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ZED (Zero Defect, Zero Effect) is a certification scheme by the Government of India aimed at improving MSME manufacturing quality while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Launched in April 2022, it has three tier levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold. Enterprises are assessed on parameters like quality management, process control, waste management, workplace safety, etc.
Cost of certification is partially subsidised, and there’s support for technology upgradation, handholding, etc.

Here are some of the major adoption milestones achieved so far under ZED:

Milestone	Details
Launch & Early Registrations	Scheme launched April 2022. Within ~15 months, it crossed 10,000 registrations. IBEF+1
First Certifications	By around mid‑2023, over 20,000 enterprises had been certified. The Financial Express
100,000+ Registrations	By October 2023, register count crossed ~1 lakh (100,000) MSMEs. The Financial Express+1
Certificates Issued	• Bronze: Majority of certifications are Bronze level. • Examples: As on Oct 2023, ~43,585 Bronze; 229 Silver; 230 Gold. The Financial Express+1 • As of Dec 2023 / early 2024: total certified crossed 1,02,000 MSMEs (mostly Bronze), with a few hundred at Silver & Gold. The Financial Express
Financial Support Laid Out	Govt has disbursed / committed significant subsidy and support funds. Example: by Dec 2023, over ₹100 crore in financial assistance was provided to certified MSMEs. The Financial Express Another milestone: cumulative financial aid of ~₹134.57 crore when certifications crossed 1,02,642 MSMEs. The Financial Express
State‑Wise Leadership	Gujarat leads in adoption: Over 89,000 MSMEs registered under ZED in Gujarat, with more than 59,000 certified. KNN India+1

Validation of Policy: Crossing 100,000+ registrations and certifications shows the scheme is not just on paper but being adopted actively.
Scaling Up: Most MSMEs are achieving Bronze level, which indicates many are taking first steps in compliance and quality improvement.
Economic & Environmental Impact: With growing numbers, the collective impact in terms of waste reduction, energy saving, environmental protection becomes large.
Market Credibility: Having ZED certification helps MSMEs participate in tenders, supply chains, export markets where quality & sustainability matter.
Incentives Working: The subsidies, cost‑sharing, handholding are helping in uptake.