QCI Launches Reforms to Boost MSME Global Standards and Competitiveness
The Quality Council of India (QCI) has introduced comprehensive quality reforms to strengthen India's quality ecosystem and prepare over 6 crore MSMEs for global markets. Key initiatives include: training 1 lakh MSMEs by 2026, introducing a Q Mark certification, launching a Quality Setu platform for grievance redressal, and implementing reforms in laboratory testing and healthcare accreditation. The reforms aim to simplify processes, reduce turnaround times, and leverage technology to make quality assurance more accessible and transparent for businesses and citizens.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
The Quality Council of India (QCI) has unveiled a comprehensive set of next-generation quality reforms designed to strengthen India's quality ecosystem and empower the country's over 6 crore MSMEs for global market readiness. The autonomous body, established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, announced these reforms drawing from operational experience and evolving stakeholder needs across sectors including healthcare, laboratories, MSMEs and manufacturing.
MSME Empowerment and Global Standards Initiative
Under its industry partnership initiative, QCI is focusing on mentoring and supporting Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers to achieve ZED and Lean certification. The organization plans to introduce a Shop Floor Best Practices Playbook for MSMEs to familiarize small businesses with global quality practices and strengthen day-to-day shop floor performance.
| Initiative | Target | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| MSME Training | 1 lakh MSMEs and Self-Help Groups | 2026 |
| Focus Areas | Quality, packaging and branding | Under ODOP initiative |
| Certification Support | ZED and Lean certification | Reduced fees for accessibility |
The reforms specifically target last-mile entrepreneurs by lowering fees for ZED and Lean certification to ensure access, affordability, quality and recognition.
System-Wide Quality Ecosystem Reforms
The reforms introduce several key technological and procedural improvements designed to shift from inspection-based systems to trust-based mechanisms. The centerpiece innovation is the Q Mark – Desh ka Haq, a QR-coded Mark of Quality that enables citizens to verify their laboratory, hospital and MSME credentials while ensuring full disclosure and eliminating fake certificates.
| Reform Component | Features |
|---|---|
| Quality Setu Platform | Secure ticket-based grievance redressal system |
| Accreditation Portal | Single, paperless one-stop platform |
| Assessment Pool | Expanded across boards with lowered entry barriers |
| Process Improvements | Reduced paperwork, shorter timelines, fewer inspections |
The Commerce Ministry emphasized that these reforms will create a low-friction ecosystem based on higher trust, with an expanded assessor pool aimed at bringing in young experts and strengthening last-mile reach.
NABL Laboratory Reforms for Testing Excellence
QCI's National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) reforms aim to position India as the testing capital of the world. The initiative includes introducing a model scope for medical testing laboratories to ensure uniformity in accredited scopes.
Key NABL reform features include:
- Training 5,000 laboratory personnel in 2026 to strengthen the national testing ecosystem
- Self-declaration system for authorized signatories enabling 48-hour approval for NABL assessors
- 48-hour scope extensions for laboratories covering similar products, methods, tests or analytes
- Elimination of additional fees for product-based accreditation where test parameters are already covered
NABH Healthcare Reforms and Patient Safety
The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) reforms focus on driving patient safety across every hospital and pincode through the MITRA programme. This initiative features trained and verified mentors officially empaneled to guide hospitals, particularly in smaller towns.
| Healthcare Reform | Implementation Details |
|---|---|
| Hospital Occupancy Requirement | Reduced to 20% for accreditation applications |
| Penalty Framework | Shifted from blanket bans to graded penalties |
| Gunvatta Pathshala | Role-based skilling for doctors, nurses, technicians |
| Surveillance System | AI-assisted form filling and desk-based monitoring |
The reforms introduce desktop surveillance for consistently performing hospitals to reduce on-site inspections while maintaining quality standards.
NABCB Certification Reforms for Global Market Access
The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) reforms focus on ensuring local products reach global markets through enhanced certification processes. The initiative introduces accredited certification for indigenously manufactured products to enable seamless acceptance of Indian products across global supply chains.
A Quality Passport for Indian products and services will be launched through globally aligned NABCB-accredited certifications for faster market access. Fast-track accreditation of certification bodies will be undertaken for new-age technology areas such as drones and cybersecurity.
QCI Chairman Jaxay Shah stated that the next-generation reforms build on the organization's sustained efforts to simplify accreditation systems, reduce procedural friction and strengthen trust in India's quality ecosystem. He emphasized that the reforms aim to accelerate processes, reduce turnaround times and leverage technology-driven systems to make quality assurance faster, more transparent and more accessible for enterprises, institutions and citizens.
The Quality Council of India's latest reforms include the introduction of Q Mark certification, the Quality Setu platform, and plans to train 1 lakh MSMEs by 2026 to enhance their global market readiness. These initiatives are part of QCI's broader strategy to elevate MSME standards and boost their global competitiveness.
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