BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal 2026: Guide for Indian MSMEs

The BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal 2026 is an important initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation among micro, small and medium enterprises across BRICS countries. India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 has placed significant attention on MSME internationalisation, access to finance, technology adoption and participation in global value chains.

The portal is intended to create a digital ecosystem connecting MSMEs with relevant stakeholders such as technology centres, trade associations, financial institutions, training organisations and policymakers. The Government of India has stated that the initiative is designed to help small enterprises connect with knowledge, finance and new markets.

For Indian MSMEs looking to expand beyond the domestic market, this development can make internationalisation more accessible. However, businesses entering overseas markets must also pay attention to product standards, regulatory approvals, packaging requirements and sector-specific registrations.

What Is the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal 2026?

The BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal is a digital platform being developed to facilitate greater interaction and cooperation among MSMEs from BRICS member countries.

According to the Government of India, the portal will support MSMEs, technology centres, clusters, trade associations, financial institutions, training and capacity-building institutions and other stakeholders. Its broader objective is to improve access to markets and finance and encourage internationalisation of MSMEs.

The initiative forms part of the wider BRICS agenda for strengthening MSME participation in international trade and global value chains.

The 2026 BRICS New Delhi Declaration also recognised the importance of MSME internationalisation and highlighted challenges such as access to affordable finance and participation in global value chains.

Why Was the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal Introduced?

Small businesses often face several barriers when entering international markets. These can include limited access to foreign buyers, difficulty finding business partners, financing constraints, technology gaps and unfamiliar regulatory requirements.

The BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal is intended to support cooperation in these areas by creating connections between businesses and relevant institutions.

During India's 2026 BRICS Chairship, MSME cooperation has included discussions around finance, credit readiness, fintech-driven ecosystems and international trade. The Ministry of MSME also convened SME Working Group discussions focused on improving access to finance for MSMEs.

The initiative is therefore part of a broader effort rather than simply another business registration platform.

Who Can Benefit From the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal?

The portal can be relevant to different categories of Indian businesses, including:

• Manufacturing MSMEs

• Export-oriented businesses

• Technology companies

• Startups

• Service-sector enterprises

• Product manufacturers

• Businesses looking for international partnerships

• MSMEs seeking technology and capacity-building opportunities

• Enterprises interested in BRICS markets

Businesses involved in manufacturing and exports may particularly benefit if they are preparing to enter new markets.

However, participation in an international business ecosystem does not automatically replace the regulatory requirements applicable to a particular product or industry.

How Can Indian MSMEs Prepare for BRICS Market Opportunities?

Indian MSMEs interested in international expansion should prepare their business and regulatory documentation before approaching new markets.

A practical preparation process can include:

1. Keep Business Registrations Updated

An MSME should maintain proper business records and registrations relevant to its operations. This may include business constitution documents, PAN, GST registration, bank details, IEC and Udyam Registration, where applicable.

Having organised documentation can make it easier to respond to buyer, banking and regulatory requirements.

2. Identify Product-Specific Regulations

Different products can have different regulatory requirements in India and overseas markets.

For example, manufacturers of products covered under applicable Indian standards may need BIS Registration or a BIS licence depending on the product and applicable scheme.

Businesses should identify the relevant Indian standards before manufacturing or exporting regulated products.

3. Check CDSCO Requirements for Healthcare Products

Businesses dealing with drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and certain healthcare-related products should examine applicable requirements administered through the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

Depending on the product and activity, approvals, licences, registrations or import-related permissions may be required.

Therefore, an MSME planning international expansion should review its CDSCO Registration or applicable regulatory pathway before entering the market.

4. Follow EPR Requirements

Environmental obligations are becoming increasingly relevant for manufacturers, importers and brand owners.

Businesses dealing with products or materials covered by India's Extended Producer Responsibility framework may need EPR Registration and related compliance.

Depending on the business activity, requirements can involve plastic packaging, electronic products, batteries and other regulated waste categories.

For an export-oriented MSME, understanding its domestic EPR obligations can help maintain a structured regulatory framework while scaling operations.

5. Review Packaging and LMPC Requirements

Importers and businesses dealing with packaged commodities should also examine the applicable Legal Metrology requirements.

LMPC Registration is particularly relevant to importers of pre-packaged commodities where applicable.

Packaging information such as importer details, manufacturer details, net quantity, MRP and other declarations may need to comply with applicable Legal Metrology requirements.

Proper packaging compliance becomes especially important when businesses are expanding their distribution networks and working with multiple markets.

6. Consider RNI Requirements for Publications

Businesses involved in newspapers, periodicals or certain publishing activities may need to consider RNI Registration and applicable publication-related requirements.

Although RNI requirements are different from product certification or export regulations, businesses operating in the publishing sector should identify the applicable registration process before commencing regulated activities.

Read MoreHow to Get RNI Registration for Newspaper in India

BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal and Global Markets

One of the key objectives of the BRICS MSME framework is to strengthen the internationalisation of MSMEs.

The 2026 New Delhi Declaration specifically acknowledged the importance of MSMEs in economic growth and recognised access to affordable finance as a major constraint to their participation in trade and global value chains. It also welcomed guiding principles concerning credit assessment for export-oriented MSMEs and work on an invoice-discounting mechanism.

For Indian businesses, this could create opportunities to explore partnerships, buyers, technology exchanges and other forms of cooperation within BRICS economies.

However, businesses should distinguish between market-access opportunities and regulatory approval. Finding an overseas buyer does not by itself mean that a product meets the legal requirements of the destination market.

