Quality Council of India Champions Role of Accreditation in SME Success

JUNE 09: The Quality Council of India (QCI) observed World Accreditation Day 2025 with a high-profile event at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, celebrating the vital role of accreditation in empowering India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and quality experts to discuss how accreditation supports sustainable economic growth, global trade, and competitiveness.

QCI, through its key constituent boards—the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)—plays a pivotal role in strengthening India’s quality infrastructure. It works closely with international partners such as the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) to ensure India’s systems meet global standards.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the revamped NABL Portal. The new digital interface aims to simplify the accreditation process, especially for laboratories and MSMEs, enhancing transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency.

This year’s theme, “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),” underscored how certification and conformity assessment are essential tools for small businesses to build credibility, meet international standards, and access global markets. The event opened with inspiring messages from key dignitaries and the release of a thematic video, setting the tone for a dialogue on innovation and quality-led growth.

Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), emphasized the critical role of accreditation in helping Indian SMEs integrate with domestic and international value chains. He highlighted its alignment with national missions like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047.

QCI Chairperson Shri Jaxay Shah, in his keynote address, called accreditation a “gateway to global trust,” noting its importance in reducing production rejections, improving productivity, and fostering export readiness for MSMEs.

The celebration also included the launch of Gunvatta Samarpan, an initiative that encourages organizations to pledge their commitment to quality and adherence to accredited standards.

Technical sessions and a CEO Forum further explored how accreditation can enhance sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, sustainability, and diagnostics. Expert panels discussed its impact on third-party inspections, certified products, and support for net-zero goals.

Globally observed on June 9, World Accreditation Day serves as a reminder of accreditation’s essential role in enabling inclusive, quality-driven economic growth.