ZED Certification — Zero Defect Zero Effect
Ministry of MSME · Central government
ZED certification subsidy for MSMEs covers 50%–80% of costs.
Open, rolling. Applications are accepted continuously — there is no deadline.
Key facts
- Subsidy amount
- Up to ₹2,50,000
- Instrument
- Subsidy
- Deadline
- Rolling
About this scheme
The ZED certification scheme offers government support for quality and sustainability certifications, ranging from Bronze to Platinum levels. The subsidy on certification costs is structured as 80% for Micro units, 60% for Small units, and 50% for Medium units. An additional 10% subsidy is available for Women, SC/ST-owned MSMEs, or units located in North-East, Himalayan, LWE-affected, or aspirational districts.
A joining reward of ₹10,000 is provided, which effectively makes Bronze certification free of cost. Financial assistance for testing and quality is available up to 75% of the cost, capped at ₹50,000. Handholding and consultancy support is offered up to ₹2 lakh per ZED-certified MSME.
Who can apply
- Eligible business forms
- Not specified
- Udyam registration
- Not specified
- MSME registration
- Required
- DPIIT startup recognition
- Not specified
- GST registration
- Not specified
- Where the business may be based
- Not restricted
- Micro, Small and Medium enterprises with Udyam Registration.
How to apply
- Begin by creating an account on the ZED portal at zed.msme.gov.in, using your Udyam Registration number for verification. - Fill out the online self-assessment questionnaire, which addresses quality, environmental, and management practices. - Upon enrolment, a joining reward of ₹10,000 is credited to your account. - A ZED-certified assessor then performs an evaluation, either on-site or remotely. - Depending on the score achieved, the certification level—Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum—is assigned. - Subsidies covering certification costs and testing expenses are then disbursed through the portal.
Frequently asked questions
What is ZED Certification?
ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) is a government-subsidised certification for MSMEs, available at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels, aimed at improving product quality and reducing environmental impact.
How much subsidy do I get on certification cost?
Micro enterprises receive an 80% subsidy on the certification fee, small enterprises 60%, and medium enterprises 50%. An additional 10% is available for women/SC/ST-owned MSMEs and units located in NE, Himalayan, LWE, or aspirational districts.
Is there a joining reward?
Yes. MSMEs that enrol receive a ₹10,000 joining reward, which offsets the cost of Bronze certification for most applicants, making it effectively free.
What financial assistance is available beyond certification cost?
Up to 75% of testing and quality improvement costs are subsidised, with the subsidy capped at ₹50,000. Additionally, each ZED-certified MSME can receive handholding and consultancy support of up to ₹2 lakh.
Who is eligible?
All Micro, Small and Medium enterprises with a valid Udyam Registration are eligible, and no sector is excluded.
How do I apply?
Register on the ZED portal at zed.msme.gov.in, finish the self-assessment, and submit it for evaluation by a ZED-certified assessor. The portal walks you through the certification levels.
Details last verified on 3 August 2026. Source: the issuer's published information.