What is the Make in India Certificate and Why is it Important for Businesses?

India is fast becoming a global hub for manufacturing and startups. To support this vision, the government launched the Make in India initiative in 2014. Under this initiative, companies can show their commitment to producing goods in India through a Make in India Certificate. This certificate builds trust, creates opportunities in government tenders, and helps businesses grow faster.

What is the Make in India Certificate?

• A Make in India Certificate is a self-declaration document that proves your product is made or manufactured in India. It is not directly issued by the government but verified through self-declaration, auditors, or approved agencies. Businesses use this certificate to show that their products support the Made in India full form Made Locally, Sold Globally” idea.
  
  This certificate is especially useful for:
• Make in India registration for new business
• Make in India certificate for MSME
• Make in India certificate for startup
• Make in India certificate for small business

Why is the Make in India Certificate Important?

The certificate is important because it:

• Helps businesses qualify for government tenders and projects
• Increases customer trust by showing the product is Indian-made
• Gives priority in procurement under the Public Procurement Policy
• Supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)

Who Can Apply for the Make in India Certificate?

• MSMEs and startups manufacturing in India
• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
• Businesses that meet the local content requirement (Indian material + labour)

Documents Required for Make in India Certificate

To apply for a Make in India registration, you need:

• Business Registration Proof (GST, Udyam/MSME, PAN, CIN)
• Product Details (name, specifications, photos)
• Manufacturing Process Report (where and how it is made)
• Cost Breakdown (Indian material, labour, services)
• Bills & Invoices (for raw materials, utilities, services)
• Employee and labour details
• Self-Declaration or affidavit signed by the company

How to Calculate Local Content Percentage?

The local content percentage shows how much of your product is made in India.

Formula:
Local Content (%) = (Value of Indian Parts ÷ Total Product Cost) × 100

Example: If your product costs ₹1,00,000 to make and ₹60,000 is Indian material and labour → Local Content = 60%. This qualifies you as a Class-I Local Supplier.

Benefits of Make in India Certificate for Indian Business

• Priority in government tenders and procurement
• Stronger brand trust and reputation
• Marketing advantage with Made in India tag
• Support in exports and private deals
• Contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat mission
• Helps MSMEs and startups grow faster

Top Companies Leading the Make in India Initiative

The Make in India Certificate is not just for small businesses and startups, but also for some of India’s largest and most trusted companies. These companies are strong examples of how local manufacturing is boosting India’s economy and global image.

1. Tata Group (Tata Motors, Tata Steel)

Tata is one of India’s oldest and most respected business groups. With companies like Tata Motors and Tata Steel, it contributes heavily to local manufacturing from automobiles to steel production.

2. Reliance Industries 

Reliance is a leader in petrochemicals, energy, and textiles. Its large-scale plants in India show how the company supports the vision of Made in India while creating jobs for lakhs of people.

3. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) 

Known for tractors, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, Mahindra & Mahindra is a global player in automobiles. The company proudly represents the strength of Indian engineering and supports Make in India by exporting Indian-made vehicles worldwide.

4. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) 

L&T is India’s powerhouse in construction, heavy machinery, and defence manufacturing. From metro projects to defence equipment, L&T has been a symbol of self-reliant India.

5. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) 

HAL is India’s leading aerospace and defence manufacturer. It plays a key role in producing aircraft and helicopters for the Indian Air Force, showing how Make in India supports the country’s defence sector.

6. Maruti Suzuki 

As India’s largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki manufactures millions of vehicles every year in India. It has helped India become a major hub for affordable and reliable cars.

7. Bharat Forge 

Bharat Forge is a leader in engine and auto components manufacturing. Its “Made in India” products are exported globally, adding strength to India’s position in the global supply chain.

8. MRF Tyres 

MRF is India’s biggest tyre manufacturer. Its products are not only popular in India but also exported worldwide, strengthening India’s manufacturing brand.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Make in India Certificate

1. Choose the product you want to certify.
2. Calculate the local content percentage.
3. Collect all required documents.
4. Fill out the Make in India certificate apply online form from QCI or approved agency.
5. Submit the form and documents.
6. Agency verifies and inspects (if required).
7. Receive your certificate.

Validity of Make in India Certificate

Validity of Make in India Certificate

• The certificate is usually valid for 1 year (some cases up to 3 years).
• For renewal, businesses must recalculate local content and submit fresh documents.

