SARFAESI P&M Hypothecation — MV and DSV for Every Equipment Category
The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI) enables banks and financial institutions to enforce their security interest in movable assets, including plant and machinery hypothecated as collateral, without court intervention.
For a bank’s P&M hypothecation security to be enforceable and adequately valued, the Government Approved P&M Valuer’s certificate must establish the Market Value (MV) of the hypothecated equipment at current market rates and the Distressed Sale Value (DSV) — the amount the bank can realise in a forced sale within the SARFAESI enforcement timeline.
Banks require this certificate at the time of loan sanction and periodically during the loan’s tenure, typically every 2–3 years for manufacturing plant and annually for equipment in high-wear categories or volatile secondary markets.
The Hypothecation vs Pledge Distinction
Hypothecation
Hypothecation means the movable asset remains in the borrower’s possession and use, with the bank holding only a charge or security interest over it.
For operational manufacturing plant, hypothecation is the norm. The borrower continues to use the machinery while the bank holds the security.
Pledge
Pledge means the asset is physically transferred to the bank’s possession. The lender therefore has physical custody of the pledged movable asset.
This differs materially from operational plant and machinery financing, where the equipment generally remains with the borrower.
The SARFAESI hypothecation certificate values the equipment in its operational location on an in-situ basis for MV, while the DSV reflects the ex-situ secondary market value after dismantling and removal.
What MV and DSV Actually Establish
Market Value
The current market value of the hypothecated equipment based on its category, specifications, condition, remaining useful life, marketability and operational position.
Distressed Sale Value
The amount the bank can reasonably realise through a forced sale within the applicable SARFAESI enforcement timeline, considering dismantling, removal, liquidity and buyer pool.
DSV Ranges by Equipment Category
The DSV varies according to equipment liquidity, buyer depth, transferability, dismantling requirements and the likely realisation period.
Commercial Vehicles
Cars, LCVs and HCVs. The most liquid movable asset category; vehicles can be moved and sold quickly with minimal preparation.
Standard Industrial Machinery
CNC machining centres, standard presses and standard injection moulding machines with an active secondary market.
Construction Equipment
Excavators, cranes and batching plants. Standard categories generally have reasonable market liquidity, while specialised lifting equipment may require steeper discounts.
HVAC & Utilities
Chillers, compressors and DG sets. Most equipment is transferable with standard service disconnection, providing moderate liquidity.
Process-Specific Equipment
Pharmaceutical granulation, food processing and chemical process equipment may have a narrower buyer pool and longer selling period.
Highly Specialised Equipment
Pharmaceutical sterile filling lines and custom chemical reactors can have a very small qualified buyer pool, making forced-sale realisation substantially more challenging.
Need an MV & DSV Certificate for Hypothecated Plant & Machinery?
Get an equipment-specific valuation assessment covering Market Value, Distressed Sale Value and applicable equipment category.