Introduction:

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006 provides the legal framework for the classification and registration of MSMEs in India. The government has recently replaced the earlier Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (UAM) registration process with the Udyam Registration process. Existing MSMEs that have registered under the UAM process need to upgrade to the Udyam Registration to continue availing the benefits under various government schemes. In this article, we will discuss the steps to upgrade to Udyam Registration for existing MSMEs.

Step 1: Visit the Udyam Registration portal

To upgrade to Udyam Registration, visit the official website of the Udyam Registration portal 

Step 2: Enter UAM registration number

Enter the UAM registration number of your existing MSME. The portal will verify the UAM registration details and pre-fill some of the basic information.

Step 3: Enter PAN and GST details

Next, you need to provide your PAN and GST details. If your MSME is not registered under GST, then you can leave the GSTIN field blank.

Step 4: Provide other details

In this step, you need to provide your business details such as name, address, email id, mobile number, etc.

Step 5: Submit the declaration

After providing all the necessary details, you need to submit the declaration. The declaration states that the information provided by you is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

Step 6: Obtain Udyam Registration Certificate

Once you submit the declaration, your application will be verified, and the Udyam Registration Certificate will be issued. You can download the certificate from the portal.

Information on Upgrading to Udyam Registration:

Apart from the steps mentioned above, there are a few additional details that MSMEs need to keep in mind while upgrading to Udyam Registration.

Deadline for upgrading:

The government has set a deadline of 31st March 2022 for existing MSMEs to upgrade to Udyam Registration. After this deadline, UAM registrations will not be valid, and MSMEs will not be able to avail of the benefits under various government schemes.

Changes in Udyam classification:

While upgrading to Udyam Registration, existing MSMEs need to be aware that the classification of their business may change. The new classification will be based on the investment and turnover criteria of the Udyam Registration process. MSMEs should be prepared for any changes in classification and be aware of the benefits and limitations associated with the new classification.

No need for fresh documentation:

Existing MSMEs need not submit fresh documentation while upgrading to Udyam Registration. The Udyam Registration portal will pre-fill some of the basic information based on the UAM registration details. However, MSMEs must ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.

Benefits of Udyam Registration:

Upgrading to msme Registration will enable MSMEs to continue availing the benefits under various government schemes such as credit guarantee schemes, subsidies, and exemption from certain taxes. Udyam Registration also provides greater visibility and recognition for MSMEs and helps them access new markets and customers.

Importance of accurate udyam information:

MSMEs should ensure that all the information provided during the msme Registration process is accurate and up-to-date. Any discrepancies or incorrect information may lead to delays in the registration process or disqualification from availing of the benefits under government schemes.

Verification process:

After submitting the msme Registration application, MSMEs need to go through a verification process. The verification process may involve checking of documents, physical inspection of the business premises, or telephonic verification. MSMEs should be prepared to provide any additional information or documentation required during the verification process.

Self-declaration:

While upgrading to Udyam Registration, MSMEs need to provide a self-declaration stating that the information provided is true and correct to the best of their knowledge. The self-declaration carries legal implications, and MSMEs should ensure that they provide accurate and honest information.

Online support:

The msme Registration portal provides online support for MSMEs during the registration process. MSMEs can access FAQs, user manuals, and video tutorials to understand the registration process better. In case of any issues, MSMEs can contact the helpdesk provided on the portal.

Rejection of application:

In case of any discrepancy or incorrect information, the msme Registration application may be rejected. MSMEs should ensure that all the information provided is accurate and up-to-date to avoid rejection of the application.

Suggested Read- Update udyam certificate

Conclusion

In conclusion, upgrading to msme Registration is an essential step for existing MSMEs to continue availing the benefits under various government schemes. The process is straightforward, and MSMEs need to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and up-to-date. The new classification based on investment and turnover criteria may lead to changes in benefits and limitations, and MSMEs should be aware of these changes. The government has set a deadline of 31st March 2022 for existing MSMEs to upgrade to Udyam Registration, and MSMEs should ensure that they upgrade before the deadline to avoid any inconvenience or loss of benefits. By upgrading to Udyam Registration, MSMEs can continue to grow and contribute to the Indian economy.

Introduction:

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are crucial to the growth and development of any economy. In India, MSMEs contribute significantly to employment generation, manufacturing output, and export earnings. However, despite their importance, MSMEs often struggle to access credit, technology, and markets, which limits their growth potential. To address these challenges, the Government of India introduced the Udyam Registration Portal system in 2020, which aims to provide MSMEs with various benefits and incentives. In this article, we will discuss how Udyam Registration can help unlock these benefits and incentives for MSMEs.

