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Background Information

In Pakistan, there exist around 3.2 million SMEs out of which less than 5% units have any Certification System. However, unlike large enterprises in the formal sector, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are constrained by financial and other resources. This inherent characteristic of an (SMEs) makes it imperative that there should be a mechanism through which it may get support in business and human resource training & development.
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Project Profile

Title of Project: Certification Incentive Programme for SMEs under PQI Initiatives-2025.
Executing Agency: Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of Pakistan.
Capital Cost: Rs.800 million
Time Duration: 3 years

Main Objectives

    • To provide incentive grants up to 2050 SMEs for adopting and implementing any certification system in the relevant areas of their business
    • To get the SMEs of Balochistan & less developed areas of Pakistan, Certified & Incentivized
    • To organize training programmes for SMEs & other Stakeholders in establishing & maintaining different certification systems
    • To improve competitiveness and sustainability of Pakistani Enterpreneurs/SMEs in global supply chain

    Need for Certification

    Compliance to international standards on quality, environment, safety and social accountability has been universally recognized as one of the key strategic element of product competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, along with price and delivery factors. Quality is the pre-requisite for successful market access and for achieving continued customer satisfaction
    In order to enhance exports and to be more competitive in the world market, it is imperative that a sound certification system for the recognition of credible products and services should start working and the relevant stakeholders should immediately strengthen their efforts in capacity building & implementing relevant certification systems

    Targeted Sectors

    Food Sectors:

  • Rice, Wheat & Cereals etc.
  • Livestock and Dairy
  • Food and Halal Food
  • Marine products
  • Agriculture & Herbal Products

    Non-Food Sectors:

  • Textile & Leather
  • Readymade Garments
  • Electrical & Electronics
  • Health, Beauty & Cosmetics
  • Gems, Precious Stones, Jewellery
  • Metals & Minerals
  • Marble & Granite
  • Carpets Rugs & Tents
  • Surgical & Dental Devices/Instruments
  • Cutlery & Stainless-Steel Utensils
  • Sports Wear & Goods
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Chemicals & Plastic
  • Synthetic Textile
  • Auto / Auto Parts
  • Other Engineering Goods
  • Other Consumer Products

    Service Sector:

  • Inspection & Verification
  • Certification
  • Accreditation

    Schemes of Certification / Accreditation under Certification Incentive Programme For SMEs

  • ISO 9001(QMS)
  • ISO 14001 (EMS)
  • ISO 45001 (OH&S)
  • FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000
  • Energy Managment System (ISO 50001)
  • HACCP
  • HALAL CERTIFICATION (PS 3733/ PS 4992)
  • GLOBAL GAP
  • GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES (GMP)
  • CE MARKING
  • PRODUCT CONFORMITY CERTIFICATION MARKS (LOCAL)
  • ISO 17025/ ISO 15189
  • SA 8000
  • BRC
  • SEDEX
  • ISO 17020 (ACCREDITATION OF INSPECTION BODIES)
  • ISO 13485
  • BSCI
  • REACH
  • WRAP
  • Oeko-TEX 100/GOTS
  • Integrated Certification (Combination of at least two Certifications, listed at S.No 1-3)
  • Product Conformity Certification Marks (Regional & International)
  • Sector Specific Code of Conduct (CoC)
  • ISO/TS 16949 (Auto Industry)
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    Features of the Scheme

    i.
    It is an all-Pakistan Programme / Scheme administered by Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST).
    ii.
    The incentive will be provided to the applicant SMEs only once upon certification of its choice.
    iii.
    An amount of Rs 0.1-0.4 Million per Certification per SME is earmarked under the Project
    iv.
    Adopting handholding approach for Certification & incentivization of SMEs of Balochistan and less developed areas of Pakistan
    v.
    Intensive nationwide training programmes for the related certification schemes will be organized
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    Criteria for approving Certification Bodies (CB) for reimbursement of certification grant to SMEs:

    1.
    It is an all Pakistan Programme / Scheme administered by Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST).
    2.
    The permanent registered Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)/ units are eligible to avail the Incentive Scheme.
    3.
    Only those SMEs will be eligible for the incentive grant who fall within the definition as per the State Bank of Pakistan’s document “Revised Prudential Regulation for Small & Medium Enterprises (2016)” wherein SBP broadly categorizes the SMEs, one as Small Enterprises (SEs) with employment size up to 50, having annual sales turnover up to Rs.150.00 million, and the other as Medium Enterprises (MEs) with employment size from 51 to 250 (Manufacturing & Services Sector) and from 51 to 100 (Trading MEs), having annual sales turnover from Rs.150.00 million to Rs.800.00 million.
    4.
    The Programme / Scheme is applicable to those Companies/ Firms /SMEs who have successfully implemented any certification scheme within the scope/ areas of the project.
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