India has introduced a new certification program to help the export industry meet international environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance standards, officials said on Friday.

The framework is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Indian goods on the international market by ensuring that products meet the increasingly stringent sustainability standards of key export markets, such as Europe, North America and certain parts of Asia.

As part of the initiative, exporters will be able to get recognised sustainability credentials from the international market that will be based on low-carbon intensity, responsible resource-use practices, ethical working practices and reduced environmental impacts throughout the product life cycles. According to the government, the certification would ease the compliance requirements of Indian businesses in relation to the complicated export regulations and their customers' expectations regarding green and socially responsible production.

The decision follows the rapid evolution of global trade to incorporate sustainability requirements into market-access rules, such as climate-related measures like carbon border adjustment, and ESG disclosure demands, officials said. India is looking at a standardised sustainability assessment and certification to avoid the trade barriers and generate wider market opportunities for exports.

It will be managed through cooperation between central government authorities, sectoral authorities and third-party assessment bodies accredited according to international standards. Exporters applying for certification will be evaluated on various criteria, and will be subject to regular audits to verify ongoing compliance and improvements over time.

The development was welcomed by industry leaders, who stated that a formal sustainability certification would help to further build trust with international buyers and help gain access to premium markets which value sustainable and environmentally conscious sourcing. The certification is expected to boost exports in sectors such as textiles, leather goods, processed foods, chemicals, engineering products, and renewable energy equipment.

Export promotion councils and industry associations will collaborate closely with the government to support exporters in preparing for certification, training, capacity building, documentation support, and reporting guidance.

The sustainability certification process is being integrated into a larger initiative to modernise the export ecosystem in India and make it more sustainable, officials said, adding that it would help align India's exports with emerging global sustainability requirements and evolving market trends.