Make in India Certificate Classification - Benefits Vary with Classification

Publishing Date: 11 Feb, 2025


Introduction 

For businesses looking to gain advantage from India's push for self-sufficiency in manufacturing and production, the Make in India Certificate is crucial. Several incentives are offered based on the classification of the certificate under this initiative, launched by the Government of India to promote domestic manufacturing. By understanding these classifications and their associated benefits, businesses can maximize their potential.

What is a Make in India Certificate? 

The Make in India Certificate is a mandatory requirement for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to participate in government tenders and public procurements on portals such as GEM, NICSI, or through direct application. It ensures that the concerned OEM has manufactured the products procured primarily in India, to encourage the government’s flagship Make in India initiative. In other words, the Make in India Certificate allows OEMs to participate directly in the bidding procedures of government contracts and tenders within a certain purchase value as prescribed by the latest amendment of the PPP-MII order 2017.

Classification of Make in India Certificate 

Make in India Certificate classified into three main classes based on the percentage of the domestic content or input used in the product and service. These classes can be clear by this below mentioned table: 

S.no

Classes/ Classification of Make in India Certificate

Details 

1

Class-I Local Supplier

If a company uses minimum domestic content that is 50% or more qualify as a Class-I Local Supplier. They are eligible for many incentives and priority under public procurements. 

2

Class-II Local Supplier

If a company uses domestic content between 20% to 50% falls under Class-II Local Supplier. They will get many benefits but not more than Class-I suppliers in government tenders. 

3

Non-Local Supplier

Companies with less than 20% domestic content come under this category. This category is generally not eligible for benefits under the Make in India initiative. 

Benefits according to the Classifications 

MII Certificate Classifications 

Benefits according to the MII Certification

Class-I Local Supplier 

  • More Preferable in Government Tenders - Companies obtaining Make in India certificate under Class-I get more priority in public procurement such as GeM and higher chances to get tenders.


  • Earnest Money Deposit(EM) Exemption - Several tenders waive off the requirement of Security deposit.

  • Benefits in Price Matching - In many cases, the Class-I local supplier has a higher chance to match the Lowest bid (L1).

  • Several Financial Incentives - Class-I Local Suppliers are mainly eligible for several government schemes which support local manufacturing.

  • Easy Business - Having Class-I Local suppliers, get more preference in licensing and regulatory approvals. 
  • Class-II Local Supplier

  • Benefits in Government Tenders - Having class-II Local Supplier Make in India certification allows participants to participate in Government tenders but have lower chances and preferences than Class-I suppliers.

  • Price Preference - These classes may receive support but not complete price-matching benefits as Class-I.

  • GeM Bidding benefits - Class-II Local Suppliers are eligible for GeM bidding. 
  • Non-Local Supplier

  • Restricted Participation - Having certification of Non-Local suppliers can participate in public procurement but may face several restrictions. 
  • Conclusion 

    Businesses seeking to establish strong ties with the Indian market are well advised to obtain the Make in India Certificate. The classification system can help businesses gain maximum benefits if they understand it and increase local content in their products. There are more advantages for suppliers in Class-I, but there are still opportunities for growth for suppliers in Class-II. On the other hand, non-local suppliers are encouraged to enhance their local manufacturing capabilities in order to qualify for future incentives.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    1) Who can apply for a Make in India Certificate? 

    Any Company or manufacturing unit operating in India uses minimum domestic content requirement can apply for Make in India Certificate.

    2) How can I check my classification under the Make in India Certificate?

    The percentage of local content in your product determines your classification. Certification by the organization and verification by government authorities determines the classification.

    3) Can a non-local supplier become a Class-I or Class-II local supplier?

    Yes, by adding more domestic sourcing and manufacturing content to meet the required percentage you can become a Class-I or Class-II local supplier.

    4) Is the Make in India Certificate mandatory for government tenders?

    No, it is not mandatory, but having Class-I and Class-II suppliers certificates get more preferences in many government procurement projects. 

    About the Author

    CA Nayani Agarwal linkedin

    All India Rank - 24

    Nayani Agarwal is a Chartered Accounting who scored All India rank - 24 & 22 in CA final and CA intermediate respectively. She also scored an India rank - 21 in the Company Secretary foundation. She has overall 10 plus experience in banking and financial services. Her areas of expertise is startup consultancy, ESOP, Income Tax, GST, corporate Compliances & import expeort consultancy.