DGFT Updates PSIA/PSIC Process: Key Changes Explained

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced important changes to the Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency (PSIA) and Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) process through Trade Notice No. 22/2026-27 dated 25 August 2026.

The objective is to improve transparency, reduce manual work and strengthen compliance in the PSIC generation process.

· Important Changes

1. PSIC Must Be Issued on the Inspection Date

A PSIC must now be generated and issued only on the actual date of inspection. The DGFT system will not allow its generation or issuance on a subsequent date.

For example, if the inspection takes place on 10 September 2026, the PSIC must also be issued on 10 September 2026.

2. Standard Inspection-Date Format

The inspection date will be recorded in the standard DD/MMM/YYYY format, such as 10/SEP/2026.

3. Digital Signature and Stamp

Authorised PSIA users can upload the inspector’s signature and official stamp on the DGFT portal. These will be automatically embedded in the PSIC, eliminating manual signing, stamping and re-uploading.

DGFT PSIC process changes: same-day certificate issuance, standard DD/MMM/YYYY date format, and automatic digital signature and stamp.

4. Automatic Inspector Details

The inspector’s name must be selected from a system-generated drop-down list. The corresponding inspector details will be automatically populated, reducing manual errors.

5. Increased Photo and Video Limits

DGFT has enhanced the permissible inspection evidence limits:

Photographs increased from 5 to 10
Maximum size of 5 MB per photograph
Mandatory video limit increased from 10 MB to 50 MB
Accepted video formats include MP4, AVI, MTS, MOV, FLV and WMV

6. Automatic Instrument Information

Based on the selected country of inspection, registered instruments will appear in a drop-down list. Their details will be automatically fetched and displayed as read-only information.

DGFT PSIA/PSIC updates covering automatic inspector details, increased photo and video limits, and auto-fetched instrument information.

· What Should Businesses Do?

Importers, exporters, PSIAs and Customs Brokers should:

Confirm whether a PSIC is required
Coordinate the inspection and PSIC issuance in advance
Keep all documents, photographs and videos ready
Upload the inspector’s signature and stamp beforehand
Ensure that the PSIC is issued on the same day as the inspection
Verify inspector and instrument details before submission

PSIC compliance checklist for importers, exporters, PSIAs and Customs Brokers, including same-day issuance and document verification.

· Conclusion

The latest DGFT PSIA PSIC process update will make certificate generation more digital, transparent and accurate.

However, the new same-day PSIC issuance requirement makes proper planning essential. PSIAs, inspectors and businesses must coordinate carefully to avoid certificate-generation delays.

For assistance with DGFT compliance, PSIA registration, PSIC requirements and other Import-Export regulations, contact DGFT EXIM Consultants.