Chapter 1

SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE SCHEME

 

1.1    Introduction to SEZ Scheme

Background

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Scheme was introduced by the Government with effect from 1.4.2000 with the objectives to provide an internationally competitive and hassle-free environment for earning of foreign exchange, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), generation of employment and to facilitate transfer of technology. Special Economic Zones are considered to be growth engines to boost manufacturing, augment exports and generate large scale employment.

The unique feature of the SEZ Scheme is that an SEZ is considered to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations and duties and tariffs. Supplies of goods & services into SEZ from Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) are treated as exports and goods & services coming from SEZ into DTA are to be treated as if these are being imported.

The SEZ scheme envisages association of private sector with the development of SEZ. SEZs could be set up in the public, private, joint sector or the State Governments. Developers of an SEZ were eligible for duty free procurement/import of goods and services for the purpose of development, operation and maintenance of Zone.

Legislative journey of SEZ since its inception in the year 2000 could be divided into three distinct phases. Three phases are as explained in the following paragraphs:—

Phase I : Conversion of operational EPZs into SEZs

To begin with, in the year 2000, the operational EPZs (Export Processing Zones) at Mumbai, Kandla, Surat & Cochin were converted into SEZs with effect from 1.11.2000. Later remaining five EPZs located at Visakhapatnam, Bangalore, Cochin, Surat and Noida were also converted into SEZs. Initially, the manufacturing activities of SEZ units were covered under Section 3 of the Central Excise Act, 1944 as it was duly amended and was made charging section in respect of goods manufactured by SEZ units and cleared into the Domestic Tariff Area.

The duty free import & procurement of indigenous goods by the SEZ units/developer was governed by exemption notifications issued under the provisions of Customs Act, 1962 and Central Excise Act, 1944 respectively. Services provided by any service provider located in DTA to the Developer & SEZ Units, in terms of the EXIM Policy (now, renamed as Foreign Trade Policy) and consumed inside the SEZs, were also exempt from payment of service tax. Central Sales Tax, paid by EOU/EPZ units in respect of purchase of goods, which used to be reimbursed to EPZ units, was exempted in case of SEZ units. The supplies of goods from DTA to SEZ unit or SEZ developer for their approved activities were considered as deemed exports and such supplies were eligible for deemed export benefits in terms of the then EXIM Policy.

The above stated dispensation was in  force from 1-4-2000 to 10-5-2004

Phase II : Incorporation of Special Provisions in the Customs Act, 1962 (from 11.5.2004 to 09.2.2006)

With the passage of time and considering the encouraging performance of SEZ scheme in terms of increased export, the  Government decided to provide for an exclusive legal dispensation for SEZ. In the Finance Act, 2002, the Government incorporated exclusive legal provisions for SEZ in the form of Chapter XA in the Customs Act, 1962. However, Chapter XA of the Customs Act, 1962 could only be operationalised with effect from 11-5-2004. Simultaneously, chargeability of all the manufacturing activities of the units located in the SEZ were taken out of the ambit of Central Excise Act, 1944.  In other words, the Central Excise Act, 1944 was made inapplicable to SEZ.

In accordance with the provision of specially incorporated Chapter XA of the Customs Act, 1962, the Department of Revenue notified Special Economic Zones Rules, 2003 and Special Economic Zones (Customs Procedure) Regulation, 2003, which were operationalised with effect from 11-5-2004. Under these provisions, the supplies from DTA to SEZ unit or SEZ developer for their authorized operations were to be considered as ‘exports’ for the DTA supplier & supplies to DTA from SEZ Units were to be considered as ‘imports’ into DTA. In case of DTA sale by SEZ units, the duty was leviable in terms of Section 76F of the Customs Act which was equal to the duty of Customs leviable on such goods when imported into India. The supplies of goods manufactured in DTA to SEZ were no longer considered as ‘deemed exports’ and were considered as ‘physical exports’. The export related benefits such as Duty Drawback/DEPB was made admissible on these supplies from DTA to SEZ.

