DUTY RELIEF SEZS
SEZs seek duty relief for three years, higher domestic sales limit
Special Economic Zone developers and units are urging the government for extended domestic sales concessions. They want a three-year period instead of one year. A higher cap of 50% on domestic sales is also sought, up from the current 30%.
Duty relief to SEZs allows limited domestic sales without diluting export focus: Experts
This move aims to support units facing weak global demand. Experts believe this offers a cushion for capacity utilisation and revenue. Sectors like electronics and textiles are expected to benefit.
A shield for India Inc: How govt is blunting the Iran war shock
West Asia crisis: In response to Iran war chaos, India has rolled out a set of targeted measures over the past few weeks aimed at cushioning these shocks without resorting to sweeping market interventions. The approach has focused on easing cash flow pressures, lowering key costs and ensuring supply continuity.
Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led a crucial meeting on the West Asia conflict. The government is closely monitoring the situation. Measures are being taken to protect India's interests and minimize the impact on citizens. Steps include customs duty exemptions and support for industries. Domestic LPG supply is prioritized, with action against hoarding.
One battle after another: How India fared in the year of Trump tariffs
Beginning April 2025, India found itself navigating turbulent waters due to sweeping changes in US trade policy led by President Trump. The imposition of tariffs posed a substantial threat to Indian exports, prompting New Delhi to innovate through strategic diversification and robust domestic reforms.
No windfall tax on diesel, ATF exports from Reliance SEZ: Official
Reliance Industries SEZ refinery will not face new export taxes on diesel and aviation fuel. This exemption stems from judicial pronouncements. The government reintroduced these levies on March 26 to encourage domestic fuel sales. These taxes are reviewed fortnightly. This move aims to manage global energy supply disruptions. Reliance operates two refineries in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
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SEZ units can sell locally at lower duty for one year
India has announced a one-time relief for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, allowing them to sell goods in the domestic market at a lower customs duty for one year. This measure, along with a six-month extension of fiscal benefits under RoDTEP, aims to support exporters amid global crises and enhance export competitiveness by enabling better capacity utilization and liquidity.
India allows export zones to sell locally as trade strains grow
This measure, effective from April 2026 to March 2027, aims to help exporters manage rising tariffs and supply chain disruptions caused by Middle East conflict. The policy also encourages better utilization of SEZ capacity and reduces reliance on costly imports.
Tribunal confirms five-year ban on NSCN (K) imposed by Centre
The Unlawful Activities Tribunal has upheld the Centre's five-year ban on the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang). This decision confirms the group's activities are detrimental to India's sovereignty and integrity. The ban, effective September 28, 2025, aims to curb secessionist efforts and disruptive actions.
India grants temporary customs duty relief for SEZ goods sold domestically
India will offer temporary customs duty relief for goods produced in special economic zones and sold domestically. The reduced duty rates, ranging from 5% to 12.5%, will be effective from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, benefiting businesses that commenced production by March 31, 2025.
Reliance SEZ export duty clarity key under India's fuel tax rejig: Analysts
India reimposed export duties on diesel and ATF, impacting refining margins and government revenue. A key uncertainty remains whether Reliance Industries' SEZ refinery exports will be exempt, as they were previously. This decision will significantly influence Reliance's margins and the government's fiscal outlook.
Budget 2026: Manufacturing push, PLI schemes boost domestic production
India's new budget champions manufacturing, aiming to significantly increase its contribution to the nation's GDP. Key sectors like semiconductors, electronics, and textiles receive substantial funding. Initiatives like the Biopharma SHAKTI program and production-linked incentives are designed to build domestic capacity and reduce reliance on imports. This strategic focus supports job creation and economic growth.
Budget 2026: Gems & jewellery industry seeks measures to position India as global diamond trading hub
The gem and jewellery sector seeks a significant boost from the Union Budget 2026-27 to counter global headwinds. Experts emphasize policy clarity on GST and customs duties, streamlined clearance, and digital appraisals to enhance competitiveness.
SC junks customs demand on Adani Power's Mundra SEZ supply to domestic market
The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Adani Power. The company will not have to pay customs duty on electricity supplied from its Mundra Special Economic Zone to the domestic market. The court set aside a Gujarat High Court order. Authorities must refund amounts deposited by Adani Power. This decision covers electricity supplied between September 2010 and February 2016.
SC allows Adani Power's appeal, sets aside Gujarat HC order over levy of customs duty
The Supreme Court has overturned a Gujarat High Court ruling. Adani Power Limited will receive a refund for customs duty paid on electricity. This duty was levied on power generated in a Special Economic Zone and supplied domestically. The court stated that previous judgments had already declared such levies invalid.
Budget 2026: Customs duty waiver likely for SEZ-made drugs sold locally
India may soon waive customs duty on medicines produced in special economic zones for local sale. This move aims to reduce costs and increase the availability of essential drugs and vaccines within the country. The proposal could be part of the upcoming Union budget.
Examining relief measures for SEZs to boost production: Piyush Goyal
When asked if the commerce ministry will bring a bill in Parliament for extending relief to these zones, he said:"We are examining all possibilities, if it needs amendment in law or some of it can be done through rules." Whether the ministry is considering a proposal to allow sale of products from SEZs to DTA on duty foregone basis, Goyal said all proposals are under consideration.
Aluminium industry seeks extension of tax benefits for exports
The Aluminium Association of India has requested the government to continue providing export duty benefits for aluminium produced in advance authorisation, export oriented units, and special economic zones. This could potentially benefit the industry by $60 million, helping offset lower overseas realisation and support India's export production amid rising global competition.
Government exempts SEZs from integrated GST
An SEZ area is considered to be a foreign territory for trade operations and duties, and is mainly set up for promoting exports.
Budget 2015 axes factory tax rebate on SEZ supplies
With the new definition of ‘export’, the benefit of rebate on excise duty appears to have been restricted to exports out of India.
Budget 2014: Very few industry expectations for indirect taxes met
An additional duty of excise is being levied at the rate of 5 per cent ad valorem on waters, including aerated waters, containing added sugar, sweeting matter or flavoured.
Manufacturing SEZs may get duty concessions to sell in domestic market
The units in SEZs need to become net foreign exchange positive in five years, that is, achieve higher exports than imports.
Developers of power project in SEZs get duty relief
The charges for the power project developers have come down to just 10 paisa per unit instead of 16% duty, which was almost 50 paisa per unit for tariff of Rs 3 per unit.
Interim budget likely to offer tax breaks
A third stimulus package hit by the global slowdown is likely to be a part of the Interim Budget.
Easier forex obligation may knock at SEZ doors
Govt may relax the positive net foreign exchange obligation - which mandates that export earnings of units in SEZs have to be higher than the value of imported inputs - for certain categories of SEZs, including gems & jewellery and textiles for the next 6-12 months.
Kamal Nath bats for EOU tax sops
The 100% export-oriented units (EOUs), which are slated to lose income tax exemptions from 2009, might have reasons to hope.
Govt rules out new sops for exporters
Commerce ministry maintains that the govt would soon announce a relief package, for which proposal is submitted. The week that was | Business week in pics
Re rise: No relief package for exporters
Exporters have been demanding exemption from payment of service tax on all inputs, apart from relief on interest rate. Strategies to tackle the jumpy rupee | Day in Pics
Cross out subsidies from export schemes
Prior to the last Budget, the finance ministry had chosen to show more belligerence during its usual haggling with the commerce ministry for, what it called, rationalisation of export promotion programmes.
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