For years, getting a "Quality Certification" in India was seen by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a hurdle of high costs, endless paperwork and "Inspector Raj." However, as of late 2025, the Quality Council of India (QCI) has undergone a massive structural shift.
Under the vision of a "Viksit Bharat," QCI has introduced several reforms designed to turn certification from a burden into a competitive advantage for #MSMEs.
Here is how the new QCI reforms are making it easier for your business to get certified.
1. The Shift to Digital-First Certification (e-Pramaan).
The biggest barrier for small businesses was the physical audit process. QCI has now fully integrated the e-Pramaan portal.
- Paperless Audits: From application to final certificate issuance, the process is now 100% digital.
- Remote Assessment: For non-critical sectors, QCI now allows video-based remote assessments, saving SMEs up to 40% in travel and logistical costs associated with traditional auditors.
2. Rationalized Fee Structure for MSMEs.
In 2025, QCI announced a tiered pricing model. Recognizing that a micro-enterprise cannot pay the same as a multi-national corporation, the accreditation fees for NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies) and NABL have been slashed by up to 50% for Udyam-registered MSMEs.
3. Simplified ZED 2.0 (Zero Defect Zero Effect).
The flagship ZED Certification has been revamped to focus on "Self-Certification" for the Bronze level.
- Instant Recognition: Micro-enterprises can now achieve a Bronze ZED rating through a simplified self-assessment verified by AI-driven checks.
- Incentives: ZED-certified units now receive preferential treatment in government procurement and a 0.5% to 1% rebate on interest rates from leading nationalized banks.
4. Integration with ONDC and GeM.
QCI has partnered with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
- Automatic Quality Badges: Once an MSME is certified by a QCI-accredited body, their profile on GeM and ONDC automatically displays a "Quality Verified" badge.
- Trust Factor: This reform helps small sellers compete with larger brands by providing instant "Trust Verification" to global buyers.
5. "One Nation, One Standard" Alignment.
To help Indian SMEs go global (especially with the recent India-Oman and India-NZ FTAs), QCI has aligned local standards with international ISO/IEC norms.
- Dual-Certification: Obtaining a QCI-accredited certificate now often acts as a bridge to international certification, reducing the need for multiple audits when exporting to the Gulf or the West.
How MSMEs Can Get Started in 3 Steps?
- Register on the Udyam Portal: Ensure your MSME registration is current to avail of fee waivers.
- Use the QCI ‘Quality City’ App: Use the app to find the nearest accredited labs and certification bodies specialized in your sector.
- Apply for a Subsidy: Check the MSME Champions Portal to see if your business qualifies for a 100% reimbursement of certification costs under the latest central schemes.
Conclusion.
Quality is no longer a luxury reserved for the elite. With these 2025 reforms, the Quality Council of India is ensuring that every "Made in India" product-whether from a small workshop in village or a factory in City - meets world-class standards.
