Complete Process to get Make in India Certification Online in 2026

Make in India Certification: Overview

The Make in India Certification has emerged from the "Make in India" initiative. The initiative was launched by the Government of India in September 2014.

The primary objective of this initiative was to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. Hence, Make in India certification encourages both multinational and domestic companies to manufacture their products within India.

The Make in India certification validates compliance with the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order. Thus, making businesses having Make in India Certification eligible for preferential treatment to locally manufactured goods in government procurement processes.

What Is Make in India Certification?

In simple words, Make in India Certification is a formal attestation that verifies a product has been manufactured in India and meets the specified local content requirements established by the Government of India. Make in India Certification officially proves that a certain percentage of the product's value has been added within India through manufacturing, assembly, or processing activities.

Who Needs Make in India Certification

Make in India Certification is required by various categories of businesses, manufacturers, and suppliers who wish to access government procurement opportunities, qualify for policy benefits, or demonstrate compliance with local manufacturing requirements.

1. Suppliers to Government Departments and PSUs

Any company seeking to participate in government procurement must obtain Make in India Certification to demonstrate compliance with local content norms.

Applicable Sectors:

- Electronics and IT hardware

- Telecommunications equipment

- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices

- Defense equipment and systems

- Textiles and garments

- Machinery and industrial equipment

- Infrastructure materials (cement, steel, etc.)

- Automotive components

- Railway equipment

- Power generation equipment

2. Manufacturers Seeking Policy Benefits

Key Benefit Areas:

- Access to subsidized credit facilities

- Tax incentives and exemptions

- Import duty concessions on capital goods

- Land allocation at concessional rates

- Fast-track clearances and approvals

3. Companies from Different Sectors

Telecommunications Sector

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) mandates specific local content requirements:

- Network equipment manufacturers: 50-60% local content (phased implementation)

- Mobile handset manufacturers: Minimum 35-40% local content

- Telecom hardware suppliers: Certification mandatory for government contracts

Defense Sector

Under the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP):

- Indigenous content verification for all defense contracts

- Offset obligations require local content certification

- Strategic Partnership Model requires certified local manufacturing

- Minimum indigenous content: 40-50% for most categories (increasing progressively)

Solar and Renewable Energy Sector

Domestic Content Requirements (DCR) apply to:

Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals

- National Medical Devices Policy requires local content verification

- Public procurement of medicines and devices prioritizes certified local manufacturers

- Quality certification combined with local content verification

4. Export-Oriented Units and Special Economic Zones

SEZ Developers and Units

- Required to claim certain domestic tariff area (DTA) sale benefits

- Necessary for incentives linked to net foreign exchange earnings

- Proof of value addition for export incentives

Here are the Export or Incentive Schemes

- Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) - now replaced

- Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)

- Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) benefits

5. MSMEs and StartupsMicro, Small, and Medium Enterprises need certification for:

- 25% procurement reservation in government purchases

- Price preference in government tenders (up to 20% over non-local suppliers)

- Exemption from earnest money deposits in certain cases

- Startup India procurement benefits (relaxed eligibility criteria)

Here are the Preferential Procurement Policies for MSME & Startups

6. Private Sector Companies (Voluntary Certification)

Strategic Business Advantages

Even when not mandated, companies seek certification to:

- Enhance brand reputation as "Made in India" manufacturer

- Demonstrate commitment to local manufacturing ecosystem

- Improve competitiveness in domestic market

- Build consumer trust and loyalty

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Many large corporations prefer certified local suppliers as part of their CSR and sustainable procurement initiatives.

7. Foreign Companies Manufacturing in India

Multinational Corporations with Indian Operations

Foreign companies with manufacturing facilities in India require certification to:

- Participate in government tenders on equal footing with domestic companies

- Access incentives under "Make in India" initiative

- Demonstrate local value creation and employment generation

- Comply with foreign direct investment (FDI) conditions in certain sectors

Benefits of Make in India Certification for your business

# Gain Priority in Government Procurement with Make in India Certification

With Make in India Certification, you are able to get preference in government tenders and PSU contracts. Furthermore, Make in India Certification gives you price advantages, access to restricted bids, and faster tender processing. This is especially valuable for MSMEs.

