The Commerce Ministry has scheduled a stakeholder meeting on June 30 to address matters concerning special economic zones, according to an official statement. Discussions will center on aligning export promotion programs and advancing SEZ reforms. Key topics likely include rupee payments from SEZs to domestic tariff areas, job work arrangements for zone units serving domestic markets without export ties, import substitution measures, updates to free trade warehousing zones, and steps to enhance business operations within these areas. SEZs operate as foreign territories under customs regulations, limiting duty-free sales inside the country. The government has formed a 17-member panel to propose broader policy changes for the zones. A supporting study is underway to coordinate existing export schemes such as SEZs, export-oriented units, MOOWR, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, and Duty Free Import Authorisation. The panel is expected to deliver a concept paper outlining a reform roadmap for an updated SEZ 2.0 framework. The effort comes as global trade conditions have shifted since the original SEZ legislation in 2005. Exports from the zones fell to $133.45 billion in 2025-26 from $172.07 billion the prior year. India currently has 276 operational SEZs hosting 6,695 units.
