Introduction

The ZED Certification Scheme 2025, launched under the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification component of the MSME Champions Scheme, empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to implement Zero Defect Zero Effect manufacturing practices. The scheme provides financial support, graded certification, consultancy, and rewards for sustainable and high-quality production.

If you’re an MSME aiming to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and stand out in both Indian and global markets, this scheme is tailored for you.

📅 Table of Contents

1. What is the ZED Certification Scheme?
2. Objectives of the Scheme
3. Who is Eligible?
4. ZED Certification Levels & Costs
5. Subsidies and Financial Benefits
6. Additional Assistance for Special Categories
7. Handholding & Technology Upgradation Support
8. Benefits of ZED Certification for MSMEs
9. Step-by-Step Application Process
10. FAQs
11. How Sigma Solutions Helps
12. Conclusion

1. What is the ZED Certification Scheme?

The ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) Scheme encourages MSMEs to:

• Improve quality and reduce production defects
• Minimize environmental impact
• Move toward energy-efficient and sustainable operations
• Get certified at Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels based on readiness

It is available to all Udyam-registered MSMEs in India.

2. Objectives of the Scheme

• ✅ Promote high-quality manufacturing
• ✅ Support sustainability and eco-friendly practices
• ✅ Provide access to grants and subsidies
• ✅ Enhance global competitiveness
• ✅ Reward MSMEs for upgrading operations and processes

3. Who is Eligible?

All Udyam-registered MSMEs can apply. Priority is given to:

• Women-owned MSMEs (100% subsidy)
• SC/ST entrepreneurs
• MSMEs from NER, Island, Himalayan or Aspirational Districts
• Units under SFURTI or MSE-CDP schemes

4. ZED Certification Levels & Costs

✅ A Rs. 10,000 joining reward covers the BRONZE cost entirely.

5. Subsidies and Financial Benefits

• Micro Units: 80% subsidy on certification fee
• Small Units: 60% subsidy
• Medium Units: 50% subsidy
• Women-led MSMEs: 100% subsidy
• Additional 10% for SC/ST, NER, or Aspirational Districts

Other Financial Support:

• ₹ 50,000 for product testing and certification
• ₹ 2,00,000 for consultancy/handholding
• ₹ 3,00,000 for technology upgradation

6. Additional Assistance for Special Categories

MSMEs falling into special categories (Women, SC/ST, NER, SFURTI, MSE-CDP) get:

• Full subsidy for BRONZE
• Enhanced testing, consultancy, and tech adoption support
• Fast-tracked verification and certification

7. Handholding & Technology Upgradation Support

After ZED certification, MSMEs can avail:

• Expert guidance and mentoring (up to Rs. 2 lakh)
• Financial support to adopt eco-friendly tech (up to Rs. 3 lakh)
• Workflow audits and process optimization

8. Benefits of ZED Certification for MSMEs

• ✅ Builds customer trust and quality reputation
• ✅ Access to government procurement preferences
• ✅ Recognition and promotional listing
• ✅ Eligibility for reduced testing and certification costs
• ✅ Competitive advantage in exports and global tenders
• ✅ Access to consultancy and expert resources

9. Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register on the Udyam Portal
2. Go to https://zed.msme.gov.in
3. Select your desired level (Bronze, Silver, Gold)
4. Pay applicable fee (adjusted by joining reward/subsidy)
5. Upload business documents and Udyam certificate
6. Undergo ZED Assessment by a government-appointed agency
7. Get certified and claim your additional benefits

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the validity of ZED certification?
Three (3) years from the date of issuance.

Q2. Can I directly apply for Silver or Gold?
Yes, if your MSME already meets required standards.

Q3. Is the joining reward cash-based?
No, it’s adjusted against BRONZE certification fee.

Q4. Is post-certification aid available?
Yes. Testing, consultancy, and tech support follow certification.

Q5. Can startups apply?
Yes, if registered under MSME via Udyam.

Q6. Is the ZED portal process online?
Yes, end-to-end.

Q7. What is the total financial benefit?
Up to Rs. 5.5 lakh for eligible MSMEs.

Q8. Can multiple branches apply?
Yes, if each branch has a separate Udyam registration.

Q9. Do I need to hire a consultant?
Not required, but Sigma Solutions offers full support.

Q10. How long does the entire process take?
Generally 2 to 4 weeks, if documents are in order.

11. How Sigma Solutions Helps

We help MSMEs from assessment to execution:

• ✅ Udyam and ZED portal registration
• ✅ Selection of certification level
• ✅ DPR, testing, and tech planning
• ✅ Claim assistance for all subsidies
• ✅ Expansion and branding post-certification

📞 Call: +91-9084729472
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.sigmasolutions.in

12. Conclusion

The ZED Certification Scheme 2025 is an important step toward building a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive MSME sector in India. With subsidies, consultancy, and certification support, this initiative offers MSMEs a path to long-term success.

Start your ZED journey today with Sigma Solutions by your side.