Certification Level’s of ZED

The ZED Certification is structured into three levels, each progressively demanding higher standards of quality and sustainability

Zed Bronze

The Bronze certification represents the foundational level, focusing on basic quality and environmental standards.

Zed Silver

The Silver certification builds upon the Bronze level, requiring more stringent adherence to quality control and sustainable practices.

Zed Gold

The Gold certification is the highest tier, demanding comprehensive excellence in quality management and sustainability, positioning MSMEs at par with global leaders. Subsidy Details

To encourage widespread adoption of the ZED Certification, the scheme offers substantial subsidies based on the size of the enterprise:

Micro Enterprises: 80% subsidy for all three levels of certification.

Small Enterprises : 60% subsidy for all three levels of certification.

Medium Enterprises : 50% subsidy for all three levels of certification.

Additional Benefits :

To further support and incentivize MSMEs, the ZED Certification Scheme includes several additional benefits :

Joining Reward:

Upon registration, MSMEs receive a joining reward of ₹10,000. This reward can be applied towards the Bronze certification fee, effectively making it free for the enterprise. This incentive lowers the entry barrier, encouraging more MSMEs to embark on the journey of quality and sustainability improvement.

Women Entrepreneurs:

Women-led MSMEs are eligible to receive all three levels of certification at no cost. This initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs and promote gender equality in the business ecosystem.

5% Additional Subsidy:

Available for MSMEs that are part of the SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries) or the Micro & Small Enterprises – Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) of the Ministry.

10% Additional Subsidy:

Granted to MSMEs owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs or those located in the Northeastern Region (NER), Himalayan, Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas, Island territories, or aspirational districts.

Financial Benefits :

1. Subsidy on Certification:

The Quality Council of India (QCI) offers subsidies covering all three levels of certification costs. This provides a remarkable opportunity for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to register and benefit from significantly reduced certification expenses

2. Financial Support for Testing/Systems/Product Certification:

ZED certified companies can avail themselves of financial assistance for testing systems and product certification. The certification scheme reimburses up to 75% of the cost of testing or certification fees, with a maximum ceiling subsidy of INR 50,000.
The certificates should be issued by an accredited agency like NABL, NABCB, or BIS. A video called “Benefits series 1” has been released that explains the step-by-step process to avail up to INR 50,000 reimbursements on quality certification.
The entire process is digitalized, paperless, and the money is transferred directly to the bank account if the criteria are met.

3. Subsidy on handholding:

If an MSME is bronze certified and wants to go to the next level – silver or gold, QCI-approved consulting organizations provide hand-holding support with trained and certified consultants.
They will work with the MSME for four months and support them to achieve the next level. Up to INR 2,00,000 subsidy is provided to avail this handholding support.

4. Subsidy for technology upgrade in Zero Effect Solutions :

While upgrading from bronze to silver or gold, if technology upgrades are suggested and implemented, such as upgraded machinery, the cost, up to INR 3,00,000, can be reimbursed.

5. Concession from Ministry of Railways:

ZED Certified companies on selected routes are given concession and subsidies on freight charges and Parcel charges by the ministry of railways.

6. Concession from Banks:

Thirteen Banks recognize the ZED Scheme and give subsides, concessions, or waivers on loan processing fees and interest rate reduction.

7. Credit Bureaus:

Credit Bureaus are incorporating ZED certification as a parameter in the rating criteria, So ZED Certified companies get additional marks, which boost their credit rating.

8. State Incentives:

Government of Tamil Nadu” is offering benefits which is specifically designed for ZED Certified MSMEs
• 5% Additional Capital Subsidy subject to a maximum of INR 25 Lakhs Scaling Up.
• Reimbursement on Cost to a Ceiling of INR 2 Lakh for National Level Certification & INR 10 Lakh for International Level Certification

Non-Financial Benefits:

1. Efficient operations and reduced expenses

2. Enhanced quality, fewer rejections, and increased revenue

3. Greater environmental and social advantages

4. Reliable recognition in the industry for global customers looking to invest in India

5. Reputation as a Responsible Enterprise

   Financial Institutions (Banks)

   Thirteen banks recognize the ZED scheme and give subsidies, concessions, or waivers on loan processing fees and interest rate reduction.