Verification of Made in India Products

Verification of Made in India Products

Why in News? 

Recently, the government has moved towards a new policy direction where products carrying the ‘Made in India’ label will undergo strict verification to confirm their authenticity and origin. For this the central government has launched the “Made in India Label Scheme”.

What is the Made in India Label Scheme?

• About: The Made in India Label Scheme is a voluntary certification program launched by the Government of India on 18 August 2025 to authenticate and certify products that are substantially or wholly manufactured in India. The scheme introduces a structured framework that combines voluntary certification, technology-driven authentication, and independent quality checks.

• Budget: The Union Government allocated ₹995 crore to the scheme for its first phase running between 2025 and 2028.

• Objectives: The primary goals of the Made in India Label Scheme can be outlined as follows:

• • • Authenticity: The scheme aims to assure both domestic and global consumers that products carrying the Made in India label are genuinely manufactured in the country, thereby protecting the credibility of Indian industries.
    • Global Competitiveness: By enhancing perception of quality, the initiative seeks to strengthen India’s position in the global market and reduce dependency on imported alternatives.
    • Support to Atmanirbhar Bharat: The scheme directly aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Vocal for Local movement, encouraging wider acceptance of indigenous goods.
    • Sectoral Growth. It promotes local industries, particularly in sensitive sectors like electronics, agriculture, textiles, and fisheries, where global competition is intense and where Indian producers often face challenges of recognition.

• Features:

• Logo and QR Code: The scheme requires all eligible products to carry a distinct logo and a QR code. The QR code provides information about the manufacturing location, validity of the certification, and product-specific details. Consumers can scan the QR code to easily verify the origin and authenticity of the goods.

• Multiple Sectors: The scheme applies to manufacturers and producers who either fully or substantially manufacture or assemble their products in India. It spans diverse sectors including MSMEs, textiles, steel, electronics, agriculture, fisheries, and allied industries. 

• Local Content Requirement: Products displaying the Made in India label are generally required to have at least 50% local content or value addition. This ensures that a significant part of the production process occurs within India.

Agencies and their Roles under Made in India Label Scheme

• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT): The DPIIT functions as the nodal authority of the scheme. It designs the overall framework and ensures smooth coordination among different agencies. DPIIT examines applications from manufacturers and production facilities.

• Quality Council of India (QCI): The QCI, created in 1997 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, provides technical support and quality expertise for the scheme. QCI develops the criteria for certification and trains auditors who inspect manufacturing units.

• India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF): The IBEF is responsible for promotion and branding. It creates awareness about the Made in India label both within the country and abroad. IBEF organizes campaigns, exhibitions, and trade fairs to highlight certified products and communicate the value of the label to buyers worldwide.

• Ministry of Consumer Affairs: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs safeguards consumer rights under the scheme. It monitors whether products carrying the label remain compliant after certification. The ministry checks raw material sourcing and component use to ensure that the domestic value addition requirement is maintained. 

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a frontline role in product testing. Under the scheme, BIS carries out random sampling of goods that carry the Made in India label. BIS also provides technical advice on standards to be followed by manufacturers.

Future Impact of the Made in India Label Scheme

• • Boost to Exports: The scheme will give Indian products a recognizable international identity by guaranteeing quality and authenticity. By 2030, this recognition could help Indian goods gain a stronger foothold in global markets. It will see increased acceptance abroad, leading to higher export revenue.

• Empower Manufacturers: The label will enhance the credibility of local manufacturers and help them compete with international brands both in India and abroad. By 2030, more MSMEs and small-scale producers could participate in global value chains.

• Economic Growth: As more products qualify under the scheme, the domestic manufacturing sector will grow stronger. This growth is expected to generate additional employment opportunities, particularly in manufacturing and assembly sectors. The scheme could contribute to higher industrial output.

• Consumer Confidence: The transparency provided by QR codes and certification will help consumers identify authentic, high-quality Indian products easily. As trust in the label grows, domestic buyers will increasingly prefer certified goods, creating a reliable image of Brand India in global markets.

• Sustainable Manufacturing: The scheme will promote locally sourced raw materials and eco-friendly production methods. India’s ranking as 10th in the Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2023 reflects strong standards, metrology, and accreditation systems. The scheme leverages this standing to encourage sustainable and high-quality production.

Challenges of the Made in India Label Scheme

• Defining Value Addition: One of the main challenges is clearly defining the minimum value addition required for a product to qualify. Different industries have unique production processes, making it difficult to apply a single standard.

• Compliance Costs: Manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises, face high compliance costs to meet certification requirements. Audits, documentation, and technology integration such as QR coding require additional investment.

• Awareness: Many consumers and manufacturers may lack awareness about the scheme or its benefits. Even after certification, educating buyers about scanning QR codes and checking product authenticity is necessary.
• Enforcement of Standards: Ensuring consistent enforcement of certification standards across diverse regions is challenging. Random inspections and verification by agencies like BIS and DPIIT need coordination and regular monitoring. Without strong enforcement, there is a risk of misuse of the label.