 

Phase III : Introduction of SEZ Act (from 10.2.2006 to till date)

In this phase, the Government put in place a single legislation for establishment, development and management of the Special Economic Zones, for the promotion of exports and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. In 2005, the Government of India in the Ministry of Commerce & Industries enacted the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 (28 of 2005). Under the provision of SEZ Act, Special Economic Zones Rules, 2006 were formulated and notified on 10.2.2006. Both SEZ Act (except sections 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 31 to 41) and SEZ Rules were operationalised with effect from 10-2-2006. Thus, as on date, SEZs are governed by the provisions of the SEZ Act, 2005 and the SEZ Rules, 2006.

On 21-2-2007, the Department of Revenue rescinded SEZ Rules, 2003 & SEZ (Customs Procedure) Regulations, 2003. However, with effect from 14.3.2006, by exercising power under Section 52 of the SEZ Act, 2005, the Government notified that Chapter XA of the Customs Act, 1962, SEZ Rules, 2003 & SEZ (Customs Procedure) Regulations, 2003 would not apply to Special Economic Zones. The Chapter XA of the Customs Act has also been repealed vide Finance Act, 2007.  Thus, with effect from 10-2-2006, all the activities relating to SEZ are governed under the single legislation namely, the SEZ Act, 2005 and SEZ Rules, 2006 made thereunder.

In the last seven years of existence, the Special Economic Zone Scheme has traversed a long distance. Number of Special Economic Zones in operation has doubled during 2006 from eight in year 2000. In addition, large number of SEZ (more than two hundred in number) have been given notified and are at various stages of development.

Salient features of the scheme, SEZ Act, 2005 and SEZ Rules, 2006 along with related issues have been discussed in the following paragraphs in user friendly manner. Other useful details and updated information along with corresponding statutory provisions have also been incorporated for the benefit of the readers.

1.2    Objectives of the Special Economic Zone Scheme

Major objectives of the Special Economic Zone Scheme are:—

        (a)         Generation of additional economic activity;

        (b)         Promotion of exports of goods and services;

        (c)         Promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources;

        (d)         Creation of employment opportunities;

        (e)         Development of infrastructure facilities; and

         (f)         Maintenance of sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State and friendly relations with foreign States.

1.3    Entitlements for the SEZ Developer at a Glance

The developer of an SEZ is eligible for following entitlements:—

v      Duty free import of goods including procurement from public or private bonded warehouse or international exhibitions held in India for its authorized operations in terms of section 26(1)(a) of SEZ Act, read with rule 27 of the SEZ Rules, 2006).

v      Duty free procurement of goods from DTA for its authorized operations, in terms of section 26(1)(c) of SEZ Act read with rule 27 of the SEZ Rules, 2006.

v      Drawbacks, concessions or other benefits such as DEPB/DFRC/Claim of rebate/discharge of export obligation of the DTA supplier with reference to section 26(d) of SEZ Act, which are generally given for export of goods out of India, are available in case of supplies of goods from DTA to SEZ.

v      Exemption from payment of service tax as provided under section 26(1)(e) of the SEZ Act and Rule 31 of the SEZ Rules. The exemption is available in respect of any service provider providing taxable services to the developer for authorized operations of the developer. [Note : However till date no terms and conditions for exemption as envisaged under SEZ Act and Rules have been notified. The notification No. 4/2004-ST dated 31.3.04 issued by CBEC provides exemption in respect of services utilised within the SEZ.]

v      Exemption from payment of taxes, duties or cess, in terms of section 7 of the SEZ Act, under the enactments specified in the first Schedule in respect of goods imported into, or procured from DTA for authorized operations of the developer.

v      Exemption from payment of taxes, duties or cess, in terms of section 7 of the SEZ Act, under the enactments specified in the fist schedule in respect of goods, in case of export of goods out of India from the SEZ. [Export duty under Customs Tariff Act, 1975, however, would not be exempted as the Custom Tariff Act does not find entry under the First Schedule of the SEZ Act.].

v      Exemption from payment of Central Sales Tax under section 26(1)(g) of the SEZ Act, 2005, in respect of goods brought into the SEZ by an SEZ developer in connection with authorized operations.

