In today’s digital world, businesses in India are rapidly moving towards complete digital compliance. Whether you're a tech startup or an IT services provider, understanding digital regulations and registering with the right authorities is crucial. This includes getting a CHIMS Certificate, registering for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), and knowing the difference between STPI and Non-STPI registration. In this step-by-step guide, Corpbiz.io explains everything you need to know in simple terms.
What is Digital Compliance in India?
Digital compliance means meeting the legal and procedural requirements set by government bodies for businesses that deal with IT and software services. These include data security, digital authentication, export reporting, and IT infrastructure licensing. For companies exporting software or working in IT parks, it is necessary to follow guidelines by organizations like the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and get relevant certificates and registrations.
Step 1: CHIMS Certificate Registration
The CHIMS Certificate (Centralized Human Resource Information Management System) is issued by STPI and is essential for businesses dealing in software exports. It helps manage human resource information digitally and is part of the STPI compliance framework.
Why is it important?
If your business is registered under STPI or planning to be, then CHIMS Certificate registration is mandatory. It helps you maintain employee data and comply with labor laws, especially for export-oriented IT businesses.
How to get CHIMS Certificate Registration:
Visit the STPI website and go to the CHIMS section
Fill out the online application with your company and employee details
Upload the necessary documents, including PAN, GST, HR records, and STPI registration proof
Submit the application and wait for verification
Once verified, the CHIMS certificate will be issued
At Corpbiz.io, experts help you collect the right documents, fill the forms correctly, and complete the CHIMS registration smoothly.
Step 2: DSC Registration Online
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is like an electronic version of a handwritten signature. It is legally valid and widely used for submitting tax returns, signing company documents, and filing with government portals like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), DGFT, and STPI.
Why is DSC important?
You need it for:
Filing ROC (Registrar of Companies) returns
GST filing
Signing contracts digitally
Export-import documentation (DGFT portal)
How to complete DSC Registration Online:
Choose the type of DSC (Class 3 is commonly used for businesses)
Visit a licensed Certifying Authority (CA) or use Corpbiz.io to start your DSC registration
Fill the online form with your personal/company details
Complete KYC verification
Upload identity and address proofs
Once verified, you will receive the DSC in a USB token
With Corpbiz.io, you don’t need to worry about which documents to upload or where to start. Everything is done step by step with expert help.
Step 3: Non-STPI Registration
Many IT companies operate outside the STPI framework. For such companies, Non-STPI Registration is required to report software exports. This ensures compliance with RBI and foreign exchange laws under SOFTEX filing regulations.
Why is Non-STPI Registration needed?
Even if you're not located in an STPI unit or SEZ, if you're exporting software or IT services, you still need to report your earnings. Non-STPI units must register and file SOFTEX forms through the appropriate authority.
How to apply for Non-STPI Registration:
Prepare your company documents including PAN, GST, incorporation certificate, and export invoices
Apply through the STPI portal or consult Corpbiz.io for smooth processing
Once approved, you can start filing your SOFTEX forms regularly
Non-STPI registration ensures that your software exports are reported legally and helps avoid penalties under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act).
Step 4: Apply for STPI Registration
The Apply for stpi registration scheme was launched to promote software exports. STPI-registered units enjoy various benefits like duty-free imports, single-window clearance, tax exemptions, and more.
Why Apply for STPI Registration?
Ideal for companies that export software and IT services
Access to government schemes and infrastructure support
Helps in CHIMS and SOFTEX compliance
Required to operate from STPI-approved premises
How to Apply for STPI Registration:
Check eligibility: You must be an IT/ITES/software company planning to export
Prepare the project report including export projections, employee details, and business plan
Submit the online application along with the documents
Attend the STPI review committee meeting
On approval, you’ll get the STPI registration certificate
Corpbiz.io assists in preparing the project report, submitting the application, and handling follow-ups with the authorities.
Conclusion
Digital compliance in India might seem like a complicated process, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy and hassle-free. Whether it's CHIMS certificate registration, DSC registration online, Non-STPI Registration, or applying for STPI registration, every step plays a crucial role in keeping your business compliant and future-ready.
At Corpbiz.io, we help IT companies, startups, and software exporters meet all their digital compliance needs with expert support. From document preparation to submission and approval, everything is handled professionally so you can focus on growing your business.
