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Tax benefit Commerce

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Unit

Tax holidays + duty-free imports for SEZ units

Maximum benefit
Income tax exemption + duty-free imports
Typical processing
60-90 days from LoP application to operations
Apply on official portal

About this scheme

Special Economic Zone is a specially demarcated duty-free enclave treated as foreign territory for trade operations. SEZ units get income tax exemption on export profits, duty-free imports, GST zero-rating, and single-window clearance.

What you get

  • 100% IT exemption on export profits (Section 10AA, subject to sunset clauses)
  • 0% customs duty on imports of capital goods, raw materials, consumables
  • GST zero-rating on exports + supplies from DTA to SEZ
  • Excise duty exemption on indigenous procurement
  • Single-window clearance via Development Commissioner
  • Stamp duty exemption from state

Who qualifies

Manufacturers, service providers, and trading units setting up operations in notified Special Economic Zones. Must commit to Net Foreign Exchange positive over 5 years.

Industries (NIC divisions)
Food processingBeveragesTextilesApparelLeatherPaperChemicalsPharmaPlastics / rubberFabricated metalsElectronics / computersElectrical equipmentMachineryOther manufacturingIT / softwareInformation servicesResearch & development
Business types
Private LimitedLLPsOne Person CompaniesPublic Limited

Available across India (central scheme).

How to apply

  1. 1Identify suitable SEZ + apply for plot allotment
  2. 2Submit LoP application to Development Commissioner
  3. 3Approval Committee evaluation
  4. 4LoP issued; sign lease
  5. 5Bond execution + start operations
  6. 6Annual performance report to DC

Key terms and conditions

  • NFE positive over 5-year block
  • Operate within SEZ premises (cannot relocate to DTA without de-bonding)
  • Annual reporting + audit
  • De-bonding requires duty payment on capital goods

What disqualifies you

  • Sunset clause: new SEZs after Mar 2020 lost some IT benefits
  • Domestic-only operations excluded
  • Negative-list items (tobacco, etc.) excluded

Documents typically required

  • SEZ unit Letter of Permission
  • MoA filed
  • Lease of SEZ plot
  • Bond execution

The content above is compiled from public information published by the scheme authority. Eligibility, benefits, and procedures are subject to change. Confirm details directly with the official portal before applying. BharatSeal does not process scheme applications.