Make in India Certificate for Government e Marketplace (GeM)

Classification of MII Local Suppliers as per DPIIT

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has categorized local suppliers based on the percentage of local content in their products, as follows:

1. Class-I Local Supplier: Suppliers whose products contain at least 50% local content. This category reflects a significant commitment to using Indian materials and resources.
2. Class-II Local Supplier: Suppliers whose products contain more than 20% but less than 50% local content. While these suppliers utilize some Indian resources, they do not meet the threshold for Class-I status.
3. Non-local Supplier: Suppliers whose local content is 20% or less. These suppliers may source a significant portion of their materials and components from outside India.

Benefits of Make in India Certificate

The MII certificate offers numerous advantages for Indian manufacturers who wish to register on GeM, including:

1. Enhanced Credibility

The Make in India (MII) certificate serves as a strong endorsement of a company's commitment to domestic manufacturing and it also enhances the brand’s image by positioning its products as genuinely Indian, which appeals to both conscious consumers and business partners who prefer locally made goods. This boost in credibility not only helps build stronger relationships with customers but also strengthens brand value in competitive markets where authenticity and origin are increasingly important differentiators with MII Certificate for GeM.

2. Access to Government Tenders

MII-certified vendors are eligible to participate in government procurement processes, which are otherwise restricted or offer preference to Indian-made products. The Government of India actively promotes indigenous manufacturers by reserving tenders or providing preferential treatment in line with public procurement policies. This MII certification opens doors to lucrative contracts across sectors like defense, infrastructure, healthcare, and technology. It helps businesses tap into consistent, large-scale government demand, providing them with long-term growth opportunities. 

3. Reduced Compliance Burden

With MII certification for GeM, companies often experience a streamlined compliance process. Since the certification aligns with Indian standards for manufacturing and quality control, it minimizes redundancies in regulatory requirements. This reduces the overall burden of proving local value addition or origin during audits or government evaluations. This efficiency translates into time and cost savings, allowing businesses to focus more on innovation, scaling, and production rather than navigating complex paperwork or bureaucratic hurdles.

4. Wider Market Reach

MII certification acts as a powerful market enabler by opening access to both domestic and international buyers who seek genuine Indian-origin products. In the B2B segment, many large enterprises and retail chains prefer vendors with verified local manufacturing credentials. The certification can also boost trust among consumers, especially in sectors like electronics, textiles, and healthcare, where authenticity matters. Additionally, several e-commerce and distribution platforms offer visibility boosts or preferred listing to MII-certified brands. 

5. Improved Customer Satisfaction

Customers are increasingly conscious of where and how products are made. Make India Certification assures them that the product is locally manufactured, implying quicker delivery, better service, and accountability. This transparency builds trust and resonates with the growing sentiment for supporting local industries. For many consumers, buying Indian-made goods is a matter of pride and responsibility.

6. Preference in Bidding

Under India's Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, MII-certified vendors enjoy bidding advantages in government tenders. Even if their price is slightly higher than the lowest bidder (L1), they can still win the contract if they meet the minimum local content criteria. This preferential treatment is a major strategic advantage in competitive bidding scenarios. It provides a level playing field for Indian manufacturers, protects them from being undercut by foreign players, and ensures that economic benefits remain within the country. 

7. Export Benefits

Make in India certification can support companies in accessing export incentives offered by the government through schemes like RoDTEP, MEIS, or SEIS. Certified manufacturers can leverage their domestic production status to meet Rules of Origin requirements in trade agreements, making them eligible for tariff reductions or exemptions in foreign markets. Additionally, the MII label is gaining global recognition, often serving as a positive brand signal for quality and ethical manufacturing. 

8. Showcasing at Events

Firms/ Companies having Make in India certification are given visibility at major national and international exhibitions, trade shows, and promotional campaigns. The government and industry bodies prioritize certified companies for participation in delegations, export expos, and branding exercises. This exposure helps businesses connect with global buyers, distributors, and investors. Being featured under the MII banner also reinforces a company's image as a serious and quality-conscious manufacturer. Such opportunities enhance brand equity, facilitate networking, and provide access to market insights, partnerships, and global collaborations — often translating into tangible business growth and expansion.

Documents Required for MII Certificate

To obtain the Make in India (MII) certificate, the following documents are necessary:

1. Firm/ Company KYC Documents

2. Local Supllier Category

3. Tender/ Bid Value Particulars

4. Product/ Service Specification

Important Note: In case of CA Certified Make in India Certificate where the bid/tender value is more than 10 Crores, we additionally require Details of Components like list of raw materials and parts used in the product, specifications, quantities, and sources for verification. Our team will provide the complete requirements of documents once we understand about your local supply.

Procedure for Obtaining MII Certificate for GeM

The process to acquire an MII certificate can be summarized in the following steps:

Step 1: Document Preparation

Gather all necessary documents, ensuring clarity and legibility to avoid processing delays.

Step 2: Product Details and Documentation

Compile detailed information on the products, including a breakdown of raw materials used in manufacturing.

Step 3: Calculation of Local Content

Calculate the percentage of Indian and overseas components in the products, ensuring accuracy.

Step 4: Verification by Chartered Accountants

Submit the compiled information for verification and certification by an authorized Chartered Accountant in case tender value is more than 10 Crores.

Step 5: Issuance of MII Certificate

Once verified, our compliance team will prepare and share the MII certificate either in self-declaration or CA Certified based on the requirements.

Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017

The Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017, commonly referred to as the PPP-MII Order, is a landmark initiative by the Government of India to strengthen domestic manufacturing, enhance self-reliance, and promote local suppliers through preferential treatment in government procurement. Issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Make in India initiative, the order is a powerful policy tool to prioritize Indian-made goods and services in all public sector purchases.

Under this order, Class-I and Class-II local suppliers are given preference based on the percentage of local content in their products. Government departments, ministries, and public sector undertakings are directed to procure from local manufacturers wherever possible, ensuring that Indian businesses get a competitive edge in government tenders. Foreign suppliers are allowed only when domestic alternatives are not available or do not meet technical specifications.

The PPP-MII policy promotes economic growth, employment generation, and technology development by ensuring a greater share of the procurement pie goes to Indian enterprises. It also mandates that entities with large procurement budgets publish annual projections, thereby increasing transparency and encouraging better planning by MSMEs and startups.

Moreover, in sectors where India aims to become globally competitive, the order allows nodal ministries to notify higher minimum local content requirements, thus driving innovation and localization. The order also incorporates reciprocity clauses, barring vendors from countries that restrict Indian companies from their government procurement processes.

If you're a business aiming to tap into public procurement opportunities in India, compliance with the PPP-MII Order 2017 and obtaining Make in India Certification can significantly boost your eligibility and preference score during L1 bidding.

Official Government Portal: https://pmiig.dpiit.gov.in 

L1 Supplier Advantage under Make in India

Under the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017, businesses with a valid Make in India Certificate are given preference in L1 bidding during government tenders. The L1 Supplier is typically the vendor offering the lowest quote among technically qualified bidders. However, Make in India certified vendors enjoy additional benefits even if they are not the lowest bidder.

As per the policy, Class-I local suppliers can match the L1 price and still win the tender if they meet the minimum local content requirement. This ensures that Indian manufacturers and service providers receive a fair chance in public procurement and are not undercut by foreign competitors.

At Compliance Calendar LLP, we help you leverage your Make in India Certification to:

• Become eligible for L1 preference in government tenders

• Understand and meet local content thresholds

• Prepare documentation to comply with PPP-MII Order, 2017

• Register and list your products on the GeM Portal as OEM

L2 Supplier and Make in India Preference

In public procurement, an L2 Supplier refers to the vendor who submits the second-lowest bid in a government tender process. While L1 is usually awarded the contract, under the Make in India Policy (PPP-MII Order, 2017), there are scenarios where an L2 bidder can still secure the order—especially if the L1 bidder is not a Class-I local supplier.

If a Class-I local supplier (meeting the required percentage of local content) ranks as L2 and the L1 bidder is not from the preferred category, the L2 supplier may be given an opportunity to match the L1 price and win the contract. This provision ensures that Indian manufacturers and service providers are not disadvantaged in their own market.

At Compliance Calendar LLP, we assist businesses in:

• Guidance on how L2 suppliers can still win contracts under Make in India preferences

• Ensuring compliance with local content norms to qualify as a Class-I supplier

• Supporting documentation and affidavit filings as per PPP-MII guidelines

• Increasing your chances of government contract allocation, even as an L2 bidder

Undertaking for Make in India (MII) Certificate

An Undertaking for Make in India (MII) Certificate is a legally binding declaration submitted by manufacturers or suppliers to affirm the accuracy of information provided during the certification process. This undertaking plays a key role in the issuance of the Make in India Certificate as it validates the claims related to local content, manufacturing capabilities, and product compliance under the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017.

As per the guidelines issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the applicant must certify that the product or service meets the required local content percentage and complies with the Class-I or Class-II supplier classification. The undertaking must be executed on the company letterhead and duly signed by an authorized signatory, and where the bid value is more than 10 crores is to be certified by a Chartered Accountant's verification.

The purpose of this undertaking is to promote transparency, discourage false claims, and ensure only genuinely local products benefit from the MII certification. Inaccurate or fraudulent undertakings may lead to penalties, blacklisting from government tenders, or cancellation of the certificate.

At Compliance Calendar LLP, we help you draft the correct format of the undertaking, calculate your product’s local content accurately, and ensure full compliance with the PPP-MII Order. Our experts coordinate with your team and your CA to file the undertaking with all supporting documents for smooth certification approval.

Usage of Make in India (MII) Logo is Not Permitted

While obtaining a Make in India (MII) Certificate reflects a company's compliance with the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017, it is important to note that use of the official Make in India logo is strictly not permitted by certified entities.

The MII logo, featuring the iconic lion made of cogs, is a government-owned intellectual property managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). As per current guidelines, businesses—even those certified under the Make in India initiative—are not authorized to display, print, or reproduce the logo on packaging, websites, marketing materials, or any other collateral.

Unauthorized use of the logo can result in legal consequences, including cancellation of certification, fines, or other penalties under applicable laws. The logo is reserved for official government use and national branding efforts only.

At Compliance Calendar LLP, we ensure that our clients stay fully compliant with all provisions of the MII certification process, including logo usage restrictions. If you need further clarity on what can and cannot be used for promotional purposes, our experts are here to guide you.

You can visit the official link on the usage of MII Logo.