MSME Sustainable ZERO DEFECT ZERO EFFECT (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. Through the journey of ZED Certification, MSMEs can reduce wastages substantially, increase productivity, enhance environmental consciousness, save energy, optimally use natural resources, expand their markets, etc.

The ZED Certification is proposed to be implemented in 2 phases:-

PHASE 1:- For Manufacturing MSMEs with UDYAM Registration. This phase will focus largely on maximizing inclusion of manufacturing MSMEs and taking them through the journey of ZED.

PHASE 2:- Inclusion of Service Sector MSMEs. This phase will also strive to integrate those MSMEs (manufacturing and Service Sectors) who are registered under a State Government protocol/ system but not on UDYAM.

OBJECTIVES OF MSME ZED

• 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
• 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

MSME Sustainable ZED certification components: –

• Industry Awareness Programmes/ Workshop: MSMEs will be made aware of the MSME Sustainable (ZED) certification through nation-wide awareness programmes.
• Training Programmes: Stakeholders like the MSME Officers, Assessors and Consultants will be trained on the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification to enable an effective implementation by partners like QCI, BIS, NPC.
• Assessment & Certification: MSMEs will be assessed (desktop verification, remote assessment, onsite assessment; as applicable) and awarded relevant Certification Level for which they have applied for after fulfilling the requirements of that Level.
• Handholding: MSMEs will be provided handholding to help them achieve higher ZED Certification levels and also towards technology up gradation for moving towards zero effect solutions/pollution control measures/cleaner technology.
• Benefits/Incentives: Graded incentives will be announced by the Ministry of MSME for MSMEs so as to motivate them to achieve higher ZED Certification levels
• PR campaign, Advertising & Brand Promotion: For popularizing the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification and brand promotion of ZED, a nation-wide publicity will be done.
• Digital Platform: MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification process will be e-enabled through a single window digital platform and minimum use of paper.

MSME ZED CERTIFICATION LEVELS

MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification can be attained in three levels after registering and taking the ZED Pledge: –

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

MSME SUSTAINABLE ZED CERTIFICATION SCHEME

1. Certification Level 1: Bronze

• Pledge
• Undertaking of Compliances
• Document Upload & Verification
• Certificate (Bronze)

DOCUMENTS UPLOAD & VERIFICATION MSME: -MSME shall upload relevant documents for verification, which may be as follows (but not limited to) as per Annexure 3:-

• Photos of the products,
• Photos of shop floor,
• Photos of product labelling/ product description,
• Photos of fire safety system

DECLARATION: -The applicant MSME will sign an online self declaration stating that the information uploaded is true and that they fulfil all the requirements as per Annexure 3.

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 3years. The applicant will have to apply afresh after expiry of the certificate as per the validity of the scheme.

INCENTIVES : -The MSME will be able to avail incentives as announced by the Ministry of MSME.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN TESTING/ SYSTEM/PRODUCT CERTIFICATION: -In case the MSME wishes to apply for any Testing, 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 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 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 being Rs. 50,000/-

 2. Certification Level 2: SILVER

• Pledge
• Undertaking of Compliances
• Document Upload & Verification
• Remote Assessment
• Assessment Report & Recommendation
• Certificate (Silver)

BASIC INFORMATION: -While applying for this Level, the applicant MSME will be asked to submit basic information about the MSME on the online portal. This information will be related to (but not limited to) the details about the product(s) manufactured, Quality Certificates, operational processes, customer information, etc.

DOCUMENTS UPLOAD & VERIFICATION: -MSME shall upload relevant documents to enable the next step of onsite assessment. The Documents will be verified (including Quality/Product Certificate validation). The documents may be as follows (but not limited to) as per Annexure 3: –

• Photos of the products(s)
• Photos of the shop floor
• Photos of product labelling/product description
• Relevant Quality / Product Certifications

VALIDITY OF ZED CERTIFICATE: -The certificate provided will be valid for a period of 3 years. A Surveillance assessment will be conducted after 18 months of Certification. The applicant will have to apply afresh after expiry of the certificate as per the validity of the scheme.

INCENTIVES: -The MSME will be able to avail incentives as announced by the Ministry of MSME.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN TESTING/ SYSTEM/PRODUCT CERTIFICATION: -In case the MSME wishes to apply for any Testing, 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 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 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 being Rs. 50,000/-

3.Certification Level 3: GOLD

• Pledge
• Undertaking of Compliances
• Document Upload & Verification
• Onsite Assessment
• Assessment Report & Recommendation
• Certificate (Gold)

DOCUMENTS UPLOAD & VERIFICATION: – MSME shall upload relevant documents to enable the next step of onsite assessment. The Documents will be verified (including Quality/Product Certificate validation). The documents may be as follows (but not limited to) as per Annexure 3: –

• Photos of the products(s)
• Photos of the shop-floor
• Photos of product labelling/product description
• Relevant Quality / Product Certifications

VALIDITY OF ZED CERTIFICATE: -The certificate provided will be valid for a period of 3 years. A Surveillance assessment will be conducted after 18 months of Certification. The applicant will have to apply afresh after expiry of the certificate as per the validity of the scheme.

INCENTIVES: -The MSME will be able to avail incentives as announced by the Ministry of MSME. HANDHOLDING / CONSULTANCY The MSME may also avail 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, 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 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 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 being Rs. 50,000/-