Pushes for integration of SEZOnline with Customs ICEGATE system; Incentivize Foreign

Supply Chains to relocate into SEZs

Given the present situation, theTamilnadu Association of SEZ Infrastructure Developers (TASID), in a letteraddressed to the Prime Minister’s office, has appealed for immediate reforms inthe SEZ sector to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 crisis. In the letter, SunilRallan, Founder and President, TASID has emphasized on how social distancingand safety measures will become the new normal post-COVID.

He highlighted the importance ofmoving all consent processes at various stages ‘online’ from submission until

approval. It will expedite theentire process and bring in ‘Ease of doing Business’ in the sector, he wrote.

He further added, the need toincentivize Foreign Supply Chains to relocate into SEZs with easy access to

DTA as well the ability to exportefficiently. “With effective policy intervention in the SEZ sector, Special

Economic Zones can be used toattract Manufacturing Supply Chains relocating from China to India,” he said.

The letter further details fewpro- posed changes under the following rules:

? Casefor recalibration of the SEZ Rule , on Net Foreign Exchange Earning.

? Reversalof Custom Duties: ‘Duty foregone Principle’.

? ManufacturingServices and SEIS support. The Ministry of Commerce and  Industry data shows that 241 out of 373

SEZs in India areoperational and provide employment to around 20 lakh people. Tamil Nadu topsthe chart with

operational SEZs and75 per cent ofSEZs are functioning in the state.