Govt plans MSME outreach on concerns over certification, Pg 27.

Key Highlights:

• The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are increasing engagement with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to address concerns about Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
• BIS has issued approximately 50,753 product certifications, with about 40,000 (80%) issued to MSMEs, and 24,625 licensees have obtained BIS certification voluntarily.
• BIS has digitized the certification process, ensuring time-bound certification for MSMEs within 30 days for over 750 products under a simplified procedure.
• MSMEs receive concessions in marking fees: 80% for micro-scale units, 50% for small units, and 20% for medium-scale units.

Detailed Insights:

• QCOs, issued under the BIS Act, mandate that both domestic and imported products meet specific quality standards, enhancing the domestic quality ecosystem and consumer confidence.
• The DoCA is planning regional conferences to engage with MSMEs and address their certification concerns, while BIS offers support through initiatives like Jan Sunwai and Manak Manthan.
• MSMEs have the option to share test facilities or use recognized laboratories instead of setting up in-house labs, easing compliance burdens and incentivizing quality adherence.
• Despite the benefits, some MSMEs view QCOs as non-tariff barriers that increase input costs, a concern recently highlighted by NITI Aayog's Vice Chairman.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Quality Control Orders (QCOs): Legal orders mandating products to conform to specific quality standards under the BIS Act.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): The national standards body responsible for setting and implementing quality standards in India.
• MSMEs: Enterprises classified as micro, small, and medium based on investment and turnover criteria, playing a crucial role in the Indian economy.