ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) Certification Guide for MSMEs

• Subsidy on certification fees
• Financial assistance for testing, systems, and product certification
• Subsidy for handholding support
• Financial support for technology upgradation aligned with Zero Effect solutions
  

Graded Incentives

Graded benefits are provided as defined by State Governments, financial institutions, and other Ministries/Departments for the three ZED certification levels.

Incentive Subsidy on Cost of Certification

• Micro Enterprises – 80% subsidy
• Small Enterprises – 60% subsidy
• Medium Enterprises – 50% subsidy

Types of ZED Certificates

The ZED scheme offers three certification levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

Bronze Level

• Improved brand image and credibility
• Better customer satisfaction
• Increased market opportunities
• Reduction in operational costs and waste
• Access to subsidies and incentives

Silver Level

• Strengthened risk management systems
• Higher employee engagement and motivation
• Stronger supply chain partnerships
• Eligibility for additional subsidies and incentives

Gold Level

• Benchmark for operational excellence
• Competitive edge in global markets
• Enhanced brand equity and long-term customer loyalty
• Recognition as a sustainability leader
• Contribution toward national sustainability objectives
• Eligibility for exclusive recognition and benefits

Eligibility Criteria for ZED Certification

• UDYAM Registration: The MSME must be registered on the UDYAM Portal under the Ministry of MSME.
• Minimum Turnover Requirement:
• • Bronze: Minimum annual turnover of ₹10 lakhs
  • Silver: Minimum annual turnover of ₹50 lakhs
  • Gold: Minimum annual turnover of ₹200 lakhs
    
• Compliance with ZED Principles: The MSME must adhere to Zero Defect Zero Effect standards covering quality, environmental responsibility, and social accountability.
• Application Submission: An online application must be submitted along with required documentation.
• Assessment: Evaluation will be conducted by an accredited ZED Certification Body (ZCB).
• Renewal: Certification remains valid for three years, after which a surveillance audit is required for continuation.

Process to Obtain ZED Certification

• Online registration on the ZED Portal
• Enter valid Udyam registration number and mobile number
• Udyam validation through API integration
• Online payment of MSME contribution (if applicable)
• Issuance of ZED ID, password, and Pledge Certificate
• Completion of ZED pledge
• MSME downloads the mobile application for further steps
• Submission of basic details and required documents by the MSME SPOC along with a selfie
• Geo-tagging and real-time data capture with live web monitoring
• Case submission to Master Admin
• Allocation of case for assessment
• Assessment conducted by authorized assessor
• Approval of case by assessor
• Closure of non-conformities by MSME (if any)
• Raising of non-conformities by assessor (if applicable)
• Generation of final certificate and assessment report

Assistance for ZED Certification

MSMEs are eligible to receive financial support to offset the cost of ZED certification.

• Subsidy is available for Bronze, Silver, and Gold certification levels.
• Maximum subsidy amount is capped at ₹50,000.
• Additional financial benefits are available for Women, SC/ST entrepreneurs, and MSMEs located in NER, Himalayan, LWE, Island territories, and aspirational districts.
• Applications for financial assistance can be submitted online via the ZED certification portal.