Industry seeks concessional imports via SEZs

New Delhi: In a move aimed at supporting import substitution and manufacturing in India, industry has suggested that the Centre allow imports from major import partners including China and countries under different trade agreements, to be supplied from special economic zones (SEZ) to the domestic area at concessional duty.

In a communication to the commerce and industry ministry, SEZ units and developers suggested that 200 products including photovoltaic cells, naphtha, fungicides, non-industrial diamonds, parts of electric power machinery, certain vaccines and aluminium billets be allowed to be imported at concessional duty.

The budget for 2026-27 proposed to facilitate sales by eligible manufacturing units in SEZs to the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional duty rates. “All imports from China or imports from different countries under different trade agreements at concessional duties should be allowed to be supplied from SEZ to DTA at concessional duties as per FTA (zero duty or concessional duty),” said the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs, adding that this will ensure a level playing field for the units working in the DTA.

“This will help in import substitution and manufacturing of goods in India, leading to investment and job creation,” it said. -Our Bureau