v      Exemption from Income Tax in terms of section 80AB of Income Tax Act i.e. deduction of 100% of profits and gains derived from business of developing an SEZ by the developer in respect of SEZ notified on or after 01.04.2005 under SEZ Act. (In a block of 10 years in 15 years as per choice of the developer).

v      Exemption from Income Tax in terms of 80-IA of Income Tax Act i.e. deduction of 100% of profits and gains derived from business of developing by the developer in respect of SEZs notified earlier. (In a block of 10 years in 15 years as per choice of the developer).

v      Exemption from payment of stamp duty in terms of amendment of charging section of Indian Stamp Act, 1899 undertaken vide Third Schedule of the SEZ Act, with reference to the notification issued under section 57 of the SEZ Act in respect of a particular SEZ. (Different dates may be notified for different SEZs in terms of section 57 of SEZ Act).

v      Exemption from Dividend Distribution Tax [Section 115-O(6) of the Income Tax Act].

v      Exemption from Minimum Alternate Tax [Section 115JB(6) of the Income Tax Act].

1.4   Entitlements for the SEZ Unit at a Glance

A unit set up in an SEZ for the purpose of undertaking manufacturing/production activities or rendering service or warehousing or trading is eligible for following entitlements:—

v      Duty free import of goods in terms of section 26(1)(a) of SEZ Act, including procurement from public or private bonded warehouse or international exhibitions held in India for its authorized operations including for setting up or maintenance of the factory building.

v      Duty free procurement of goods from DTA without payment of Central Excise duty for its authorized operations, in terms of section 26(1)(c) of SEZ Act including for setting up or maintenance of the factory building as provided under Rule 27 of the SEZ Rules, 2006.

v      Drawback/DEPB/DFRC/Claim of rebate/Discharge of export obligation of the DTA supplier and such other benefits with reference to section 26(1)(d) of SEZ Act.

v      Exemption from payment of service tax as provided for under section 26(1)(e) of the SEZ Act and Rule 31 of SEZ Rules, in respect of taxable services provided to unit for its authorized operations including for setting up or maintenance of the factory building. [Note: However till date no terms and conditions for exemption as envisaged under SEZ Act and Rules have been notified. Presently, the exemption from service tax is limited to services utilised within the SEZ under notification No. 4/2004-ST dated 31.3.04 issued by CBEC.

v      Exemption from payment of taxes, duties or cess, in terms of section 7 of then SEZ Act, under the enactments specified in the first Schedule in respect of goods imported into, or procured from DTA for authorized operations of the unit including for setting up or maintenance of the factory building. Export duty under Customs Tariff Act, 1975, however, would not be exempted as the Custom Tariff Act does not find entry under the First Schedule of the SEZ Act.

v      Exemption from payment of taxes, duties or cess, in terms of section 7 of the SEZ Act, under the enactments specified in the first Schedule in respect of goods, in case of export of goods out of India.

v      Exemption from payment of Central Sales Tax in respect of goods brought into the SEZ by an SEZ unit in connection with authorized operations including for setting up or maintenance of the factory building with reference to section 26(1)(g).

v      Exemption from Income-tax in respect of export income of the manufacturing & service SEZ unit including trading unit under section 10AA of SEZ unit. (For the units commencing operations after 01.04.2005). The exemption in respect of units set up prior to this date is regulated under section 10A of Income Tax Act. For the purpose of Second Schedule of the SEZ Act regarding income tax exemption under section 10AA in respect of trading only the export income in respect of re-export of imported goods shall be considered. (Note: Vide Finance Act, 2007, section 10AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 has been amended retrospectively w.e.f. 10.2.2006 so as to deny exemption to the units which  are  set up  in SEZ by way of  shifting of DTA unit or by splitting of an enterprise in DTA etc.

v      Exemption from payment of stamp duty in terms of amendment of charging section of Indian Stamp Act, 1899 undertaken vide Third Schedule of the SEZ Act, with reference to the notification issued under section 57 of the SEZ Act in respect of a particular SEZ. Different dates may be notified for different SEZs in terms of section 57 of SEZ Act. There are problems in its implementation.  This has been discussed in Chapter 16 of this book.

v      Exemption from Dividend Distribution Tax [Section115-O(6) of the Income Tax Act].

v      Exemption from Minimum Alternate Tax [Section 115JB(6) of the Income Tax Act. [The Finance Act, 2007 excluded section 10A from the ambit of exemption from minimum alternative tax under section 115JB(6)].

