Updated on July 03, 2025 12:02:37 PM
ZED Certification is a substantial drive to create recognition amongst Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises about the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) movement and incentivise them for ZED Certification while also motivating them to become MSME Leader. Zero Defect Zero Effect means that the goods should be manufactured in such a way that it should carry zero defects & they are never returned due to quality parameters, while zero effect means that the manufacturing should support sustainable development & it should have zero negative impact on the environment. Zed Certificate is valid for a period of 3 Years from the date of issuance of certificate.
The ZED Certification aims at strengthening the competitiveness of an organization by guidance, assessment, handholding, managerial, modification, technological intervention and not just certification. Few objectives of ZED certification are :
ZED Certificate Sample
To successfully apply for ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) Certification, MSMEs must provide specific documentation and photographic evidence aligned with key quality, safety, and hygiene parameters. Below is a summarized list of core requirements and supporting documents.
Leadership should drive the organization towards growth by inculcating Zero Defect Zero Effect culture. Activities that may be included (but not limited to):
Identify and implement systems based on the requirements for cleanliness & hygiene that may include statutory & regulatory requirements, customer requirements, process and product requirements. Activities that may be included (but not limited to):
Identify and implement safety systems based on Hazard Analysis & Risk Assessment to identify safety requirements including statutory & regulatory requirements, customer requirements, process and product requirements. Activities that may be included (but not limited to):
Identify and implement systems to measure the performance of timely delivery Activities that may be included (but not limited to):
Identify quality aspects and implement systems for products and processes to ensure consistent, high quality products and customer satisfaction. Activities that may be included (but not limited to):
Below is the step-by-step process for obtaining ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) Certification for MSMEs, aimed at promoting quality and sustainability in manufacturing practices:
The cost of obtaining ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) Certification depends on the certification level chosen by the MSME. The fee comprises two components – the Government Fee and Professional Fee – and varies by certification tier.
Certification Level | Government Fee | Professional Fees |
---|---|---|
1: BRONZE | Rs. 10,000/- | Rs. 15,000/- |
2: SILVER | Rs. 40,000/- | Rs. 25,000/- |
3: GOLD | Rs. 90,000/- | Rs. 50,000/- |
Note: The aformentioned Fees is exclusive of GST.
MSME unit gets subsidy on the cost of certification as per the following structure,:
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises may opt for upgrading their ZED Certification Level at any point of time before the expiry of their existing Certificate.
To ensure successful assessment under the ZED Certification scheme, MSMEs must provide appropriate photographic evidence. Below are essential guidelines highlighting what is acceptable and what must be avoided while capturing and submitting images.
Do’s | Don’ts |
---|---|
Photographs are captured directly from unit | Photos captured from Laptops, computer, documents etc |
Photos must be clear | Low Resolution / Hazy / unclear |
Photos of shop floor where employees are working | Photos of carpet, floor, tiles of the shop where employees are working |
Photos of Raw material store | Photos of raw material |
Photos of Finished goods store | Photos of Finished goods |
Photo of Fire extinguisher clearly showing area of installation | Zoomed Photo of Fire extinguisher |
Fire Extinguisher clearly showing the date of filling & validity | Unclear text & validity of fire extinguisher |
Sand Bucket specifically designed for fire & safety at designated place | Random Contained with Mud |
Employee working wearing industry specific Personal Protective Equipments | Employee wearing irrelevant PPE Kits |
Poster of Safety displayed at appropriate location | Poster on subject not related to safety, faded, torn or unclear photographs |
Photos of other safety system such as fire alarm, sprinkler etc | Photo of irrelevant safety system like CCTV |
Photos of Unit showing Board placed outside premises | Photos of unit available but name & address board is not visible |
ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) Certification offers a range of financial and operational benefits to MSMEs, encouraging quality improvement and sustainable practices. Below are the key advantages available to certified units:
NOTE: MSMEs may opt for upgrading their Certification Level at any point of time before the expiry of the validity of their existing ZED Certification. Cost and subsidy will remain the same.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) is a voluntary rating and certification scheme by the Ministry of MSME. It helps manufacturing MSMEs improve quality, reduce defects, and ensure environmental sustainability through a structured maturity model assessment.
Any manufacturing MSME registered on the Udyam (formerly UAM/EM‑II) portal under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, can apply. No requirement for prior ISO or similar certifications.
MSMEs are evaluated on ~30+ quality and sustainability parameters, each rated across 5 maturity levels (Learner → World‑Class). Based on their score, they receive one of five distinctions: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, or Platinum
No — it is entirely optional. However, it offers financial incentives and boosts competitiveness, making it a valuable enhancement for MSMEs
Zero defect zero effect scheme (ZED scheme) is launched by government of india to promote small and medium manufacturing industry. Aim of zed certification is to ensure the quality of products. Which means product should be defect free and should be eco friendly.
The total government fee for zed certification is as follows:
Type of Zed certification | Govt Fees for Zed Certification |
---|---|
Bronze certificate | INR 10,000 |
Silver certificate | INR 40,000 |
Gold certificateINR 90,000 | INR 90,000 |
To promote Zed certification govt also provide subsidies to MSME's. |
The total government fee for zed certification is as follows:
Type of Zed certification | Govt Fees for Zed Certification |
---|---|
Bronze certificate | INR 10,000 |
Silver certificate | INR 40,000 |
Gold certificateINR 90,000 | INR 90,000 |
To promote Zed certification govt also provide subsidies to MSME's. |
Zed certification is issued by Quality Council of India (QCI) after through evaluation the MSME.
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