Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – ZED Certification
1. Is ZED Certification mandatory?
1. Is ZED Certification mandatory?
Currently, ZED Certification is not mandatory under government regulations. However, it is strongly recommended for MSMEs as it provides a structured framework for improving quality, productivity, safety, sustainability, and overall business performance.
Many Large Enterprises, OEMs, and PSUs are already encouraging and recommending their suppliers and vendor partners to obtain ZED Certification as part of their supplier development and quality improvement initiatives. As industry expectations continue to evolve, adopting ZED today can help MSMEs stay competitive, future-ready, and eligible for various government-supported benefits.
2. What are the benefits of ZED Certification?
2. What are the benefits of ZED Certification?
Financial Benefits
- Top 7 benefit image link and watch benefit link:
1.1. How to avail 50k financial benefit: WATCH NOW
1.2. Handholding support benefit link: WATCH NOW
1.3. Benefit Video Series: WATCH NOW
Operational Benefits
- Improves system and process management
- Enhances product quality and efficiency
- Reduces wastage and improves compliance
- Builds customer and OEM confidence
- Get listed on the official ZED portal to boost visibility with buyers, banks and gov. Agencies.
3. We already have ISO Certification. Why should we go for ZED?
3. We already have ISO Certification. Why should we go for ZED?
If your company already has an ISO Certification, you are already one step ahead in the ZED journey. Many ZED requirements are aligned with globally recognized standards such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), and ISO 50001 (Energy Management), making the certification process easier.
ZED brings together these important areas along with other business improvement parameters under one framework, helping MSMEs strengthen their overall operations. In addition, ZED offers government-supported financial benefits, and eligible ZED-certified MSMEs can also avail support for obtaining new ISO certifications under the scheme.
4. How can I avail ISO Certification benefits under ZED?
4. How can I avail ISO Certification benefits under ZED?
Once ZED certified, eligible MSMEs can apply for support on selected ISO certifications through the ZED Portal by submitting the required documents. Benefits are provided as per the applicable scheme guidelines.
5. Does the Government really provide these benefits?
5. Does the Government really provide these benefits?
Yes. Eligible benefits are provided directly through the official Government ZED Portal and ZED App as per scheme guidelines. To know more- Benefits/Incentives | ZED – Zero Defect Zero Effect
For the latest real-time data on beneficiaries on MSMEs benefited, total financial support provided, and available incentives under the ZED Scheme, please visit: 🔗 ZED | Zero Defect Zero Effect
6. Is a lot of documentation required for ZED?
6. Is a lot of documentation required for ZED?
No. ZED parameters are designed to be simple and MSME-friendly. Only the documents relevant to the applicable parameters are required for certification.
Most documents are related to your existing business practices covering areas such as quality, production, safety, environment, and compliance. To better understand the parameter-wise requirements, please refer to the detailed documents below:
Silver Assessment Framework (PDF) : Download Here
Gold Assessment Framework (PDF): Download Here
🎓 To understand ZED parameters in detail, join our Technical Awareness Session for free of cost.
Every Saturday | 2:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Microsoft Teams | English & Hindi
🔗 Registration Link: https://zedmsme.com/silver-and-gold-registration/
7. What is the use of ZED Certification?
7. What is the use of ZED Certification?
The ZED Certification envisages promotion of Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices amongst MSMEs so+ as to:
- Encourage and enable MSMEs for manufacturing of quality products using latest technology, tools & to constantly upgrade their processes for achievement of high quality and high productivity with the least effect on the environment.
- Encourage and enable MSMEs for manufacturing of quality products using latest technology, tools & to constantly upgrade their processes for achievement of high quality and high productivity with the least effect on the environment
- Develop an Ecosystem for ZED Manufacturing in MSMEs, for enhancing competitiveness and enabling exports
- Promote adoption of ZED practices and recognizing the efforts of successful MSMEs
- Encourage MSMEs to achieve higher ZED Certification levels through graded incentives
- Increase public awareness on demanding Zero Defect and Zero Effect products through the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification
- Identify areas to improve upon, thereby assisting the Government in policy decisions and investment prioritization
8. What is the fee for ZED Certification?
8. What is the fee for ZED Certification?
The certification fee is highly subsidized by the Government of India. —-> View Here
9. Can multiple units under one ZED Id registration apply together?
9. Can multiple units under one ZED Id registration apply together?
No. One unit address can have only one ZED registration and Id.
If you have multiple units under same Udyam number, each unit can be applied separately for ZED certification.
10. Can we directly apply for Silver or Gold Certification?
10. Can we directly apply for Silver or Gold Certification?
Yes, if the MSME fulfills the required parameters and documentation criteria.
You can directly apply for the certification level you wish to achieve—Bronze, Silver, or Gold. The certification level depends on your organization’s readiness and ability to meet the applicable ZED parameters and assessment requirements.
11. Can we directly upgrade from Bronze to Gold level?
11. Can we directly upgrade from Bronze to Gold level?
Yes, direct upgrade is possible if Gold-level parameter requirements are fulfilled.
