DGFT Tightens the PSIA/PSIC Process: Same-Day Certificates, Auto-Embedded Signatures and Larger Evidence Uploads

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has upgraded the Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency (PSIA) and Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) module on the DGFT portal through Trade Notice No. 22/2026-27 dated 25 August 2026. The changes build stricter controls into how PSICs are generated and add larger allowances for inspection evidence.

If you import shredded metallic scrap — where a valid PSIC is a core Customs requirement — this affects the certificate your supplier's inspection agency issues, and how quickly and cleanly it can be produced.

What Happened

A PSIC is issued by a DGFT-recognised Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency to certify that a consignment of metallic scrap has been inspected at the port of loading and is free of arms, ammunition, mines, shells, explosives, radioactive material or other contraband. Indian Customs relies on the PSIC to clear such imports safely.

Trade Notice 22/2026-27 continues the electronic PSIA/PSIC framework first introduced in April 2022 and makes the following changes on the portal:

• Same-day issuance only. The inspection date is standardised in DD/MMM/YYYY format, and a PSIC can be generated and issued only on the date of inspection — the system will not permit generation on a later date.
• Auto-embedded signature and stamp. Authorised PSIA users can upload and maintain signature and stamp images, which are then automatically embedded in the PSIC, removing manual signing, stamping and re-uploading.
• Inspector selected from a system list. During generation, the inspector must be chosen from a system-populated drop-down, and the inspector's details are auto-populated.
• Larger evidence uploads. Inspection photographs increase from 5 to 10 (at 5 MB each), and the mandatory inspection video limit rises from 10 MB to 50 MB (permitted formats: MP4, AVI, MTS, MOV, FLV, WMV).
• Auto-fetched instrument details. Based on the selected country of inspection, registered instruments appear in a drop-down and their details are auto-fetched and shown read-only, reducing manual errors.

Why It Matters

The headline change is the same-day issuance rule. Because a PSIC can now be generated only on the inspection date, backdated or delayed certificates are effectively blocked. That tightens integrity but also removes any slack for agencies that historically issued certificates after the fact. Importers relying on those certificates for Customs clearance need their overseas inspection scheduled and completed cleanly, with the PSIC raised the same day.

The larger photo and video allowances let agencies upload more complete inspection evidence, which supports smoother risk assessment at the Indian end.

Who's Affected

This affects DGFT-recognised PSIAs and their inspectors directly, and — indirectly but materially — Indian importers of metallic scrap and the CHAs and Customs brokers who clear those consignments. Exporters and buyers arranging pre-shipment inspection for scrap shipments should factor the tighter timing into their loading plans.

What Importers, PSIAs and CHAs Should Do Now

• Importers: Confirm your overseas supplier uses a currently DGFT-recognised PSIA and that the PSIC is generated on the actual inspection date — a certificate dated otherwise cannot be produced under the new system.
• PSIAs: Upload and maintain inspector signature and stamp images in advance so certificates auto-embed them; ensure inspectors are correctly listed in the system drop-down.
• PSIAs/Inspectors: Capture and upload the fuller photo (up to 10) and video (up to 50 MB) evidence in the permitted formats.
• CHAs: Verify PSIC authenticity via DGFT's electronic verification before filing the Bill of Entry, and check the inspection date aligns with the shipment timeline.
• All parties: Use the DGFT Helpdesk (toll-free 1800-572-1550 / 1800-111-550) for onboarding or technical issues with signature/stamp uploads.

The Bigger Picture

The PSIA/PSIC upgrade is part of DGFT's 2026 push to build compliance into its systems and cut manual intervention — the same theme running through Open API for Certificates of Origin, automated Free Sale and Commerce Certificate issuance, and Bank Guarantee module enhancements. For scrap importers specifically, the same-day rule raises the premium on well-organised, punctual pre-shipment inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PSIC and who needs it? A Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate certifies that imported metallic scrap was inspected abroad and is free of explosives and contraband. Indian Customs requires it to clear such consignments.

What is the single most important change? A PSIC can now be generated only on the date of inspection; the system blocks issuance on any later date.

Do the new photo and video limits apply to every inspection? The higher limits (10 photos at 5 MB each; video up to 50 MB) are the new permissible maximums; the inspection video remains mandatory in the specified formats.

Does this change which agencies are recognised? No. It changes the portal process. Always confirm your inspection agency holds current DGFT recognition.

Conclusion

Trade Notice 22/2026-27 makes PSIC issuance more tamper-resistant and better-evidenced, but it removes any room for late or backdated certificates. Scrap importers should tighten coordination with their inspection agencies so certificates are raised on the inspection day, in the correct format, the first time.

This article is for general guidance only. Importers and PSIAs should refer to the full text of DGFT Trade Notice No. 22/2026-27 and current PSIA recognition lists on the DGFT portal before acting.