🔏 EPFO Launches New Browser-Independent DSC Utility for Employers – Effective 10 October 2025

📢 Say goodbye to browser compatibility issues and hello to seamless digital signing!

🗞️ Introduction: A Digital Leap for Compliance with EPFO

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has rolled out a new Digital Signing Service (DSC) exclusively for employers using the Unified Portal. Effective from 10th October 2025, this game-changing utility eliminates browser dependencies and enhances digital security 🔐.

🎯 Targeted Purpose:
For now, this DSC utility is primarily designed for:

• 📝 Approving Joint Declaration Forms (especially for Higher Pension under EPS)
• ✅ Employer-side approvals requiring DSC authentication

✨ Key Highlights of the New EPFO DSC Utility

🖥️ System & Technical Requirements 📋

🔧 Before you begin, ensure the following are available on your system:

📥 How to Download and Install the EPFO DSC Utility

📌 Available only via EPFO Unified Portal login (Employer Interface)

🛠️ Step-by-Step Installation Guide:

1️⃣ Login to EPFO Unified Portal (Employer)
2️⃣ Navigate to the DSC-required service (e.g., Joint Declaration – Higher Pension)
3️⃣ Download EPFO_DSC_Signer_1.0.0.exe
4️⃣ Run the installer → Click “More Info” → “Run Anyway”
5️⃣ Accept the license agreement and complete the wizard
6️⃣ After setup, double-click DSC Service Icon on the desktop
7️⃣ Ready! The utility will now run in the background to support EPFO signing services 🧩

📍 Note: Install only once, unless a version upgrade is notified.

🌐 Browser Setup Instructions 🔐

After installation, you must import the dscCA2023 certificate into your browser’s Trusted Root Certification Authorities section.

🔸 For Mozilla Firefox:

• Navigate: Settings → Privacy & Security → View Certificates → Authorities → Import
• Locate: C:\Program Files (x86)\DSC Service\1.0.0\
• ✅ Trust the CA to identify websites

🔸 For Google Chrome & Microsoft Edge:

• Navigate: Settings → Privacy & Security → Manage Certificates
• Under Trusted Root Certification Authorities → Import Certificate
• ✅ Import from: C:\Program Files (x86)\DSC Service\1.0.0\
• ✅ Follow prompts → Finish → Confirmation popup ✔

📌 How to Use the New DSC for EPFO Services

1. 🔑 Login to Employer Unified Portal
2. Navigate to DSC Enabled Menu (e.g., Higher Pension Joint Declaration)
3. Select action: Approve/Reject
4. Plug in your DSC USB Token 🔌
5. Choose the signatory name → Click Sign PDF
6. Enter DSC PIN
7. ✅ Success message will confirm the signing
8. 📂 Verify the document to ensure the correct digital signature is applied

🧯 Common Error: CRL Verification Timeout ⏳

If you face “CRL verification timeout” errors, it’s usually due to:

🧱 CRL URL Blocked by Network Firewall
🌐 Internet not reaching the CRL (Certificate Revocation List) servers
🛠️ Solution:

• Identify the CRL URL from your certificate details
• Open it via your browser
• If unreachable, request your IT/Admin team to whitelist the URL 🔓

🎯 Why This DSC Update Is Important for Employers

🚀 With EPFO’s increasing push towards paperless digital governance, this DSC utility:

• 💼 Streamlines Pension on Higher Wages processing
• 📊 Reduces turnaround time for approval workflows
• 🔐 Enhances data integrity via secure signing standards
• 🌍 Enables cross-browser compatibility for all employers across India

📣 Final Words: Don’t Delay — Act Before You Miss the Deadline!

The new DSC process is mandatory from 10th October 2025. Start your configuration early to avoid last-minute hassles. Compliance delayed is compliance denied! ⚠️

✅ “Simplify Compliance. Secure the Future.”
🛡️ PCS – Your Compliance Partner for PF, ESIC, LWF & Beyond!