As per the current norms, SEZs are tax and duty-free enclaves and are deemed to be
foreign territory for purposes of taxes, duties and trade. Incentives offered to SEZ
units include duty-free import and duty-free domestic procurement of goods for
development, operation and maintenance of SEZ units. SEZ units are also exempted
from Central Sales Tax (CST), service tax and State sales tax.
There is no excise duty on raw material procurement by SEZs from Domestic Tariff
Area (or DTA, which is the area outside the SEZs but within India) as such
procurement is treated as exports from DTA to SEZ. Besides, procurement by SEZs
does not attract CST and even Value Added Tax.
As per Model GST law, no exemptions have been specified for SEZ units. Upfront
exemption from customs duty/ excise duty for SEZ units (including service tax and
CST exemption for SEZs) may not continue as GST will be payable on imports or
procurements from DTA to SEZ.
The GST paid on such procurements will be eligible as refund and therefore, will
impact the working capital requirements of such units.