Updated on: May 9th, 2022 12:30 PM

MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Procedure

The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has recently launched the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification scheme to help the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt Zero Defect Zero Effect practices and become more energy efficient while improving quality through increased compliance with manufacturing processes. The present article briefs the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Procedure. For more details on MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme, click here

ZED Certification

MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification is an extensive drive to create awareness amongst MSMEs about Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices and motivate and incentivize them for ZED Certification while also encouraging them to become MSME Champions.

Levels of ZED Certification

ZED Certification can be attained on 3 levels after taking the ZED Pledge

• Certification Level 1: BRONZE
• Certification Level 2:SILVER
• Certification Level 3: GOLD

The format of the ZED Pledge is attached here for reference: After taking the ZED Pledge, an MSME can apply online for any Certification Level (Bronze, Silver, Gold) and would need to conform to all the requirements of the level applied for, in order to obtain the Certification Every MSME embarking on the journey of ZED must submit an Undertaking as per the document attached below: In case of non-conformity, the applicant MSME would be given an opportunity closes the non-conformity, in a defined time period, in order to be eligible for the desired level/Certification. The Final ZED Certificate will be issued based upon the findings and recommendation of the Accredited Assessment Agencies Note: Ministry of MSME reserves the right to visit and
inspect any MSME after Certification which has availed any subsidy, benefit, or incentives under this Scheme.

MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Procedure

The applicant MSME needs to access the official website of  MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification.

User Registration

• From the homepage, click on the start with ZED option. Select the Register Now option for new user registration.
• To proceed, the applicant MSME must keep the following ready:
  • The Udyam Registration Number of the Enterprise.
  • The Mobile Number that is associated with the Udyam Registration.
• If the Enterprise is not registered under Udyam Registration, then the applicant may first register on Udyam Portal.
• On the next page, enter the Udyam Registration Number and Udyam Registered Mobile Number and click on proceed button.
• On successful registration, ZED ID and Password will be sent to the registered mobile ID.

Provide Details

Login to the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification portal, for applying for the ZED certificate. While applying for MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Procedure, the applicant MSME will be asked to submit basic information about the MSME on the online portal. This information will be related to the details of the following:

• Product manufactured
• Quality Certificates
• Operational processes
• Customer information

Undertaking of Compliances

The applicant MSME will certify that they comply with & fulfill all relevant & applicable regulatory & statutory norms/licenses pertaining to the functioning of the MSME unit. Documents Required The MSME needs to attach the following types of documents for applying for Certification Level 1: Bronze

• Photos of the products(s)
• Photos of the shop- floor
• Photos of product labeling/product description
• Photos of fire safety systems
  

Declaration

The applicant MSME will sign an online self-declaration stating that the information uploaded is true and that they fulfill the requirements.

Certification

Upon verification of the uploaded documents, recommendations for award of Certification will be made and a Certificate will be issued.

Validity Of ZED Certificate

The certificate provided will be valid for a period of 3 years, The applicant will have to apply a fresh certificate after the expiry of the certificate as per the validity of the scheme.

• The MSME will be able to avail of incentives as announced by the Ministry of MSME.
• The MSME may also avail of handholding/ Consultancy in order to achieve the next certification Level
  

Incentives and Handholding / Consultancy

The MSME will be able to avail of incentives as announced by the Ministry of MSME. The MSME may also avail of handholding/ Consultancy in order to achieve the next certification level.

Financial Assistance In Testing/ System/Product Certification

In case the MSME wishes to apply for any Testing, cation, cation
Management System or Product Certification a subsidy on the cost of Certification will be extended to the MSME, subject to the following conditions:

• The product testing must be done through a laboratory that is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL
• The Management System Certification must be through a Certification Body that is
  accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)
• The Product Certification must be through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
• The subsidy will be 75% of the total cost of
  Testing/System/Product Certification, with the maximum ceiling of subsidy is Rs. 50,000/-
• The subsidy will be applicable on only one Testing OR one Quality OR one Product after achieving this Level
  
• The Certi cation pertaining to Testing Management Systems or Product obtained through a Government Agency/ Organisation will also be eligible for the said Financial Assistance