MSMEs Encouraged to Apply for ZED Certification: A Guide to the Process

The Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) scheme, launched in October 2016 and revamped in April 2022, encourages Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance manufacturing quality, reduce waste, and adopt environmentally conscious practices. It also focuses on saving energy and expanding market reach. The ZED scheme offers three certification levels—bronze, silver, and gold—based on 20 different parameters, including workplace safety, energy management, and quality management.

For bronze certification, MSMEs must comply with five parameters, for silver certification they must meet 14, and for gold certification, all 20 parameters need to be fulfilled. The certification is valid for three years, with fees ranging from ₹10,000 for bronze certification to ₹90,000 for gold certification. These costs are subsidized: 80% for bronze-certified, 60% for silver, and 50% for gold-certified MSMEs.

To apply for ZED certification online, MSMEs must visit the ZED portal at zed.msme.gov.in and click on ‘Register Now.’ Validation requires the Udyam registration number and linked mobile number. After selecting the plant unit for certification and providing email and location details, MSMEs can proceed to pledge. Once the pledge is completed, they can log in with their ZED ID and password to begin the certification process. For bronze certification, GST and TAN numbers are required, along with a ₹10,000 reward that is deducted from the total cost.

Once the payment is made, the certification process begins, and relevant documents must be uploaded. After verification by an assessor, the bronze certification will be issued via email if no issues are found.

As of now, 3.38 lakh MSMEs have registered for ZED certification. Among them, 2.11 lakh have received bronze certification, 837 have achieved silver certification, and 1,296 have obtained gold certification. The government has provided financial support totaling ₹266 crore under this scheme.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on updates and reports gathered from various internet sources. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability. We encourage readers to verify the details independently.