MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme
Free to ₹90,000 ZED certification with 50-80% subsidy · MSMEs India
The MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme by the Ministry of MSME helps small businesses get certified for Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) manufacturing — a quality and environmental standard that can boost exports and market competitiveness. The scheme offers heavily subsidized certification costs, joining rewards, and funding for technology upgrades. Register at zed.msme.gov.in after obtaining your Udyam registration.
About This Scheme
The MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme by the Ministry of MSME helps small businesses get certified for Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) manufacturing — a quality and environmental standard that can boost exports and market competitiveness. The scheme offers heavily subsidized certification costs, joining rewards, and funding for technology upgrades. Register at zed.msme.gov.in after obtaining your Udyam registration.
Full official description
Launched by the Ministry Of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises , MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme is an extensive drive to create awareness amongst MSMEs about Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices and motivate and incentivize them for ZED Cerficaon while also encouraging them to become MSME Champions.
Objective: The ZED Certication envisages promotion of Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices amongst MSMEs so as to:
- Encourage and enable MSMEs for manufacturing of quality products using latest technology, tools & to constantly upgrade their processes for achievement of high quality and high productivity with the least effect on the environment.
- Develop an Ecosystem for ZED Manufacturing in MSMEs, for enhancing competitiveness and enabling exports.
- Promote adoption of ZED practices and recognising the efforts of successful MSMEs.
- Encourage MSMEs to achieve higher ZED Certification levels through graded incentives.
- Increase public awareness on demanding Zero Defect and Zero Effect products through the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification.
- Identify areas to improve upon, thereby assisting the Government in policy decisions and investment prioritization.
Benefits
- Joining reward of ₹10,000 (effectively makes Bronze certification free)
- Certification subsidy: 80% for Micro, 60% for Small, 50% for Medium enterprises
- Extra 10% subsidy for Women/SC/ST owned MSMEs or MSMEs in NER/Himalayan/LWE/aspirational districts
- Extra 5% subsidy for MSMEs in SFURTI or MSE-CDP clusters
- Up to 75% subsidy on testing/quality/product certification costs (max ₹50,000)
- Up to ₹2 lakh in consultancy support for ZED-certified MSMEs
- Up to ₹3 lakh for technology upgradation
💡 Why Startups Should Care
ZED certification is increasingly a gatekeeper for government procurement and larger corporate supply chains. With Bronze level effectively free and higher tiers heavily subsidized (up to 80% for micro enterprises), there's little reason not to pursue this quality credential.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise (MSME)
- Must be registered on the Udyam portal
How to Apply
- Visit zed.msme.gov.in and click "Register Now".
- Register using your Udyam Registration Number and associated mobile number.
- Choose your certification level (Bronze, Silver, or Gold) and undergo assessment.
- On certification, the joining reward (₹10,000) and level-based subsidy are applied automatically.
- Bronze certification effectively becomes free after the joining reward offset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification scheme ?
MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification is an extensive drive to create awareness amongst MSMEs about Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices and motivate and incentivize them for ZED Certification while also encouraging them to become MSME Champions. Through the journey of ZED Certification, MSMEs can reduce wastages substantially, increase productivity, enhance environmental consciousness, save energy, optimally use natural resources, expand their markets, etc.
Is MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification mandatory for MSMEs?
ZED Certification is not mandatory by the Government; it is a voluntary scheme which will provide the MSMEs a roadmap to global competitiveness.
Who can apply for MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification scheme?
All manufacturing sector MSMEs registered with the UDYAM registration portal (of the MoMSME) will be eligible to participate in MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification and avail related benefits/incentives.
How to apply for MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification scheme?
Visit the ZED website (https://zed.msme.gov.in/) and click on the ZED Certification tab. You will then be directed to the Login/Registration Page where you will have to put your Udyam registration number and associated mobile number to proceed further. Once the validation is done you have to read and take the ZED Pledge. You may also refer to the detailed User Manual for ZED Certification, which is available on the website and your dashboard under "My Document" section.
If a unit gets certified under MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification scheme, does it mean they don't have to follow other regulations/requirements or certifications?
ZED Certification is based on processes oriented quality specific standard and does not replace any other regulation/requirement or certification.
From where can a unit download the documents related to MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification scheme?
From the official ZED website.
Who is/are going to implement the scheme?
The ZED Scheme will be implemented nationwide through Organisations and Agencies such as QCI, NPC, Industry Chambers like CII, FICCI & ASSOCHAM, MSME-Development Institutes, MSME Technology Centres, Industry Associations, BEE, and other implementing agencies.
What are the major activities involved in MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification scheme?
The major activities under the ZED Certification Scheme are: Industry awareness programs, regional/state/national workshops, training of officials of DIs, TCs, DICs; Training of Master Trainers, Assessors & Consultants; MSME KAWACH; Assessment, Certification and Surveillance; Gap analysis & Handholding for improving processes; International Benchmarking; Financial Supports.
Does the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification scheme cover all MSME sectors?
Yes. This MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme covers all the MSME sectors belonging to manufacturing.
If an MSME has no ISO or similar certification, will it be eligible to apply for ZED certification?
Yes. All MSMEs which are registered with Ministry of MSME can avail scheme benefits irrespective of the certifications they may have.
Whether ZED certified units still need to get other certifications like ISO to establish their credence ?
ZED certification is independent of Certifications like ISO etc. MSMEs are free to obtain any other certifications simultaneously.
Will CPSUS, OEMS, LARGE BUYERS give any recognition/ preference to ZED certified msmes ?
The office of DC-MSME is actively pursuing this and discussions are in process to establish recognition/preference to ZED certified units among CPSUs, OEMs, Large buyers etc.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Udyam Registration Number of the enterprise
- Mobile number associated with Udyam Registration
- Valid email ID