QCI, NSIC join hands to boost MSME quality standards and global market access
The partnership seeks to combine QCI's expertise in quality assurance, accreditation, and certification with NSIC's nationwide MSME support network to help Indian enterprises improve competitiveness and expand into domestic and
Officials from both organisations said the partnership supports India's long-term vision of building globally competitive MSMEs while advancing the national objective of Viksit Bharat 2047.
New Delhi: In a move aimed at strengthening India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem, the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote quality certification, digital market access, and institutional capacity building for small businesses.
The partnership seeks to combine QCI’s expertise in quality assurance, accreditation, and certification with NSIC’s nationwide MSME support network to help Indian enterprises improve competitiveness and expand into domestic and international markets.
Integrated Support Framework for MSMEs
Under the agreement, the two organisations will integrate several flagship government initiatives, including the MSME Sustainable (Zero Defect Zero Effect – ZED) Certification Scheme, MSME Global Mart, the Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative, and the Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS).
The objective is to provide MSMEs with a unified support ecosystem that enhances quality standards, simplifies access to government procurement, strengthens digital commerce, and improves export readiness.
Greater Digital and Export Opportunities
One of the major outcomes of the collaboration will be expanded digital market access for ZED-certified MSMEs.
Eligible enterprises will receive support for onboarding onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) under the TEAM Initiative, AI-enabled product cataloguing, and promotion through digital export platforms. The partnership also aims to strengthen the convergence between ZED Certification and NSIC’s Single Point Registration Scheme, enabling easier participation in government procurement.
Strengthening Quality Infrastructure
The collaboration extends beyond certification to improving India’s quality ecosystem.
Under the MoU, NSIC’s testing laboratories will receive support for accreditation through the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), while QCI’s National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) will assist in assessment, accreditation, and customised capacity-building programmes for NSIC training centres.
The initiative is expected to enhance the quality infrastructure available to MSMEs, improve product standards, and encourage wider adoption of internationally recognised quality practices.
Joint Coordination Committee to Oversee Implementation
To ensure effective execution, QCI and NSIC will establish a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) comprising representatives from both organisations.
The committee will meet every quarter to monitor progress, identify new areas of cooperation, and oversee implementation throughout the five-year duration of the agreement.
Officials from both organisations said the partnership supports India’s long-term vision of building globally competitive MSMEs while advancing the national objective of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Speaking on the occasion, NSIC Chairman and Managing Director Dr Subhransu Sekhar Acharya said the collaboration would create greater opportunities for MSMEs to improve competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth. QCI’s Senior Director and Head of the National Division for Industry Excellence, Dr A. Raj, said the partnership would accelerate the adoption of quality standards by leveraging the complementary strengths of both organisations.