1.5   Incentives/Facilities to Special Economic Zone Units

(i)   Customs and Excise

v      SEZ unit may import or procure from the domestic sources, public or private bonded warehouses, or international exhibitions held in India, duty free, all goods, namely capital goods, raw materials, consumables, spares, packing materials, office equipment, DG sets etc. without any licence or specific approval, including goods required for setting up of unit.

v      Goods imported/procured locally duty free may be utilized within validity period of LOP.

(ii)   Income Tax

v      100% Income Tax exemption under section 10A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for first 5 years, 50% for 3 years thereafter to the SEZ units (for unit set up prior to 1.4.2005).

v      100% Income Tax exemption under section 10AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for first 5 years, 50% for next 5 years and for next 5 years 50% of the profit if such profit is re-invested to the SEZ units who begins to manufacture or produce articles or things or provide any services during the previous year relevant to any assessment year commencing on or after the 1st day of April, 2006.

(iii)  Cess

v      The SEZ units are exempted from payment of Cess on goods exported out of SEZ or imported into SEZ or procured from DTA which is leviable under the following Acts :­—

                     (i) The Agricultural Produce Cess Act, 1940 (27 of 1940).

                   (ii) The Coffee Act, 1942 (7 of 1942).

                  (iii) The Mica Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1946 (22 of 1946).

                   (iv) The Rubber Act, 1947 (24 of 1947).

                    (v) The Tea Act, 1953 (29 of 1953).

                   (vi) The Salt Cess Act, 1953 (49 of 1953).

                  (vii) The Medicinal and Toilet Preparations (Excise Duties) Act, 1955 (16 of 1955).

                (viii) The Additional Duties of Excise (Goods of Special Importance) Act, 1957 (58 of 1957).

                   (ix) The Sugar (Regulation of Production) Act, 1961 (55 of 1961).

                    (x) The Textiles Committee Act, 1963 (41 of 1963).

                   (xi) The Produce Cess Act, 1966 (15 of 1966).

                  (xii) The Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, 1972 (13 of 1972).

                (xiii) The Coal Mines (Conservation and Development Act), 1974 (28 of 1974).

                 (xiv) The Oil Industry (Development) Act, 1974 (47 of 1974).

                  (xv) The Tobacco Cess Act, 1975 (26 of 1975).

                 (xvi) The Additional Duties of Excise (Textiles and Textile Articles) Act, 1978 (40 of 1978).

                (xvii) The Sugar Cess Act, 1982 (3 of 1982).

               (xviii) The Jute Manufacturers Cess Act, 1983 (28 of 1983).

                 (xix) The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Cess Act, 1985 (3 of 1986).

                  (xx) The Spices Cess Act, 1986 (11 of 1986).

                 (xxi) The Research and Development Cess Act, 1986 (32 of 1986).

(iv)   Foreign Direct Investment

v       FDI upto 100% is allowed through the automatic route for all manufacturing activities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), except for the following activities:—

Ø Arms and ammunition, explosives and allied items of defence equipment, defence aircrafts and warships;

Ø Atomic substances;

Ø Narcotic and Psychotropic substances and hazardous chemicals;

Ø Distillation and brewing of alcoholic drinks; and

Ø Cigarettes/Cigars and manufactured tobacco substitutes.

v       Sectoral norm as notified by Government shall apply to foreign investment in services.

v       The cases not covered by automatic route are considered and approved by the Board of Approvals.