What is Udyam Registration?

Udyam Registration is a process of registering MSMEs with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in India. The registration is free and can be done online on the Udyam Registration portal. The registration process requires MSMEs to provide basic information about their business, such as their PAN, Aadhaar, and business details. Once registered, MSMEs are issued a unique Udyam Registration Number (URN) that is valid for a lifetime.

Benefits of Udyam Registration:

Udyam Registration offers a range of benefits and incentives to MSMEs. These benefits include access to credit, technology, and markets, as well as government schemes and subsidies. Here are some of the main benefits of Udyam Registration:

• Collateral-free loans: 

MSMEs registered under Udyam can avail of collateral-free loans up to Rs. 2 crores under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme.

• Technology Upgradation: 

MSMEs registered under Udyam are eligible for reimbursement of expenses incurred on the purchase or lease of Plant & Machinery, and other technological upgrades.

• Government tenders: 

Udyam Registration is a mandatory requirement for MSMEs to participate in government tenders. This provides MSMEs with access to a large market and helps them grow their business.

• Eligibility for various schemes: 

MSMEs registered under Udyam are eligible to apply for various schemes launched by the government, such as the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS), etc.

• Statutory support: 

MSMEs registered under Udyam receive statutory support, such as the Reservation Policy for MSMEs in government purchases, excise and direct tax exemptions, and other benefits like reduced fees for patents and trademarks.

• Access to markets: 

Udyam Registration enables MSMEs to list their products and services on the MSME Ministry’s online portal, which is used by government procurement agencies, PSUs, and large private sector enterprises to identify potential suppliers.

• Credit-linked capital subsidy: 

MSMEs registered under Udyam are eligible for credit-linked capital subsidy up to 15% for investments in Plant & Machinery under the Capital Subsidy Scheme for Technology Upgradation (CLCSS).

• Protection against delayed payments: 

Udyam registered MSMEs can avail of the provisions of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, which provides for the settlement of disputes relating to delayed payments from buyers.

• Brand promotion and marketing support: 

The Ministry of MSMEs provides branding and marketing support to Udyam registered MSMEs through various schemes and programmes such as the MSME Sambandh, MSME Databank, and MSME Samadhan.

• Subsidies for ISO Certification: 

Udyam registered MSMEs can avail of 50% reimbursement of the expenditure incurred in obtaining ISO 9000/ISO 14001/HACCP certification.

Challenges in Udyam Registration:

While Udyam Registration offers numerous benefits and incentives, there are also some challenges associated with the registration process. One of the main challenges is that the registration process is online, which can be a barrier for MSMEs that have limited digital literacy or access to the internet. This can make it challenging for them to complete the registration process and access the benefits offered by Udyam.

Another challenge is the requirement for Aadhaar and PAN details for the registration process. While this is aimed at simplifying the process, it can be a challenge for MSMEs that do not have these documents or have difficulty accessing them. The government has taken steps to address these challenges by allowing MSMEs to use their driving license or voter ID card in place of Aadhaar.

Steps to Register for Udyam:

Now that we have discussed the benefits of Udyam Registration and the challenges associated with it, let’s look at the steps involved in registering for Udyam:

• Visit the Udyam Registration portal: Go to the Udyam Registration portal 

• Enter Aadhaar number: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and select the option for verification through OTP.

• Enter personal details: Enter your personal details such as name, social category, gender, and physical disability status.

• Enter business details: Enter your business details such as the type of organization, the name of the enterprise, the date of commencement of business, the PAN number, and the location of the enterprise.

• Choose activities: Choose the activities you want to register under the Udyam scheme. You can choose up to 3 activities from the National Industrial Classification (NIC) code list.

• Submit the application: Submit the application after verifying the details.

Suggested Read- Udyam Registration Benefits

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Udyam Registration is a crucial step for MSMEs in India to unlock a range of benefits and incentives offered by the government. It not only provides access to credit, technology, and markets but also statutory support, protection against delayed payments, brand promotion, and marketing support. The Udyam Registration process is straightforward and can be done online, making it easy for MSMEs to avail of these benefits. MSMEs that are not yet registered under Udyam should consider doing so to take advantage of these benefits and grow their business.