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Quality First: India Backs SMEs with 3-Year Fee Cut
20 Jan
Summary
- Quality certification fee concessions for SMEs extended by three years.
- Micro, small, and medium enterprises will receive 80%, 50%, and 20% fee reductions.
- The move supports India's vision for manufacturing excellence and global competitiveness.
The Indian government is set to extend quality certification fee concessions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for an additional three years, pushing the deadline beyond mid-2026. This initiative is a key part of India's strategy to foster a 'quality-first' manufacturing culture.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has proposed fee reductions of 80% for micro units, 50% for small enterprises, and 20% for medium-sized firms. Officials emphasized that quality should be viewed as an enabler for market access, not merely a compliance cost.
BIS has developed over 23,000 standards, largely aligned with international benchmarks. Despite implementation challenges, particularly for SMEs which constitute 80% of BIS licensees, the government aims to enhance product credibility and trust. This supports the 'Viksit Bharat' manufacturing vision.
The digitization of the certification platform has improved compliance rates, with many manufacturers obtaining certification within 30-90 days. The government is also prepared to establish government-funded testing facilities in areas lacking private investment, addressing infrastructure gaps.