(v)  Off-shore Banking Units (OBUs)

v       Setting up of Off-shore Banking Units allowed in SEZs. These banks are virtually foreign branches of the banks but located in India. These OBUs are exempted from Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio) and would give access to SEZ units and SEZ developers finance at international rates. (RBI Notification No. 42/23.13.004/2002-03 dated 2/11/2003).

v       The major incentive available to Off-shore Banking Unit is 100% income tax exemption for 5 consecutive years and 50% for next 5 years under Section 80LA of the Income Tax Act (Second Schedule to the SEZ Act).

v       Application for setting up of Off-shore Banking Unit need to be made to the Reserve Bank of India in Form-VI prescribed under Section 23 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (Rule 21).

v       The guidelines governing the operation of Off-shore Banking Units are indicated in the Notification No. FEMA 71/2002-RB dated 7.9.2002 issued by the Reserve Bank of India.

(vi)  Banking/External Commercial Borrowings

v       External commercial borrowings by units up to USD 500 million a year allowed without any maturity restrictions.

v       Freedom to bring in export proceeds without any time limit. (RBI A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 91 dated 1/4/2002 Master Circular No. 9/2006-07, dated 01/07/2006 ).

v       Flexibility to keep 100% of export proceeds in EEFC account. Freedom to make overseas investment from it.

v       Commodity hedging permitted.

v       Exemption from interest rate surcharge on import finance.

v       'Write-off' of unrealized export bills allowed to SEZ units.

(vii)  Exemption from Central Sales Tax

v       Exemption from payment of Central Sales Tax on sales made from Domestic Tariff Area to SEZ units under section 26(1)(g) of SEZ Act, 2005.

(viii)  Exemption from Service Tax

v       Services rendered to the SEZ developers or SEZ unit are exempted from payment of service tax under section 26(1)(e) of the SEZ Act, 2005.

(ix)  Requirement under Environment (Protection) Act

v       Information Technology SEZ do not require environment clearance. However, environmental clearance as required under the law is required and the Board of Approvals does not include environmental clearance.

v       For development of SEZs, public hearing is not exempted and the process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as laid down in the notification of the Ministry of Environment would have to be adhered to.

(x )   Concession under companies Act

v      Enhanced limit of Rs. 2.4 crores per annum allowed for managerial remuneration.

v      Regional office of Registrar of Companies in SEZs.

v      Exemption from requirement of domicile in India for 12 months prior to appointment as Director.

(xi)   Concession under Drugs and Cosmetics Act

v      Exemption from port restriction under Drugs & Cosmetics Rules.

(xii)   Sub-contracting

v      SEZ units may sub-contract part of production or production process through units in the Domestic Tariff Area or through other EOU/SEZ units.

v      SEZ units may also sub-contract part of their production process abroad.

v      SEZ units may also undertake job-work from DTA unit for export.

(xiii)  Labour Laws for SEZ units

The labour laws of the land apply to all units inside the Zone. However, the respective State Government may declare units within the SEZ as public utilities and may delegate the powers of the Labour Commissioner to the Development Commissioner of the SEZ.

         (i)         Public Utility Status : SEZ have been declared as a public utility by the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh from the inception of the Zone. Public utility status is at present given for six months at a time as per the Industrial Disputes Act to prevent strikes without due notice.

        (ii)         Delegation of powers of Labour Commissioner to the Development Commissioner : Governments of Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh have delegated the powers of Labour Commissioner to the Development Commissioner of SEZ in respect of the units located in the Zone.

(xiv)  Exemption from Employees Provident Fund Act and ESI Act

As per the Ministry of Labour, in respect of SEZs, the State Government may apply for exemption to the Central Government under Section 16(2) of the Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, from the applicability of the provisions of the said Act to SEZ for 5 years. The decision is required to be taken on case­-to-case basis.

In respect of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, the State Government, being the appropriate Government, may take a decision as per the powers provided under the Act.

(xv)  Benefits to Domestic Supplies/Supplier to SEZ

Supplies from Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) to SEZ are treated as physical exports and supplies are entitled to:—

v      Duty drawback/DEPB/DFRC/Advance License

v      Exemption from payment of Central Excise duty

v      CST exemption

v      Exemption from State Levies

v      Discharge of Export Obligation, if any, on the supplier

Duty drawback/DEPB can be claimed by the DTA supplier subject to production of disclaimer from SEZ unit/Developer.

