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Export & Tax Incentives

Setup in India's Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

India's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offer world-class infrastructure with significant fiscal incentives including customs duty exemptions on imports, income tax holidays, GST relief, and 100% foreign direct investment under the automatic route, making them ideal for export-oriented manufacturing, IT services, and international trade.

100% Ownership

Full foreign ownership through the FDI automatic route for units operating in approved SEZs across all permitted sectors.

Tax Holidays

SEZ units enjoy 100% income tax exemption for 5 years (Section 10AA), 50% for next 5 years, and 50% of reinvested profits for the following 5 years.

Strategic Hub

SEZs are strategically located near major ports (JNPT, Kandla, Chennai, Mundra) and airports for seamless import-export logistics.

Major Special Economic Zones in India

Select the right SEZ based on your industry, state preference, and export objectives.

SEEPZ SEZ — Mumbai

Near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai

Asia's largest gem and jewellery export zone, also housing IT/ITES and electronics manufacturing.

  • Gem & Jewellery Export
  • IT / ITES Services
  • Electronics Manufacturing
  • Light Engineering
  • Bio-pharma

Kandla SEZ (KASEZ) — Gujarat

Near Kandla Port, Deendayal Port Trust, Gujarat

India's first and largest SEZ. Ideal for heavy manufacturing, chemicals, and bulk commodity trading.

  • Heavy Manufacturing
  • Chemicals & Petrochemicals
  • Textiles & Apparel
  • Building Materials
  • Bulk Commodity Trading

GIFT City IFSC — Gujarat

GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

India's premier International Financial Services Centre with a dedicated IFSCA regulatory framework and significant tax advantages.

  • Financial Services & Fintech
  • Aircraft & Ship Leasing
  • Insurance & Reinsurance
  • Fund Management (AIF, SEBI)
  • Wealth Management

MEPZ SEZ — Tamil Nadu

Near Chennai International Airport, Tamil Nadu

Madras Export Processing Zone — dedicated to electronics, garments, and engineering goods export.

  • Electronics Assembly & Export
  • Garments & Textiles
  • Engineering Goods
  • Automobile Components
  • Health & Life Sciences

Noida SEZ — Uttar Pradesh

Noida, NCR Region, Uttar Pradesh

Premier IT/ITES-focused SEZ in the National Capital Region, housing major IT multinationals and BPO companies.

  • IT Services & Software
  • BPO & KPO
  • Digital Media & Content
  • E-Commerce Fulfilment
  • Professional Services

Not Sure Which One?

Our AI Planner can recommend the best SEZ based on your product, export targets, and FDI sectoral caps.

Use AI Planner

Setup Roadmap

Typical Timeline: 4 - 8 Weeks (including LoA approval and premises setup)

1

Consultation

Identify the right SEZ based on your sector, location, and export plan.

2

Application

Submit Letter of Approval application to the SEZ Development Commissioner (DC) via the SEZ Online portal.

3

Licensing

Receive Letter of Approval (LoA). Negotiate land/unit lease with the SEZ authority. Incorporate your Indian subsidiary (Pvt Ltd or LLP) if not already done.

4

Go Live

Open SEZ current account, complete EPFO/ESIC registration, and commence export operations with customs examination on-site.

SEZ vs. Non-SEZ (DTA) Comparison

FeatureSEZ UnitDTA Company (Pvt Ltd)
Ownership100% FDI (Auto Route most sectors)100% FDI (Auto/Approval route)
Corporate TaxSection 10AA Exemption (up to 15 years)Standard 22% or 25% depending on turnover
Customs Duty0% on imports for SEZ processing/exportStandard customs duty applies (BCD + IGST)
Target ActivityExport-oriented manufacturing / IT / ServicesDomestic market / import / retail / mixed

Ready to Set Up in an Indian SEZ?

Use our AI planner to find the best SEZ for your export objectives, manufacturing scale, and FDI sector.

Ready to Launch Your Business in India?

Use our AI planner to confirm your eligibility and generate a customized roadmap, or speak directly to our local advisory experts.

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