signatory authority for them to be able to electronically sign documents with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). While submitting returns with the ROC, persons who have to manually sign documents must hold a Class 2 certificate. Class 2 Certificates will no longer be issued with effect from January 1, 2021, and will be replaced by Class 3 Certificates, as per instructions from the Controller of the Certifying Authority.
• 3. Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate: These certifications are accepted throughout India while participating in or bidding on e-auctions and online tenders. A Class 3 digital signature certificate (DSC) is required for suppliers that want to take part in online tenders.

Documents required for Digital Signature Certificate Registration:

For Indian citizen(individual):

• Food vendors that move from one site to another while selling packaged or fresh prepared meals (often on foot or in mobile carts).
• PAN Card
• Identity proof: Aadhar card/passport/driving license, or any other government-issued photo identification card.
• Address proof: Voter ID card/ Aadhar Card/driving license or vehicle registration certificate
• Copy of Passport size photo
• attestation from an official

Indian citizen(organization):

• Food vendors that move from one site to another while selling packaged or fresh prepared meals (often on foot or in mobile carts).
• Organizational PAN card
• Identity proof: Aadhar card/passport/driving license, or any other government-issued photo identification card.
• Partnership deed
• List of people who are authorized to sign documents, such as a board resolution or a list of directors.
• GST certificate
• Identity proof of authorized signatory

Depending upon the type of enterprise whether it is a proprietorship, LLP, sole ownership, etc., the documents needed would vary.

• For foreign individuals and organizations:
• If the applicant is in India, an attested copy of the residence permit certificate.
• Attested copy of the passport of the applicant
• An attested copy of visa, if the applicant is not in the home country
• Authenticated copy of any government-issued address proof

DSC online registration procedure for foreign attestation:

• An authorization letter should be obtained that bears the respective seal and signature of the company from the;
• Embassy of the domestic country ( for applicants who reside outside of their country of origin)
• Following a public notary, consularized by the nation of origin (Unless the nation is a signatory to the Hague Convention). Indonesia, China, Myanmar, Malaysia, and so forth are a few examples.
• Apostilled by the nation of origin upon public notary (if the nation is a party to the Hague Convention). Australia, Austria, Greece, Oman, Japan, Iceland, Ireland, etc. are a few examples.

❖ Procedure to apply Digital Signature Certificate online:

FSSAI Registration/ License to be acquired depends upon the type of business, its turnover, and the production capacity of the unit. Depending upon the eligibility criteria FBOs ( Food Business Operators) can apply for Central License/ State License / Basic Registration.

• 1. Visit the website of a certifying authority that has been granted permission to issue digital certificates in India.
• 2. Select the kind of entity for whom you wish to receive the DSC under the "Digital Certification Services" tab, such as "individual or organization," etc.
• 3. Download the DSC registration form and fill in the necessary details
• 4. The supporting documents offered as proofs of identity and address should be attested by an attesting officer.
• 5. Make payment through a demand draft or cheque in the name of the local registration authority (can be found online), where the documents( DSC registration form, ID proof, and address proof) would be sent for verification.
• 6. You have successfully applied for your Digital Signature Certificate by completing the DSC Form, providing the required documents, and making the required payment.