The ZED MSME (Zero Defect, Zero Effect) scheme is a flagship quality certification initiative launched by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, aimed at promoting high-quality manufacturing with minimal environmental impact among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
🧭 What is ZED?
ZED stands for:
- ✅ Zero Defect – Promote high-quality manufacturing that is defect-free.
- 🌿 Zero Effect – Ensure that processes are environment-friendly and sustainable.
The scheme empowers MSMEs to improve processes, reduce waste, conserve energy, and become globally competitive.
🎯 Objectives of the ZED Scheme
- Promote quality manufacturing.
- Minimize environmental impact.
- Drive competitiveness and export readiness.
- Encourage the adoption of clean technologies.
- Facilitate financial and technical support for quality improvements.
🏆 ZED MSME Certification Levels
MSMEs can apply for 3 main certification levels:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 🥉 Bronze | Basic quality & environmental practices |
| 🥈 Silver | Improved operations, some lean and sustainability practices |
| 🥇 Gold | World-class manufacturing, advanced quality & sustainability standards |
Each level involves a self-assessment, followed by third-party validation.
✅ Eligibility
- Must be an Udyam-registered MSME.
- Primarily manufacturing enterprises (service MSMEs may be included later).
- Valid PAN, GST, and basic compliance documents required.
📑 Documents Required
- Udyam Registration Certificate
- PAN & GST Certificates
- Unit Photographs
- Process/Machine Photos
- Energy/Water/Waste Audit Reports (if available)
- ISO or other Quality certifications (if available)
🧾 Registration Process
- 🔗 Visit https://zed.msme.gov.in
- 📝 Take the ZED Pledge
- 🔐 Register using Udyam number, mobile number, and email
- 📋 Complete Self-Assessment
- 💳 Pay the certification fee (after subsidy)
- 📤 Upload required documents
- 🧑🔬 Undergo Desktop Assessment
- 🏭 Get optional Site Assessment (for Silver/Gold)
- 🏅 Receive Certificate (valid for 3 years)
💰 Fees and Subsidies
| MSME Type | Subsidy on Fee |
|---|---|
| Micro | 80% |
| Small | 60% |
| Medium | 50% |
✅ Extra 10% subsidy for:
- SC/ST/Women-led units
- Units in North East, J&K, Ladakh, Aspirational Districts
✅ Extra 5% subsidy if registered under SFURTI or MSE-CDP
🚀 Benefits of ZED Certification
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 🏦 Loan Benefits | Lower interest rates from partner banks (up to 0.5% discount) |
| 📑 ISO Certification Reimbursement | Get costs reimbursed for ISO standards |
| 🌐 Global Recognition | Boost credibility in international trade |
| 🎯 Priority in Tenders | Preference in government procurement |
| 🏭 Process Improvement | Lean, safe, and green operations |
| 📈 Competitive Edge | Stay ahead of non-certified peers |
| 🧑🏫 Training & Consultancy | Access to free guidance and expert consultants |
Guide for MSME ZED Registration
✅ Step-by-Step Guide for MSME ZED Registration
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
🔗 Go to https://zed.msme.gov.in
Step 2: Take the ZED Pledge
📌 Click on “Take the ZED Pledge”
✅ Fill in basic details to show your commitment to quality and sustainability.
Step 3: Register Your MSME
🧾 Click on “Register/Login”
🔐 Enter your Udyam Registration Number, mobile number, and email.
📥 An OTP will be sent for verification.
Step 4: Self-Assessment
📝 Complete the self-evaluation form covering:
- Product Quality
- Process Efficiency
- Environmental Sustainability
- Health & Safety
- Supply Chain Practices
📊 Based on your responses, a provisional score is generated.
Step 5: Upload Documents
📤 Prepare and upload required documents:
- Udyam Certificate
- PAN & GST
- Product/Process photos
- Environmental & Quality reports (if available)
Step 6: Make Payment (Post-Subsidy)
💳 Pay the certification fee after applicable government subsidy:
- Micro: 80% subsidy
- Small: 60%
- Medium: 50%
- Additional 10–15% for eligible enterprises (e.g., Women/SC/ST/North-East)
Step 7: Desktop Assessment
🔍 Quality Council of India (QCI) reviews your self-assessment and documents.
Step 8: On-Site Assessment (for Silver/Gold)
🏭 If applying for Silver or Gold, a third-party assessor visits your facility.
Step 9: Certification Issued
🏅 After verification, your ZED Certificate is issued via email and dashboard.
📆 Validity: 3 years
🧠 How ZED Helps MSMEs
- Identify gaps in operations
- Implement corrective actions
- Access to ZED consultants
- Improve profitability, efficiency, and compliance
- Enhance brand reputation and customer trust
📞 ZED Support
- Toll-Free: 1800-202-9408
- Email: support@zed.org.in
- Portal: https://zed.msme.gov.in