ZED Certification — Zero Defect Zero Effect
Check your eligibility
Create a free account and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
Subsidised quality certification for MSMEs — 50%–80% subsidy on ZED certification costs
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹2.5 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Provider
- Ministry of MSME
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this subsidy
Government-subsidised quality and sustainability certification at Bronze–Platinum levels. Subsidy on certification cost: 80% for Micro, 60% for Small, 50% for Medium. Additional 10% for Women/SC/ST MSMEs or units in NE/Himalayan/LWE/aspirational districts. ₹10,000 joining reward (makes Bronze free). Financial assistance for testing/quality up to 75% of cost (max ₹50,000). Handholding & consultancy: up to ₹2 lakh per ZED-certified MSME.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Subsidy providers
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is the central government ministry responsible for formulating policies and programmes for the MSME sector in India. It administers several schemes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, livelihood creation, and enterprise…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹2.5 Lakhs
What You Get
ZED Certification provides government subsidies covering 80% (Micro), 60% (Small), or 50% (Medium) of certification costs, with an additional 10% for Women/SC/ST units and those in special geographic areas. A ₹10,000 joining reward makes Bronze certification effectively free. Additional financial assistance of up to 75% on testing and quality costs (capped at ₹50,000) and handholding/consultancy support up to ₹2 lakh per certified MSME are also available. The total financial support ceiling is up to ₹2.5 lakh. Certification also improves marketability and eligibility for government procurement.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Application Process
- 1
Obtain free Udyam Registration at udyamregistration.gov.in.
Obtain free Udyam Registration at udyamregistration.gov.in.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ZED Certification?
ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) is a government-subsidised quality and sustainability certification for MSMEs at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. It helps MSMEs improve product quality and reduce environmental impact.
How much subsidy do I get on certification cost?
Micro enterprises get 80% subsidy, Small enterprises 60%, and Medium enterprises 50% on the certification fee. Women/SC/ST-owned MSMEs and units in NE/Himalayan/LWE/aspirational districts get an additional 10%.
Is there a joining reward?
Yes. A ₹10,000 joining reward is provided to MSMEs that enrol, which effectively makes Bronze certification free for most applicants.
What financial assistance is available beyond certification cost?
Up to 75% of testing and quality improvement costs are subsidised (capped at ₹50,000). Additionally, handholding and consultancy support worth up to ₹2 lakh is available per ZED-certified MSME.
Who is eligible?
All Micro, Small and Medium enterprises holding Udyam Registration are eligible. There is no sector restriction.
How do I apply?
Register on the ZED portal at zed.msme.gov.in, complete the self-assessment, and submit for assessment by a ZED-certified assessor. The portal guides you through the certification levels.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
