Quality Certification

The Scheme for Acquiring Quality Certifications (Q-CERT) is run by the Government of Tamil Nadu through the Department of Industries & Commerce / MSME wing. It was introduced under the Tamil Nadu MSME Policy 2021. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage micro, small and medium enterprises in Tamil Nadu to obtain recognised product or process or social-quality standard certifications (such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, HACCP, etc.). Your enterprise can benefit by obtaining certification which boosts credibility, market access and potentially export opportunities. In this scheme the government reimburses part or full cost of obtaining these quality certifications.

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process for the Scheme

Key Features

100% reimbursement of certification costs: Under Q-CERT, the government reimburses the entire certification cost incurred by an MSME for obtaining a recognised quality certification. This reimbursement is subject to a financial ceiling (for example, ₹2 lakh for national certification and ₹10 lakh for international certification). This helps MSMEs adopt quality systems without worrying about financial burden.
Partial reimbursement for renewals: When certifications are renewed, the state provides a 25% reimbursement of the renewal fee, up to a maximum ceiling (usually ₹1 lakh). This ensures continuity of quality compliance over time.
Wide coverage for manufacturing and service MSMEs: Both manufacturing and service enterprises registered under Udyam in Tamil Nadu can apply, provided their certification is relevant to their business process or output.
Includes national and international standards: Certifications such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 22000 (Food Safety), HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points) and other social accountability certifications (e.g., SA 8000) are covered. This wide scope allows diverse sectors to benefit.
Online and transparent application process: Applications are made through the official Tamil Nadu MSME Portal ensuring transparency, online tracking, and timely disbursal of incentives.
Integration with MSME Policy 2021: The scheme is a part of the Tamil Nadu MSME Policy 2021, which aims to make MSMEs globally competitive by focusing on quality, technology, and sustainability.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation & Example
Cost of acquiring certification	100% reimbursement, up to ₹2 lakh (national) / ₹10 lakh (international)	Example: If a manufacturing MSME spends ₹1.8 lakh for ISO 9001, the government reimburses the full ₹1.8 lakh.
Renewal of certification	25% reimbursement of renewal fee, up to ₹1 lakh	Example: Renewal of ISO 9001 costing ₹80,000 → MSME receives ₹20,000 reimbursement.
Consultancy / support costs (if eligible)	Reimbursement based on state guidelines (needs confirmation)	Example: If consulting charges are ₹30,000, part of it may be reimbursable based on latest circular.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply:

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) registered in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Units which have incurred payment to recognized certification/consultancy agency for a valid certification (national or international) within the specified timeline.
The certification should be completed and payment made before application (typically within one year of certification date) for reimbursement.

Who cannot apply:

Units not registered as MSMEs in Tamil Nadu.
Units whose certification is not recognised by a competent body or is outside the list of allowable standards.
Enterprises which have not paid certification/consultancy charges or made application after the stipulated period (e.g., beyond one year from certification date) as per scheme rules.
Non-resident units of Tamil Nadu or units that have defaulted on other Government obligations may also be disqualified (though specifics may vary by district).
Foreign corporations/entities without a valid local MSME registration in Tamil Nadu.

Documents Required

Valid MSME registration certificate in Tamil Nadu.
Invoice/payment receipt from the consultancy/certification agency for the quality certification.
Copy of certification awarded (national/international standard).
Technical details/documentation of certification scope (which standard, product or process covered).
Audit/assessment report if required by scheme.
Bank account details of the MSME unit (for reimbursement).
Any district-specific forms prescribed by the MSME Development Corporation or DIC.

Application Process for the Scheme

Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)

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Option 2: Government Portal/Application Process

Visit the official Tamil Nadu MSME portal
Login using your MSME registration credentials, or register if not already.
Under the “Incentives” or “Quality Certification” section, select the Q-CERT scheme application form.
Upload requisite documents (certification proof, payment invoice, MSME registration, etc.).
Submit the application within one year of certification date as per scheme rules.
After submission, wait for verification and sanction; once approved and payment is verified, reimbursement will be processed.

Option 3: District-level MSME Office Submission

Visit the DIC or MSME Development Corporation office in your district.
Collect the Q-CERT application form.
Submit form along with documents and certified copies of invoices.
Follow up with the district office for sanction and reimbursement.

Power Combos with The Scheme