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 (Zero Defect Zero Effect) certification scheme offers government-subsidised quality and sustainability certification, with ratings ranging from Bronze to Platinum. The subsidy on certification cost is 80% for Micro enterprises, 60% for Small enterprises, and 50% for Medium enterprises. An additional 10% subsidy is available for Women/SC/ST MSMEs, as well as for 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, subject to a maximum of ₹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 successful enrolment, a joining reward of ₹10,000 is credited to your account. - A ZED-certified assessor then carries out the evaluation, either on-site or remotely. - Depending on the score achieved, the certification level—Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum—is assigned. - Claims for subsidies on certification costs and testing expenses are handled through the portal.
Frequently asked questions
What is ZED Certification?
ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) is a government-subsidised certification for MSMEs, offered at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels, to help them enhance product quality and lower 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.
What financial assistance is available beyond certification cost?
Up to 75% of testing and quality improvement costs are subsidised, with a cap of ₹50,000. ZED-certified MSMEs can also receive handholding and consultancy support of up to ₹2 lakh each.
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 7 September 2026. Source: the issuer's published information.