In today’s competitive business world, quality and trust matter more than ever. One powerful way for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to stand out is by becoming an ISO certified organisation. To encourage this, the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, offers financial assistance for ISO certification.
We would cover in this post the following:-
✅ Importance of ISO certification in today’s world
✅ Government subsidy details & maximum limit
✅ Eligibility and application process
✅ Extra benefits for women entrepreneurs & North-Eastern states
✅ Real-life examples of MSMEs leveraging ISO certification
You may also like:Different types of iso certification and its use
1. Why ISO Certification is Important for MSMEs
ISO certification ensures that your business meets international quality standards. Popular certifications like ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 22000 (Food Safety) help in:
- Building trust with customers and business partners
- Improving product quality and operational efficiency
- Accessing global markets and export opportunities
- Enhancing brand image and competitiveness
Example: A small food processing MSME in Gujarat achieved ISO 22000 certification. As a result, it started receiving large export orders because international buyers trust ISO certified organisations for food safety standards.
2. MSME Ministry ISO Certification Subsidy Scheme
The Government of India runs a dedicated scheme to reimburse the cost of ISO certification for MSMEs. Here are the key details:
- Subsidy Amount: 75% of the cost incurred
- Maximum Limit: ₹75,000 per unit (one-time reimbursement)
- Coverage: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, HACCP certifications
This means if you spend ₹1,00,000 on ISO certification, you can claim ₹75,000 as reimbursement!
3. Who is Eligible for ISO Certification Subsidy?
To apply for this ISO subsidy scheme, the MSME must:
✔ Be a Micro or Small Enterprise with valid Udyam Registration
✔ Have obtained ISO certification from an accredited certifying body
✔ Submit proof of expenses (invoices, certificate, and details of certifying agency)
4. Special Incentives for Women Entrepreneurs & North-Eastern States
The government offers additional benefits for:
- Women entrepreneurs
- MSMEs located in North Eastern and Hill States
- Units owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs
Under ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) Scheme, these categories get an extra 10% subsidy on top of standard benefits. For micro-enterprises, the subsidy can go up to 90% of certification costs.
5. Real-Life Success Stories
- Karnataka MSMEs: Many small industries in Karnataka successfully claimed ISO certification reimbursement under this scheme and expanded their business globally.
- North-East Units: Several MSMEs from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh availed 90% subsidy, making ISO certification nearly free for them.
YOu may also like :Udyam registration the first identity of a MSME
6. Step-by-Step Process to Claim ISO Certification Subsidy
- Register your unit on the Udyam portal (mandatory)
- Obtain ISO certification from a recognized body
- Prepare documents: ISO certificate, bills, payment proof
- Apply on the MSME/DC-MSME portal for reimbursement
- After verification, 75% of cost (up to ₹75,000) is credited to your account
For TEQUP or ZED schemes, apply via their dedicated portals for additional incentives.
7. Why Your MSME Should Become an ISO Certified Organisation
- Enhances credibility in domestic & international markets
- Opens doors to government tenders that require ISO certification
- Improves internal processes and quality control
- Financial support makes it affordable for all MSMEs
✅ Summary Table
| Scheme | Benefit | Maximum Limit | Extra Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO Reimbursement | 75% of cost | ₹75,000 | – |
| ZED Certification | 50–80% | Varies | +10% for women/NE/Hill states |
Final Thoughts
Becoming an ISO certified organisation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for MSMEs aiming for growth, trust, and global reach. With government subsidies covering up to 90% of costs, now is the perfect time to apply.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to upgrade your MSME and build a strong brand image with ISO certification!
