Revised Guidelines for Financial Assistance to Small Scale Industries Under SSI-MDA Scheme for Registration for Bar-coding. (w.e.f. 1st January, 2003)

Financial assistance will be given to SSI/Tiny sector units for adoption of international numbering standards used in Bar-Coding/E-commerce applications. The first step towards adoption of bar coding, consists of applying to EAN India (Under Ministry of Commerce) for an EAN number to enable universal identification of their products worldwide for use with the bar code printed/labeled on the product package/consignment. However, SSI/Tiny sector units intending to export exclusively to the USA and Canada need to use only a UPC number which would be allocated through EAN India. This same UPC number will be valid for exports to European countries as well. In case any SSI wants to export to countries other than USA and Canada, they need to use only an EAN-Code.

Quantum of Assistance:

EAN India charges one time registration fee of Rs. 20,000/-(Rs. twenty thousand only) from all categories of industries. Financial assistance under the SSI-MDA Scheme will be limited to 75% of the above amount i.e. Rs. 15,000/- (Rs. fifteen thousand only) for all categories of industries i.e. both SSI & Tiny units. In addition, Rs. 4000/-(Rs. four thousand only) is charged by EAN India as annual renewal fee from all units. The one-time registration fee and annual renewal fee as mentioned above refer to the current fee structure stipulated by EAN India w.e.f. 1st January, 2003.

Procedure for obtaining financial assistance:

Reimbursement under the Scheme will be available to registered SSI/Tiny sector units. Applicant unit should not have availed of any subsidy/financial assistance for the same purpose through any other scheme available through an industrial body or association with whom the company may be affiliated.

In order to avail of the financial assistance, an SSI/Tiny sector unit should first register with EAN India for allocation of their unique EAN or UPC company prefix alongwith the necessary documents as detailed herein and requisite payment as detailed above (Rs. 20,000+Rs. 4000 amounting to Rs. 24000). In the event of any changes in the fee structure by EAN India, the revised fee structure will be applicable. Financial assistance remain unchanged at 75% of the one-time registration fee.

After allocation of the EAN or UPC number, the concerned SSI/Tiny sector unit may apply to the Development commissioner (SSI) in Form VI alongwith the Annexures I to IV and the following documents.
1. Copy of the allotment letter received from EAN India towards allocation of the EAN or UPC company prefix number.
2. Copy of fee receipt paid by the unit to EAN India for allocation of the EAN or UPC company prefix number.