1.6 Comparative Chart showing Advantage under EOU & SEZ Schemes

Sr. No.

Benefits

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Unit

Export Oriented Units (EOU)

1.

Income Tax

100% income tax exemption for five years and 50% exemption for five years and thereafter 50% exemption for five years in case of re-investment of profits in terms of section 10AA of Income Tax Act, 1961 inserted after section 10A as per the Second Schedule of the SEZ Act (read with section 27 of the SEZ Act, 2005).

The units commencing opera­tions before 1st April, 2005 shall be covered as per provision con­tained under section 10A of Income Tax Act.

Note : In terms of SEZ Act, 2005 (with effect from 10.2.2006) for SEZ developer, the exemption from Income Tax shall be available for a period of 10 years in a block of 15 years as per section 80-IAB inserted after section 80-IA in terms of Second Schedule of the SEZ Act, 2005.

100% Income-tax exemption upto 31.3.2009 or first 10 years, whichever is earlier.

2.

Construc-tion Material

Goods for infrastructure devel­opment/maintenance i.e. construction material allowed to be imported/procured indigenously duty free.

Goods for infrast-ructure development i.e. construction material not allowed to be imported/pro­cured indigenously duty free.

3.

Service Tax

SEZ units/developer exe-mpted from payment of service tax in respect of services consumed within the SEZ.

EOUs not exempted from payment of service tax, how­ever CENVAT credit is allowed for service tax paid.

4.

Central Sales Tax

Central Sales Tax exempted on the goods procured indigenously.

No CST exemption, however CST reim-bursement to be claimed from juris-dictional Develop-ment Commissioner.

5.

DTA Sale

DTA sale allowed on payment of full Customs duty as applicable on imported goods.

Limited DTA sale (upto 50% of FOB value of exports) permitted on payment of con­cessional rate of duty.

Subject to acheivement of +NFE, EOUs are allowed to sell goods in DTA on paymenet of full excise duty which is equivalent to import duty.

6.

Trading Unit

Trading units are allowed to be set up in SEZ.

Trading units are not permitted to be set up under EOU Scheme.

7.

Domestic Procure-ment

Supply from DTA to SEZ are physical exports.

Supply from DTA to EOU considered as deemed exports.

8.

Benefit to DTA supplier

For supplies from DTA, benefit of DEPB/Advance authorisation available. The draw­back/claim of rebate applicable as in case of physical export.

For supplies from DTA, ben­efit of deemed export draw­back/Advance auth-orisation/Refund of terminal excise duty available.

 

9.

Cost recovery charges

No cost recovery charges recov­erable for the customs staff deputed during office hours. Exclusive customs staff deployed in the SEZ for handling customs work.

Cost recovery char-ges or Merchant Overtime recover- able for the customs staff deputed even during office hours. No exclusive custo-ms/central excise staff for han­dling customs/Central Excise work relating to the unit.

10.

Period of utilization

Duty free goods (except capital goods) to be utilized within the validity period of LOP.

Duty free goods (except cap­ital goo-ds) to be utilized within the validity period of three years.

11.

Foreign Investment

100% FDI investment permitted through automatic route for SEZ manufacturing unit and formal FIPB approval not required. Sector Specific guidelines are applicable.

100% FDI investment permitted through automatic route for EOUs and formal FIPB approval not required. Formal FIPB approval required. Sector Specific guidelines are applicable. 

12.

Customs Documenta-tion

All import/export docum-entation and assessment formalities to be completed in the zone itself.

All import/export documen­tation and assessment for­malities to be com-pleted at the respective port of import/export.

13.

Examinat-ion of Goods

No routine examination of  exports/import goods by  Customs.

Examination of ex-ports/imports goods by customs except in cases where self-­ certification is allowed.

14.

Warehous-ing Licence

Private bonded Warehouse Licence not required.

Private bonded war-ehouse licence is required.

15.

Locational Require-ments

SEZ unit can only be set up in ­the SEZ notified under Section 4 of the SEZ Act.

