Frequently asked questions
Using a Digital Signature Certificate for government e-tendering.
What type of DSC do I need for e-tenders?
Government e-procurement portals require a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate, and many ask for both a signing and an encryption certificate: signing to authenticate your bid and encryption to protect the sealed bid until opening.
Why do tender portals ask for signing and encryption certificates?
The signing certificate proves who submitted the bid; the encryption certificate keeps your price bid confidential and readable only at the official opening. That is why e-tender users often buy a combined Class 3 set.
How do I register my DSC on an e-procurement portal?
Enrol on the portal, such as CPPP/eprocure or a state system, go to the DSC mapping or registration step, plug in your token, and map your signing and encryption certificates to your login before bidding.
My DSC will not work on the tender portal. What should I check?
Confirm the certificate is Class 3 and not expired, that both signing and encryption certificates are mapped, that the token driver and the portal's signing component are installed, and that you are on a browser the portal supports.
Can two people share one DSC for bidding?
No. A DSC identifies an individual, and bids are legally tied to the signer. Each authorised person should bid with their own Class 3 certificate; sharing a token undermines the bid's validity and security.