# Unlock Financial Incentives through Make in India Certification

You can access PLI incentives, tax benefits, duty exemptions, faster GST refunds, and easier access to low-interest loans if you have Make in India Certification.

Furthermore, Make in India Certification makes you win more tenders through price preference and also improve your success rate in competitive bidding.

# Build Brand Trust and Market Visibility

Make in India Certification allows you to use their official logo. This helps you build massive credibility with customers, investors, and partners while improving brand recognition.

# Leverage MSME and Startup Benefits

If you’re an MSME or startup, Make in India Certification helps you access reserved procurement, relaxed eligibility norms, cost exemptions, tax holidays, patent fee rebates and much more.

# Access Sector-Specific Advantages

Make in India Certification provides targeted benefits in sectors like defense, telecom, and renewable energy.

# Reduce Operating Costs

Make in India Certification lowers import duties, freight costs, lead times, currency risks, and inventory overheads.

# Support Exports and Long-Term Growth

Make in India Certification improves international credibility. As a result, helping you access export incentives, strengthens supply chains, and positions your business for long-term growth under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria to get Make in India Certification

# Manufacturing Location

Manufacturing must take place in India (including SEZs). Substantial manufacturing or value addition is mandatory. Only trading, packaging, or labeling is not allowed.

# Local Content Threshold

- Class-I: 50% local content

- Class-II: 20–49% local content

- <20% local content is ineligible

- Local content = (Total Cost Imported Content) / Total Cost × 100

# Business Registration

Valid company/firm registration, GSTIN, factory license (if applicable), and sector-specific approvals. MSMEs require Udyam registration; IEC needed for imports.

# Infrastructure & Facility

Operational manufacturing unit with machinery, quality control setup, storage facilities, safety compliance, and valid ownership/lease documentation.

# Employment Compliance

Majority Indian workforce with PF, ESI, payroll records, and labour law compliance.

# Supply Chain Documentation

mport documents, domestic purchase invoices, supplier declarations, and procurement-to-production traceability.

# Sector-Specific Conditions

Additional requirements for electronics, defense, pharma, medical devices, renewable energy, food processing, etc., as per ministry norms.

# Validity & Renewal

Certification valid 1–3 years. Renewal requires updated local content calculations and continued compliance.

# MSME Benefits

MSMEs get procurement reservation, EMD exemption, and relaxed eligibility—subject to Udyam classification limits.

# Compliance Status

No major litigation, tax dues, labour violations, or environmental non-compliance.

# Certification Mode

Self-declaration allowed in many cases; third-party certification required for defense, strategic, or high-value contracts.

# Disqualification

False declarations, <20% local content, foreign manufacturing, blacklisting, or serious quality failures.

Documents Requirement for Make in India Certification

#1. Company registration certificate (Companies Act / Partnership / Proprietorship)

#2. GST registration (GSTIN)

#3. PAN card of the business entity

#4. Udyam registration (for MSMEs)

#5. Import Export Code (IEC) if applicable

#6. Factory license under Factories Act (if applicable)

#7. Sector-specific licenses (e.g., Drug license, BIS, FSSAI, ISO certifications)

#8. Bills of materials (BOM) with local/imported component details

#9. Purchase invoices for domestic and/or International components

#10. Supplier declarations on local content

#11. Export-related documents (IEC, shipping bills, RCMC) if applicable

#12. Documents of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), in case of foreign manufacturer

How long is Make in India Certification Valid?

Make in India Certification is typically valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the product category and certifying agency.

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Why Choose E-Startup for Make in India Certification?

E-Startup makes the Make in India Certification process simple, fast, and fully compliant. With E-Startup, the entire certification journey is streamlined: from checking eligibility and preparing documents to calculating local content, submitting your application, and ensuring compliance with all requirements. E-Startup ensures a smooth, efficient, and hassle-free certification experience.

The best part is that you can complete your Make in India Certification with E-Startup from anywhere. The entire process can be managed online. The complete Make in India certification is typically issued within a clear and transparent timeline, depending on your product category and compliance scope.

E-Startup also provides expert guidance on documentation, local content calculation, sector-specific compliance, and renewal support, helping you maximize the benefits of the certification. Whether you are a startup, MSME, or large enterprise, E-Startup simplifies every step to make your Make in India Certification seamless, reliable, and fully compliant.