To help MSMEs and exporters offset the high costs of obtaining international quality standards, the Indian government provides financial assistance primarily through reimbursement schemes. These are designed to make your products more competitive by ensuring they meet the stringent quality, safety, and environmental requirements of global markets.
1. Types of Quality Assistance
There are two main categories of support depending on your business and export activity:
-
General MSME Support: Targeted at MSMEs across sectors to help them acquire basic international quality certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, HACCP).
-
Export-Specific Support (MAI Scheme): Targeted at exporters to help with product-specific testing, certification, and statutory compliance required to enter foreign markets.
2. Available Schemes
A. National Scheme for Quality Certification (MSME Ministry)
This is a longstanding incentive scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises.
-
Benefit: Reimburses 75% of the expenditure incurred for acquiring certified quality management systems (like ISO 9000/14001 or HACCP).
-
Cap: Maximum of ₹75,000 per certification.
-
Coverage: Includes costs paid to the certification agency (excluding travel/hotel/surveillance charges) and up to ₹30,000 for consultancy, training, and equipment calibration.
-
Eligibility: Must have a valid Udyam/MSME registration and have acquired the certificate from a body registered with the NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies).
B. Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme (Dept. of Commerce)
This is the primary scheme for exporters facing high costs for international compliance.
-
Benefit: Financial assistance (often 50% reimbursement) for product testing, certification, and other statutory compliances required by the destination country.
-
Cap: Can be as high as ₹2 crore per annum per exporter (depending on the sector and specific guidelines of your Export Promotion Council).
-
How to apply: This is routed through your industry's specific Export Promotion Council (e.g., EEPC for engineering, APEDA for agri). You must approach your EPC to check if your required certification is covered under their current approved MAI list.
C. State-Level Schemes
Many states (e.g., Gujarat, Tamil Nadu) offer additional, often more generous, subsidies on top of the central government schemes.
-
Example (Gujarat): Offers assistance up to ₹10 lakh for quality certification and testing equipment costs for manufacturing MSMEs.
-
Check: Visit your state’s "Industries Commissionerate" website or the national myScheme portal to search for quality certification subsidies specific to your state.
3. How to Claim Reimbursement
-
Register: Ensure you are registered on the Udyam Portal.
-
Use NABCB-Accredited Agencies: Only use certification agencies accredited by the NABCB. If you use a non-accredited agency, your claim will likely be rejected.
-
Document Every Step: Keep meticulous records of:
-
Invoices from the certification/consultancy agency.
-
Proof of payment (bank statements/remittance advice).
-
A copy of the official certificate received.
-
An original declaration from a Chartered Accountant certifying the expenses incurred.
-
Submission:
-
For MSME Ministry schemes, apply through your local MSME-Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO).
-
For MAI/Export-specific schemes, apply directly to your relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) within the stipulated timeframe (often 45–90 days from the date of the certificate).
krishna
Krishna is an experienced B2B blogger specializing in creating insightful and engaging content for businesses. With a keen understanding of industry trends and a talent for translating complex concepts into relatable narratives, Krishna helps companies build their brand, connect with their audience, and drive growth through compelling storytelling and strategic communication.