Does the BRICS MSME Portal Provide Direct Loans or Grants?

The BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal should not be treated as a general loan or grant application portal. Its purpose is broader: connecting MSMEs with relevant ecosystems involving markets, finance, technology, capacity building and institutional stakeholders.

The 2026 BRICS framework has also included initiatives related to MSME finance, startup cooperation and internationalisation. The BRICS Startup Innovation Fund has been discussed as a mechanism to support innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

Businesses should therefore verify the eligibility, application process and funding terms of any specific financing programme rather than assuming that portal participation guarantees funding.

Is Registration on the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal Mandatory?

The BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal is not a substitute for statutory registrations applicable to Indian businesses. Businesses should separately maintain registrations and approvals required under Indian laws.

Depending on the nature of the business, this may include:

• Udyam Registration

• GST Registration

• IEC

• BIS Registration

• CDSCO Registration or applicable approval

• EPR Registration

• LMPC Registration

• RNI Registration

• Other sector-specific licences and approvals

The exact requirements depend on the products, business activities and applicable laws.

Key Regulatory Services MSMEs Should Consider

As Indian MSMEs explore new markets and expand their operations, regulatory readiness becomes an important part of business planning. Depending on the product, industry and business activity, an MSME may need different registrations, certifications or approvals before manufacturing, importing, selling or distributing products.

BIS Registration

BIS Registration may be required for products covered under mandatory certification or registration requirements. Manufacturers should identify the applicable Indian Standard and certification scheme before placing regulated products in the market.

Read MoreWhat is BIS Certification?

CDSCO Registration

Businesses involved in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics and related products should assess applicable CDSCO Registration and licensing requirements.

EPR Registration

Manufacturers, importers and brand owners dealing with specified waste categories may need EPR Registration and fulfilment of associated obligations.

LMPC Registration

Importers of pre-packaged commodities should review LMPC Registration and Legal Metrology packaging and declaration requirements.

RNI Registration

Publishers and businesses operating eligible newspapers or periodicals should review applicable RNI Registration and related publication requirements.

These registrations are not created specifically for BRICS participation. Instead, they form part of the broader regulatory preparedness that businesses may need while expanding their operations.

Challenges Indian MSMEs May Face

Despite new international cooperation initiatives, MSMEs may still face practical challenges.

These can include:

• Understanding foreign market regulations

• Meeting product standards

• Finding reliable overseas buyers

• Managing logistics and documentation

• Accessing affordable trade finance

• Protecting intellectual property

• Understanding customs procedures

• Meeting packaging and labelling requirements

• Maintaining environmental obligations

• Adapting products to different markets

The BRICS framework itself recognises finance and global value-chain participation as areas requiring greater cooperation.

What Should Indian MSMEs Do Next?

Indian MSMEs interested in BRICS opportunities can start by conducting a regulatory and export-readiness review.

A useful checklist is:

1. Confirm Udyam and other business registrations.

2. Review IEC and export documentation.

3. Identify target BRICS markets.

4. Research product-specific requirements.

5. Check whether BIS certification or registration applies.

6. Review CDSCO requirements for healthcare-related products.

7. Check EPR obligations for applicable products.

8. Review LMPC requirements for packaged commodities.

9. Verify RNI requirements for eligible publishing activities.

10. Organise technical, financial and business documents.

11. Monitor official BRICS MSME portal developments.

12. Evaluate potential international partners and buyers.

This approach can help businesses distinguish between market opportunities and the regulatory steps required to participate effectively.

Conclusion

The BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal 2026 represents part of India's wider effort to strengthen MSME internationalisation, access to finance, technology cooperation and participation in global value chains. Government initiatives under India's 2026 BRICS Chairship have placed significant attention on connecting small businesses with new markets and strengthening their ability to participate in international trade.

For Indian MSMEs, the next step is to combine market expansion with proper regulatory preparation. Businesses should assess applicable requirements such as BIS Registration, CDSCO Registration, EPR Registration, LMPC Registration and RNI Registration, depending on their industry and activities.

By keeping registrations, technical documents, product information and business records organised, MSME registration can be better prepared to explore emerging opportunities across BRICS markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal 2026?

The BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal is a digital ecosystem intended to support MSMEs across BRICS countries by connecting them with markets, finance, technology, training and relevant stakeholders.

2. Is the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal only for exporters?

No. The initiative is intended to support broader MSME cooperation. However, export-oriented and internationally expanding businesses may find the market-access and internationalisation aspects particularly relevant.

3. Does the portal replace BIS Registration?

No. BIS Registration remains a separate regulatory requirement where applicable to a product.

4. Is CDSCO Registration required for every MSME?

No. CDSCO Registration or other CDSCO approvals depend on the nature of the product and business activity, particularly in regulated healthcare sectors.

5. What is the role of EPR Registration for MSMEs?

EPR Registration may apply to manufacturers, importers, brand owners and other entities covered under specific waste-management frameworks. The requirement depends on the applicable product and regulatory category.

6. Do importers need LMPC Registration?

Importers dealing with applicable pre-packaged commodities should review Legal Metrology requirements, including whether LMPC Registration applies to their activities.

7. Is RNI Registration related to BRICS?

RNI Registration is a separate regulatory requirement for eligible publishing activities. It is not a requirement created by the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal.

8. Does joining the BRICS MSME ecosystem guarantee international business?

No. Participation can provide opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and market exploration, but business outcomes depend on the individual enterprise, market conditions, product suitability and regulatory readiness.