ZED means Zero Defect Zero Effect. The MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification programme encourages MSMEs to improve product quality, strengthen processes, reduce waste and use resources responsibly.

Who can apply?

MSMEs registered on the Udyam Registration portal are eligible to participate, subject to the applicable scheme conditions. The certification journey starts with the ZED Pledge and online application.

Three certification levels

Bronze

Bronze is the entry level and focuses on foundational areas such as leadership, Swachh Workplace, workplace safety, timely delivery and quality management.

Silver

Silver builds on the foundation and expands into areas such as human resource management, daily work management, maintenance and calibration, process control, material management, measurement, supply chain and risk management.

Gold

Gold is the highest of the three current ZED levels and goes deeper into energy, environment, waste, technology upgradation, natural resource conservation, CSR and broader business excellence.

20 manufacturing parameters

The current parameter framework covers Leadership; Swachh Workplace; Occupational Safety; Timely Delivery; Quality Management; HR Management; Daily Works Management; Planned Maintenance & Calibration; Process Control; Product Quality & Safety; Material Management; Energy Management; Environment Management; Measurement & Analysis; Supply Chain; Risk Management; Waste Management; Technology Selection & Upgradation; Natural Resource Conservation; and CSR.

How the process works

  1. Take the ZED Pledge.
  2. Choose the certification level.
  3. Submit the undertaking and required information.
  4. Prepare documents and implement applicable practices.
  5. Complete the applicable assessment process.
  6. Close non-conformities, if identified, within the permitted opportunity.
  7. Receive certification based on the assessment findings and recommendation.

Current scheme support

The Ministry/ZED programme currently lists certification costs of ₹10,000 for Bronze, ₹40,000 for Silver and ₹90,000 for Gold, with subsidy and joining-reward provisions subject to eligibility and current scheme conditions.

Always verify current fees, subsidy and process on the official ZED portal before applying.