India launches ‘Made in India’ brand scheme to target 100 critical manufacturing gaps

Summary

• Import substitution push: DPIIT has identified around 100 high-value product categories where India remains import-dependent, spanning engineering goods, chemicals, and automotive components.
• Quality branding initiative: The proposed “Made in India” certification framework aims to strengthen export credibility through standardized quality marking and compliance-based branding.
• FTA alignment: The scheme is designed to help Indian manufacturers better utilize preferential access under FTAs with markets such as the UK, UAE, and EFTA by improving product competitiveness.

NEW DELHI, May 12, 2026 — India is preparing to roll out a national “Made in India” brand scheme aimed at improving manufacturing quality standards and reducing dependence on imported intermediate goods across critical industrial sectors.

According to officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the government has completed an assessment identifying roughly 100 product categories where domestic production capacity remains limited or non-competitive. These include select automotive components, specialty chemicals, precision engineering goods, and industrial sub-assemblies.

From production push to quality branding

The new initiative builds on earlier industrial policies such as “Make in India,” but shifts focus from attracting manufacturing investment to establishing a unified quality and trust framework for Indian products in global markets.

Under the proposed scheme, eligible manufacturers will receive a government-backed certification mark indicating compliance with quality benchmarks and regulatory standards. The branding is intended to improve visibility in global procurement systems and strengthen India’s positioning as a reliable supplier in high-value supply chains.

Officials say the approach draws lessons from sectoral quality initiatives already used in segments such as steel and engineering goods, where certification-based branding has helped improve export acceptance and pricing power.

Linking manufacturing gaps with trade expansion

The policy comes as India expands its network of free trade agreements, including recent arrangements with the UK, UAE, and EFTA countries. Policymakers expect that improved domestic capacity in identified product categories will enable exporters to better meet rising demand under these agreements.

The government is also encouraging greater adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence, through broader industrial digitalization initiatives aimed at improving productivity and precision manufacturing standards.

Why this matters

• Industrial strengthening: Addressing import-dependent product categories could reduce supply chain vulnerabilities and improve domestic value addition.
• Export competitiveness: A unified certification brand can help Indian goods command higher trust and potentially better pricing in global markets.
• Policy clarity: The 100-product gap list provides a structured roadmap for manufacturers and investors targeting India’s industrial expansion sectors.

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between “Make in India” and the “Made in India” brand scheme?

“Make in India” focuses on attracting manufacturing investment, while the new “Made in India” scheme focuses on certifying product quality and improving global competitiveness.

Q2. Which sectors are included?

Initial focus areas include automotive components, engineering goods, chemicals, and precision manufacturing segments where India currently relies on imports.

Q3. Is the certification mandatory?

No, participation is expected to be voluntary, but certified branding may become important for export-oriented firms competing in global tenders.