However, the recommended approach is to progress step-by-step from Bronze → Silver → Gold, as each level helps strengthen business systems, documentation, quality practices, and process maturity. This makes it easier to sustain improvements and successfully achieve higher certification levels.
12. What is the validity of ZED Certification?
12. What is the validity of ZED Certification?
ZED Certification is valid for 3 years.
- Bronze Certification: Renewal is not applicable after 3 years. Upon expiry, the Bronze Certification becomes null and void. MSMEs are encouraged to progress to Silver or Gold Certification before the validity period ends.
- Silver & Gold Certifications: Valid for 3 years, with a surveillance assessment required between 12–18 months. These certifications can be renewed after expiry by fulfilling the applicable requirements under the scheme.
13. Which ZED level is suitable for my company?
13. Which ZED level is suitable for my company?
Please refer to the Eligibility Criteria Video to understand the most suitable certification level for your MSME.
WATCH VIDEO
14. Are these benefits one-time only?
14. Are these benefits one-time only?
The availability of benefits depends on the specific incentive being availed under the ZED Scheme.
Some benefits are one-time in nature, while others can be enjoyed throughout the validity of the ZED Certificate.
For example:
- Certification Reimbursement (up to ₹50,000): This benefit can be availed once for each certification level, subject to the applicable scheme guidelines.
- Bank Interest Subvention: Eligible MSMEs can continue to receive the interest benefit on their loan during the validity period of their ZED Certification, subject to scheme conditions and bank approval.
We recommend referring to the specific benefit guidelines on the ZED Portal, as eligibility and provisions may vary for different incentives.
15. I already spent money on ISO Certification. Can I get reimbursement now?
15. I already spent money on ISO Certification. Can I get reimbursement now?
The Central Government’s ISO Certification reimbursement benefit (up to ₹50,000) under the ZED Scheme can be availed only after obtaining ZED Certification and for eligible NABCB-accredited ISO certifications, as per the scheme guidelines.
Apart from this, some State Governments, such as Haryana and Tamil Nadu, also provide financial assistance for quality certifications under their respective schemes. These state-level benefits are separate from and independent of the benefits available under the Central Government’s ZED Scheme.
16. Will I get the subsidy for cost of certification later?
16. Will I get the subsidy for cost of certification later?
No. Subsidy is adjusted upfront during payment process on the official Government ZED portal itself.
17. For women entrepreneurs, is handholding also free?
17. For women entrepreneurs, is handholding also free?
Certification cost is 100% subsidized for eligible women entrepreneurs under applicable categories.
However, handholding fees are Subsidized. Subsidized support is available as follows:
- Micro – 80%
- Small – 60%
- Medium – 50%
18. How can we proceed for the handholding process?
18. How can we proceed for the handholding process?
To avail Handholding Support, the MSME must first obtain Bronze ZED Certification and apply for Handholding through the ZED Portal.
To proceed with the handholding process, the MSME needs to connect with a ZED-certified Consultant, who will guide them through the implementation of the required parameters. The handholding process is carried out in three phases (Milestone 1, Milestone 2, and Milestone 3).
The handholding fee is also paid milestone-wise, and the applicable government subsidy is provided upfront, reducing the MSME’s payable amount.
Handholding Subsidy: Micro – 80% | Small – 60% | Medium – 50%
For assistance in understanding the process or connecting with handholding consultants, please contact:
📞 Mr. Sonal Saggi: [9811873734]
📞 Ms. Jyothi Krishna: [9354907230]
19. How can we avail Technology Upgradation benefits?
19. How can we avail Technology Upgradation benefits?
To avail Technology Upgradation benefits, the MSME must have Bronze ZED Certification and undergo the Handholding Process with a ZED-certified Consultant.
Based on the MSME’s requirements, the consultant will assess and recommend suitable technology upgradation opportunities during the handholding process. The proposal is then considered as per the scheme guidelines.
The Government has identified 800+ approved technologies eligible under this benefit.
📄 View the List of Eligible Technologies (800+ Options): VIEW HERE
20. How many days does ISO reimbursement take?
20. How many days does ISO reimbursement take?
Approximate processing time is 25–30 working days, subject to QCI approval and documentation.
21. How much time is required to get ZED Certification?
21. How much time is required to get ZED Certification?
- Bronze – Approx. 2 days
- Silver/Gold – Approx. 21 days
Timeline depends on MSME readiness and document completion.
22. Do we need to pay any assessor or RSJ separately?
22. Do we need to pay any assessor or RSJ separately?
No. MSMEs do not need to pay any additional amount to assessors or RSJ Inspection Service Limited.
RSJ is a QCI-empaneled organization and does not charge separately for certification support services.
The MSME only needs to pay the certification fee directly on the Government ZED Portal, which is already highly subsidized.
Need Assistance with ZED Certification?
📞 Mr. Sonal Saggi: [9811873734]
📞 Ms. Jyothi Krishna: [9354907230]
🌐 Website: https://zedmsme.com
Our team will be happy to guide you through registration, certification, benefits, handholding, and technology upgradation support.