Customs
Since import by SEZ units is not covered under the Customs Act, 1962, such units can procure goods from any country without paying customs duty, anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty (CVD), etc.
Thus, location in SEZ is very beneficial to companies heavily dependent on imported raw materials or capital equipment.
Normal customs duty is levied on movement of goods manufactured by SEZ unit. However, CVD is not levied.
SEZ units are also benefited as import-export do not have face the procedural hassles with the customs authority. No License is required for imports, including second hand machineries.
DTA units selling goods to SEZ units are deemed to have exported goods under new Chapter XA of the Customs Act, 1962. They are accordingly eligible for all exports benefits such as duty drawback, DEPB entitlement, etc.
Excise
Under the amended section 3 of the Central Excise Act, 1944, SEZ units are beyond the scope of levy of excise duty. Thus, provisions of excise law are not applicable to goods manufactured by an SEZ unit on or after 15th August, 2003. It may be appreciated here that this is not an exemption from a duty otherwise leviable. The duty will not be leviable at all.
DTA units selling goods to SEZ units are eligible for exemption from excise duty under Notification No. 58/2003 dated 22nd July, 2003. Thus, SEZ units can procure goods without payment of excise duty.
Income Tax
SEZ units are eligible to deduction u/s 80-IA and exemption u/s 10A. The two, however, cannot be claimed simultaneously.
DTA units selling to SEZ units are eligible for tax breaks, including deduction u/s 80HHC, just as in case of other exports.
Income earned by infrastructure capital company/fund on investments in SEZ is fully exempt from tax u/s 10(23G).
Investments made by individuals and HUFs in issues of shares and debentures by SEZ units qualify for additional rebate u/s 88.
Sales Tax and other local levies
The Central Government grants SEZ status to any area only after concerned Sate Government commits to granting 100% exemption from the local and central sales tax. Thus, SEZ units are also exempted from the sales tax.
Similarly, goods sold by DTA units to SEZ units are also exempted from sales tax.
SEZ units are also exempted from the local levies like octroi, mandi tax, turnover tax etc.