Get the Tata Capital App to apply for Loans & manage your account. Download Now

Blogs SUPPORT

Equipment Finance

Avail Digital Equipment Loans
up to Rs. 1 Crore

  • Attractive ROIs
  • Customizable Loan tenure

Equipment Leasing

Avail Leasing solutions
for all asset classes

  • Up to 100% financing
  • No additional collateral required

New Commercial Vehicle Financing

  • First time user
  • Retail and strategic Clients

Used Commercial Vehicle finance

  • Repurchase
  • Refinance
  • Top up
  • Balance Transfer

Tata Capital > Blog > Loan for Business > ZED Certification: Eligibility, Criteria and Benefits

Loan for Business

ZED Certification: Eligibility, Criteria and Benefits

ZED Certification: Eligibility, Criteria and Benefits

The ZED certification, pioneered by the Indian government, offers a structured pathway for manufacturing units to enhance quality, minimise environmental impact, and drive operational efficiency. 164,684 MSMEs have acquired the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) certification, marking a significant achievement in quality standards.

Whether you’re a small-scale enterprise or a large corporation, if you’re committed to elevating your manufacturing standards, ZED certification is for you. This blog post delves into the ZED Scheme, covering its objectives, benefits, and eligibility criteria, exploring the ZED Maturity Assessment Model, and discussing financial support and implementation processes.

Understanding the ZED certification

The Financial Support to MSMEs in the ZED Certification Scheme, initiated by the Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), aims to bolster the global competitiveness of manufacturing MSMEs in India.

The ZED Rating scheme offers a comprehensive certification to ensure the thorough evaluation of various aspects within MSMEs. It focuses on critical areas such as quality, productivity, energy efficiency, pollution mitigation, financial status, human resources, and technological depth.

By encompassing product and process evaluation, the ZED Rating establishes a robust framework for enhancing overall organisational performance and competitiveness.

Objectives of the MSME ZED scheme

The ZED Scheme promotes Zero Defect and Zero Effect (ZED) manufacturing among MSMEs. Its primary objectives include:

1. Promoting adaptation of quality tools/systems and energy-efficient manufacturing.

2. Encouraging MSMEs to upgrade their quality standards in products and processes constantly.

3. Driving manufacturing by adopting zero-defect production processes without impacting the environment.

Major activities involved in the ZED certification scheme

The scheme encompasses various activities aimed at facilitating MSMEs in enhancing their manufacturing processes. These activities include:

1. Industry awareness programs and workshops.

2. Training of officials and master trainers.

3. International benchmarking and learning best practices.

4. Onsite training for capacity building in industrially backward areas.

5. Implementation of Management Information Systems (MIS) for effective monitoring.

6. Assessment, rating, certification, and re-rating processes.

Benefits to ZED-rated MSMEs

ZED certification offers many benefits to MSMEs, empowering them to improve their internal management and operational systems. Some key benefits include:

1. Improved processes leading to higher revenues and profitability.

2. Credible vendor database for global competitiveness.

3. Reduced negative environmental impact.

4. Recognition through awards and rewards.

5. Alignment with global best practices.

6. Enhanced visibility and brand recognition.

Eligibility for a ZED MSME certificate

All MSMEs registered under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006, and those included per executive orders issued by the Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), are eligible for ZED certification registration.

Documents required for the scheme are similar to documents for business loans. They typically include:

1. Business Registration

2. Self-Assessment Report

3. Financial Statements

4. Quality Management System (QMS) Documentation

5. Environmental Management System (EMS) Documentation

6. Energy Management System (EnMS) Documentation

7. Safety Management Documentation

8. Human Resource Management Documentation

9. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Documentation

10. Design Management Documentation

Implementation and governance

The Development Commissioner (MSME) implements the ZED certification scheme nationwide through the National Monitoring and Implementing Unit (NMIU). A Programme Monitoring and Advisory Committee (PMAC) provides guidance and direction. Various stakeholders collaborate as implementing agencies, including government bodies, industry associations, and autonomous bodies.

ZED Maturity Assessment Model

The ZED Maturity Assessment Model evaluates MSMEs on various parameters across disciplines such as Quality Management, Production Management, Environment Management, and Human Resource Management. Each parameter has five maturity levels, ranging from Learner to World Class.

Add the below content in Table Format

Maturity LevelDescription
Level 1 (Learner)Basic understanding, initial implementation
Level 2 (Beginner)Some systems are in place, and starting to organise
Level 3 (Organised)Structured processes, consistent implementation
Level 4 (Achiever)Established systems, continuous improvement
Level 5 (World Class)Best-in-class practices, industry benchmark

Ratings and certification

MSMEs are rated based on their scores in the ZED Maturity Assessment Model. Ratings include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Platinum, with corresponding score ranges. Quality Council of India issues a ZED certificate after reviewing site-assessment reports from accredited rating agencies.

Score rangeRating
0 – 2.2No Rating
2.3 – 2.5Bronze
2.6 – 3.0Silver
3.1 – 3.5Gold
3.6 – 4.0Diamond
4.1 – 5.0Platinum

ZED scheme process flow

The process flow of the ZED Scheme involves online registration, self-assessment, desktop assessment, site assessment or consultancy, and re-assessment if necessary. MSMEs can choose between site assessment and consultancy based on their requirements.

Financial support and fee structure

MSMEs can avail subsidies ranging from 50% to 80% based on size and location. The fee structure for various scheme components is outlined, with subsidies applicable per government guidelines.

Here’s the table representing the cost structure for the ZED certification scheme according to the size of the MSME:

No.ComponentMicroSmallMedium
1Registration and online self-assessmentNo CostNo CostNo Cost
2Desktop assessmentRs. 2000 – Rs. 10,000Rs. 4000 – Rs. 20,000Rs. 5000 – Rs. 25,000
3Site assessmentRs. 16,000Rs. 32,000Rs. 40,000
4Additional defence ratingRs. 8,000Rs. 16,000Rs. 20,000
5Gap analysis and handholding (optional)Rs. 38,000Rs. 76,000Rs. 95,000
6Re-assessment/Re-ratingRs. 8,000Rs. 16,000Rs. 20,000

Final thoughts

The Financial Support to MSME ZED certification scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs. By promoting Zero Defect & Zero Effect manufacturing practices, the scheme empowers MSMEs to improve their quality standards, reduce environmental impact, and thrive in the global marketplace.

Through a structured assessment process, the ZED certificate offers recognition, credibility, and access to financial support, making it a vital tool for the growth and sustainability of MSMEs in India.

Whether you’re looking to expand your production capacity, invest in new technology, or optimise your working capital, Tata Capital MSME loans offer flexible terms and competitive interest rates. With streamlined application processes and quick approvals, Tata Capital ensures you can access the funds you need.

Moreover, Tata Capital’s commitment to offering business loans goes beyond providing financial assistance. They also offer guidance and resources to help you navigate regulatory requirements, implement best practices, and unlock growth opportunities.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *