MSME Sustainable ZED Certification Scheme:
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is promoting quality-driven and environmentally sustainable manufacturing through the MSME Sustainable (Zero Defect, Zero Effect – ZED) Certification Scheme.
- It aims to help MSMEs improve manufacturing processes, adopt higher quality standards and reduce their environmental footprint.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
- It focuses on encouraging women entrepreneurs, with the government providing a 100 per cent subsidy on the cost of ZED certification for women-owned MSMEs, effectively making the certification free for eligible enterprises.
- The ZED framework offers Bronze, Silver and Gold certifications, allowing MSMEs to progressively improve their quality and sustainability standards.
- Eligible enterprises can avail financial assistance of up to 75 per cent of the cost of testing, system or product certification.
- The scheme has also gained support across the country, with 22 States and Union Territories integrating ZED into their industrial policies and offering additional incentives to certified MSMEs.
