Scheme for Assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME): Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification

Gujarat government provides financial support to MSMEs for obtaining Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) certification to promote energy efficient and sustainable manufacturing. Eligible manufacturing units can get back 50% of the certification charges, capped at ₹50,000.

The ZED financial support first ran under the Scheme for Assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), which was effective from 07 August 2020 to 06 August 2025. The same benefit now continues under the Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to MSMEs, which runs from 05 October 2022 to 04 October 2027, so eligible units can still apply in 2026.

Scheme for Assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME): Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification - Introduction

Launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, this scheme supports MSMEs in adopting Zero Defect and Zero Effect manufacturing standards. The goal is to make Gujarat a global manufacturing hub by improving product quality, raising energy efficiency and reducing environmental damage.

The ZED component offers a direct cash benefit to manufacturing units that complete ZED certification through the Quality Council of India. The subsidy is calculated after deducting any central government help the unit has already received, so the combined support never exceeds the actual eligible cost.

The scheme is open throughout the Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme period, which continues until 04 October 2027. Manufacturing MSMEs registered under Udyam can apply online through the Investor Facilitation Portal.

Key Information

Benefits

Eligible MSMEs get a clear cash benefit that lowers the cost of quality certification. The main benefits are listed below.

• Subsidy: Eligible MSMEs receive back 50% of the total certification charges after central government help is deducted.
• Financial Limit: The maximum support for certification is capped at ₹50,000 per unit.
• Sustainability: The scheme rewards energy efficient and eco friendly manufacturing processes.
• Quality Standards: It encourages units to follow zero defect production cycles and meet global quality norms.

Eligibility

The support is limited to manufacturing units. Trading and service units are not eligible for this component.

• The applicant must be a registered Micro, Small or Medium Enterprise (MSME) under Udyam.
• The unit must be operating within the manufacturing sector and hold an Udyam or Udyog Aadhaar registration.
• The enterprise must have successfully obtained ZED certification from the Quality Council of India.
• The unit must meet all applicable government quality and environmental rules.

Application Process

Online Application Steps

STEP 1 - Visit the official Investor Facilitation Portal and click on the New Investor Registration option.

STEP 2 - Fill in the registration form with your basic details and click on Submit.

STEP 3 - Verify your registered E mail ID through the link sent by the system.

STEP 4 - Once registration is complete, log in to your dashboard using your credentials.

STEP 5 - Open the scheme section, fill the application form with accurate business details and upload the required supporting documents.

STEP 6 - Submit the application for review by the district industries centre (DIC) office.

Units can also submit a hard copy of the application to the concerned DIC office while the online module is live. For any help, the MSME incentive office can be contacted at 079 23258386 or at msmeinc@gujarat.gov.in.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before filling the application.

1. Copy of Udyam or IEM or LOI Registration Certificate.
2. Enterprise constitution documents.
3. CA certified document for Fixed Capital Investment.
4. Current ZED Certificate copy.
5. CA certified statement of expenditure incurred for the certification.
6. Undertaking giving details of help received from other government schemes.
7. Proof of expenditure (Bills and Invoices).
8. Relevant bank statements highlighting the payments.
9. GPCB approved NOC or Consent certificates.
10. PAN card of the enterprise and its authorised signatories.
11. GST registration copy.
12. Last audited annual balance sheet.
13. Recent electricity bill.
14. Board Resolution or Power of Attorney for the authorised representative.

References

The official rules and application forms are available through the links below.

• Official Scheme Guidelines - MSME Gujarat
• ZED Certification Application Form
• Government Resolution (GR) Document
• Investor Facilitation Portal - Apply Online

FAQ's

What is the objective of the ZED Certification support?

The scheme encourages MSMEs to adopt Zero Defect (no production errors) and Zero Effect (no environmental impact) manufacturing practices.

What is the amount of financial support provided?

Eligible MSMEs can receive a subsidy covering 50% of certification charges, up to a maximum limit of ₹50,000, after central government help is deducted.

Is the scheme still open in 2026?

Yes. The ZED financial support previously ran under the Scheme for Assistance to MSMEs and now continues under the Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme, which is valid up to 04 October 2027.

Are service-based MSMEs eligible?

The scheme is limited to the manufacturing sector. Trading and service units are not eligible for this component.

Can I reapply if I have already received support for ZED certification?

No. The financial support under this scheme is a one time benefit for an enterprise.

What happens if my unit does not pass the ZED assessment?

If an enterprise fails to get the certification, it will not receive the financial support. The unit can make quality improvements and reapply once it meets the required standards.