India SME Forum Hosts First Roundtable to Simplify BIS Compliance for MSMEs

The FIRST (Forum for Internet Retailers, Sellers & Traders), the B2C arm of India SME Forum, hosted its inaugural stakeholder roundtable as part of its Enterprise Matters initiative. This engaging webinar attracted more than 11,000 MSMEs across the country, focusing on simplifying the complexities of BIS certification and Quality Control Orders (QCOs).

The session shed light on the significant challenges MSMEs face in navigating the BIS compliance landscape. Issues raised included unclear regulations, insufficient transition timelines, and difficulty selling older inventory manufactured before the new rules. There was a strong call for the introduction of grandfathering provisions to ensure that compliant inventory is not penalized retroactively. The lack of accessible, user-friendly digital tools and the need for expensive consultants to help businesses understand which standards apply were cited as major barriers. The complexity, cost, and inaccessibility of the BIS certification process were often seen as deterrents for small enterprises looking to participate in the broader compliance ecosystem.

The roundtable concluded with several actionable recommendations. These included the establishment of a single-window advisory system, cluster-based training programs, digitized support tools, and a phased rollout of QCOs to minimize disruption. There was also a push for expanding the scope of compliance to include manufacturing processes, especially for export-driven growth. Experts noted that while India has over 25,000 BIS standards, only about 800 are mandatory, highlighting the regulatory gap. Participants advocated for sector-specific classification, simplified certification models, and faster approval processes tailored for MSMEs.

Moderating the webinar, Vinod Kumar, President of India SME Forum, remarked, “MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy, driving employment, innovation, and inclusive growth. To help them succeed in today’s digital commerce landscape, it’s crucial to strengthen the collaboration between sellers and regulators. Today’s stakeholder discussion is a step towards fostering a shared understanding of compliance requirements and equipping sellers with the right knowledge, tools, and support. Our goal is to ensure that small businesses are not just aware but truly empowered to thrive in a transparent, standards-driven marketplace.”

Anil Jauhri, former CEO of the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies, pointed out, “Standards must be built on clear fundamentals, with mandatory regulations focused only on critical health and safety aspects—especially in sectors like food and medicine. India has over 25,000 BIS standards, but only about 800 are compulsory, reflecting a significant regulatory gap compared to global norms. We need more tailored certification models, sector-wise classification, and faster processes for MSMEs. It's equally important to build a support system of certified professionals and consultants to guide businesses. Ultimately, MSMEs seek both financial and technical assistance to meet BIS and international standards—they need to know what to do, how to do it, and who can help them.”

Ravi Saxena, Founder & CEO of Wonderchef, emphasized the need for a mindset shift, saying, “India cannot build a global reputation on product quality alone—we must start certifying the processes behind the product. Today, there are no clear standards defining what a quality-compliant factory looks like. This is a critical gap. True quality starts at the source—with safe, efficient, and well-regulated manufacturing environments. For MSMEs, navigating compliance should not be a maze. We need a bold shift: simplified certification, digital access to guidance, and a nationwide push to embed quality not just in what we make, but how we make it.”

Shreya Suri, Partner at IndusLaw, highlighted that while many MSMEs are eager to comply with BIS standards, the process remains complex and costly. She stressed the importance of creating a practical, accessible support ecosystem, such as regional facilitation centres, cluster-based training, and digital hand-holding tools that guide businesses step by step. “Only then,” she added, “can we ensure that compliance becomes an enabler, not a barrier, for MSME growth.”

Amit Nanda, Director of Selling Partner Service at Amazon India, voiced his support for MSMEs, stating, “At Amazon, we are committed to providing our customers with a great shopping experience every time. We work closely with the sellers in their journey to earn customer trust and achieve growth by being compliant. We're glad to partner with India SME Forum on this initiative, which helps equip MSMEs with the knowledge and tools needed to meet regulatory requirements and thrive in the digital economy.”

As the discussion unfolded, Krishna Barad, Director of Global Trade & Indirect Tax at EY, emphasized the need to align India’s BIS compliance framework with international standards to foster exports and improve global competitiveness. He stated that MSMEs often face hurdles due to inconsistent interpretations of regulations and lack of sector-specific clarity. “Compliance,” he stressed, “should be simplified through well-structured documentation, streamlined procedures, and increased stakeholder engagement. A risk-based approach is essential to make the process more practical and efficient for small businesses.”

Vishal Sharma, Managing Partner of Eikomp, acknowledged the challenges faced by MSMEs, particularly first-generation entrepreneurs and digital sellers, who are overwhelmed by the current certification regime. He proposed simple, interactive platforms that can help MSMEs self-navigate BIS requirements. “For India to be a global player,” Sharma concluded, “small businesses must not be left behind in the quality journey.”

Finally, Suraj Amate, Co-Founder & CEO of Storio, underscored the importance of hand-holding MSMEs throughout the certification process. He proposed a co-creation model between industry bodies, technical institutions, and regulators. “We need to create sector-specific best practices and model factories that incentivize compliance rather than impose it,” said Amate. He advocated for a more inclusive, participatory policymaking process that acknowledges the realities faced by micro and small businesses.

In conclusion, the roundtable underscored the critical need for regulatory compliance frameworks that empower, rather than burden, MSMEs. It was emphasized that to foster growth and innovation within these businesses, collaboration between sellers and regulators must be strengthened. This can be achieved through providing targeted technical and financial support, alongside creating avenues for inclusive access to global standards and certifications. When MSMEs have the right tools and knowledge to navigate regulatory requirements, they can elevate their operations, become globally competitive, and meet quality standards expected in international markets.

The session’s discussions were rich with insights, with stakeholders acknowledging the importance of a more streamlined, accessible, and supportive regulatory environment. The collaborative approach presented during the roundtable was widely praised by all participants, as it represents a pivotal step toward transforming the regulatory landscape for small businesses in India. This, in turn, will drive not only compliance but also sustainable growth, positioning Indian MSMEs as strong players on the global stage.