No such require-ment for EOU, EOU can be set up any­where in the country on stand alone basis provided the area has been declared as ware­housing stat-ions.

16.

Investment Require-ments

No minimum statutory investment limit prescribed.

Minimum invest-ment limit of one crore in plant & machinery required except certain speci-fied sectors such as software, handicraft etc.

 

1.7    Summary of Changes in the SEZ Policy

During the last one year, following changes have been made in the SEZ Policy:

v      Vide amendment dated 16.3.2007 in SEZ Rules, 2006, it has been provided that if a developer subsequent to approval or notification of an SEZ, acquires more contiguous and vacant land, which makes them eligible for another class of SEZ (in terms of minimum land area requirement), BOA can consider such cases for conversion to another class of SEZ.  

v      Vide amendment dated 16.3.2007 in SEZ Rules, 2006,  it has been provided in Rule 11 of the SEZ Rules, 2006 that quantum of infrastructure for business or social purposes as approved by the BOA shall only be eligible for tax exemptions/concession/drawback.  Any such infrastructure created in addition or in excess thereof shall not be eligible for such tax exemptions/concessions/drawback. For this purpose, no specific guidelines relating to approval of quantum of such infrastructure have been issued by Department of Commerce. However, it has been gathered that following yardsticks are being adopted for the purpose:—

IT/ITES, Bio-technolgoy, Gems & Jewellery SEZ

q       Shopping arcade/Retail Space not exceeding 1000 Sq. M.

q       Housing/Service apartments with total area not exceeding 10,000 Sq. m.

 

Sector Specific SEZ

q       Office space/shopping arcade/retail space/multiplex not exceeding 50,000 sq. m.

q       Upto 7500 houses with total space not exceeding 7,50,000 sq. m.

q       Hotel with 100 rooms/100 service apartments with total built up area not exceeding 10,000 sq.m.

q       Clinic & medical centers including a maximum 100 bed Hospital

q       School/educational institution of total built-up area not exceeding 25,000 sq.m.

Multi-Product SEZs

q       Office Space/Shopping Arcade/Retail Space/Multiplex not exceeding 2,00,000 sq. m.

q       upto 25,000 houses with total space not exceeding 25,00,000 sq. m.

q       Hotel with 250 rooms/250 service apartments with total built up area not exceeding 25,000 sq. m.

q       School/educational institution of total built-up area not exceeding 2,50,000 sq. m.

q       Further, while allowing the material for construction of the houses in non-processing area, the approval committee/development commissioner normally give approval in phases after taking into consideration of occupation of processing area and housing constructed in each phase.

q       Vide amendment dated 16.3.2007 in the SEZ Rules, 2006, the format of Application Form for setting up a SEZ has been revised considerably and a Check List has been incorporated as part of  the Application Form. In the Check list, details of projected investment, share capital and reserve of the developer, source of fund, net worth of the developer, extent of Foreign Direct Investment and its source are required to be given.

q       Vide Notification S.O. 1806(E), dated 23.10.2007, the Department of Commerce has notified one hundred one SEZ as inland container Depot under section 7 of the Customs Act, 1962.

q       Vide Notification No. GSR 1744 (E), dated 12.10.2007, minimum Processing Area for all categories of SEZs has been increased from 35% to 50% and Maximum area limits for multi-product SEZs has been specified as 5000 hectares [in the light of decision of the EGOM held on 4.4.2007].

q       Vide Notification dated 12.11.2007, the Directors, Software Technology Park of India (STPI) have been empowered to act as Development Commissioner in respect of the specified Information Technology (IT)/Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES)/Electronic Hardware Special Economic Zones. 

q       Vide amendment dated 12.10.2007, clause (g) of sub-rule (4) of rule 18 of SEZ Rules, 2006, which prohibited use of any plant and machinery (in SEZ) if such plant and machinery was previously used for any purpose in DTA, has been omitted. This has been done subsequent of denial of income-tax exemption under section 10AA of Income Tax Act, 1961 as amended vide Finance Act, 2007 in case of shifting of existing unit from DTA to SEZ.

 

 

 

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