Make in India Certificate: PM Modi’s Call for Swadeshi Bharat

In his speech during GST Bachat Utsav 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded people to choose products made in India. He said every item produced in our country carries the hard work of Indian workers and supports the vision of Swadeshi Bharat.

A Make in India Certificate is proof that a product is manufactured in India. Buying such products not only saves money under the new GST rates 2025, but also helps local industries, MSMEs, and startups grow.

By supporting Make in India, the Neo Middle Class and all citizens contribute to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, where India becomes self-reliant and globally competitive.

Government Funding Schemes That Support Make in India Initiative

Several government certification and funding schemes help businesses under Make in India, such as:

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
• PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme)
• MUDRA Yojana for small business loans
• CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme)
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
• Skill India & Digital India programs

Why Choose StartupFlora for Make in India Certification & Funding Guidance

Getting a Make in India certificate online or completing the registration process can be confusing for many businesses. From calculating local content to preparing documents, even a small mistake can delay approval or lead to rejection. This is where StartupFlora becomes the right partner.

How StartupFlora Helps:

• End-to-End Support: From make in India registration to final certificate issuance, StartupFlora guides you through every step.
• Expert Documentation: Preparing cost sheets, local content percentage, and self-declaration becomes easy with expert assistance.
• Funding Guidance: Along with certification, StartupFlora also connects MSMEs and startups with government schemes like PLI, PMEGP, CGTMSE, and MUDRA loans.
• Special Focus on MSMEs & Startups: Whether you need a make in India certificate for MSME or a make in India certificate for startup, StartupFlora ensures a smooth and quick process.
• Tender & Growth Opportunities: Certification opens the door for government tenders, and StartupFlora provides consultation on how to use this advantage for business growth.

Common Challenges & Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete documents
• Wrong calculation of local content percentage
• Falling for fake agents or certificates
• Not renewing the certificate on time

Conclusion

The Make in India Certificate is not just a declaration,it’s a growth tool for Indian businesses. From MSMEs to startups, every business that manufactures in India can benefit by applying for this certificate. It builds trust, opens doors to government projects, and helps companies contribute to India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

If you are planning to apply, make in India registration is the first step. And with expert guidance from partners like StartupFlora, you can make the process simple and successful.

FAQ

Q1. How to get Make in India Certificate?

To obtain a Make in India Certificate, businesses must calculate their local content percentage (Indian materials + labour). For contracts below ₹10 crores, a self-declaration is sufficient, while contracts above ₹10 crores require verification from a Chartered Accountant (CA) or statutory auditor. Applications can be submitted through the Quality Council of India (QCI) or other authorized agencies.

Q2. When was Make in India launched?

The Make in India initiative was launched on 25th September 2014 by the Government of India to boost domestic manufacturing and attract foreign investment.

Q3. How many companies are currently under Make in India?

An exact number is not publicly available. However, India has over 2.8 million registered companies and more than 47.7 million MSMEs registered under Udyam. A large portion of these businesses directly or indirectly follow Make in India policies and principles.

Q4. What is StartupFlora’s role in Make in India?

StartupFlora helps MSMEs and startups with Make in India certification, government schemes, tender applications, and funding opportunities. It supports businesses with documentation, local content calculation, and the application process, making compliance easier.

Q5. How many government schemes are launched to support Make in India businesses?

The Government of India has launched several schemes to strengthen the Make in India initiative, including:

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
• Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme (CGTMSE)
• Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
• MUDRA Yojana
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
• Skill India & Digital India (supportive initiatives)

Q6. Eligibility Criteria for Make in India Certificate

To qualify for a Make in India Certificate, a business must manufacture its products in India and meet the local content requirement.

• Any MSME, startup, OEM, or Indian manufacturer can apply.
• Businesses must submit proof of registration, product details, and calculation of Indian material + labour.
• Minimum 20% local content is required to be considered under the scheme.

Q7- What is the Difference Between a Class-I and a Class-II Local Supplier?

Class-I Local Supplier → A business that uses 50% or more Indian content in its product. They get the highest preference in government tenders and procurement. 

Class-II Local Supplier → A business that uses 20% to less than 50% Indian content. They are allowed to participate in tenders but only after Class-I suppliers are considered.