SEZ Reforms and Export Promotion Scheme Harmonisation: What Businesses Need to Know

The Government of India has launched an important consultation process that could influence the future of the country’s export promotion ecosystem. A committee constituted by the Department of Commerce has been tasked with reviewing multiple export promotion schemes and recommending a roadmap for comprehensive reforms.

The exercise covers a broad spectrum of frameworks including Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Export Oriented Units (EOUs), MOOWR, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, DFIA, and Free Trade Warehousing Zones. A stakeholder consultation has been scheduled to gather industry feedback before recommendations are finalised.

For businesses operating within these frameworks, the consultation represents an opportunity to influence future policy direction while preparing for potential changes.

Stakeholder Consultation Overview

Item	Details
Consultation Topic	Export Promotion Scheme Harmonisation & SEZ Reforms
Date	30 June 2026
Time	3:00 PM
Venue	Room No. 29, Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Organising Authority	Department of Commerce, Government of India
Stakeholders	SEZ Units, Exporters, EOUs, MOOWR Participants and Industry Bodies

The committee has specifically requested stakeholder feedback on scheme effectiveness, duplication between frameworks, and opportunities for modernisation. This suggests that policymakers are looking beyond incremental changes and exploring broader structural reforms.

Key Reform Areas Under Review

Focus Area	Discussion Theme
SEZ Framework	Competitiveness and ease of doing business
MOOWR	Scheme effectiveness and alignment
Advance Authorisation	Operational efficiency
EPCG	Export promotion effectiveness
DFIA	Simplification and harmonisation
FTWZ	Trade facilitation improvements
SEZ Act & Rules	Regulatory modernisation

One of the most important discussions is expected to focus on SEZ-to-DTA transactions. Questions around duty treatment, competitiveness, manufacturing incentives, and operational flexibility have been debated for years. The consultation may provide a platform for addressing these concerns through a more balanced and commercially practical framework.

International Benchmarking and Competitiveness

The consultation also references global practices followed in countries such as China, Indonesia, and the United States. This is significant because global benchmarking often serves as a foundation for policy reform. By comparing India’s export promotion ecosystem with international models, policymakers can identify opportunities to improve competitiveness, attract investment, and simplify business operations.

Potential Business Impact

Business Segment	Potential Impact
Exporters	Changes in incentive structures and compliance requirements
SEZ Units	Operational and regulatory reforms
Manufacturers	Improved scheme alignment
Investors	Greater policy clarity
Logistics & Trade Operators	Enhanced trade facilitation opportunities

The harmonisation initiative may ultimately influence how businesses choose between export promotion schemes. Greater alignment could reduce duplication, simplify decision-making, and improve operational efficiency. Businesses should monitor developments closely and consider participating in consultations where possible. Early engagement often provides valuable insights into policy direction and enables organizations to prepare proactively for future regulatory changes.

Another notable point raised during the consultation process relates to INR payments by DTA entities for services supplied by SEZ units. This issue has practical implications for many businesses and could become an important area of reform. Similarly, discussions around FTWZ reforms and missing international best practices indicate that policymakers are considering both structural and operational improvements.

From a strategic perspective, reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business may support export growth, manufacturing competitiveness, and investment attraction. Organizations that understand these developments early may be better positioned to identify opportunities and mitigate potential risks.

How Gift CFO Can Help

Gift CFO assists exporters, manufacturers, investors, and SEZ units with SEZ advisory, international trade compliance, tax structuring, policy impact assessments, regulatory analysis, and GIFT City consulting services.

DISCLAIMER: This article is published for informational, educational, and analytical purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, regulatory guidance, trade compliance advice, or a solicitation of any kind.

All information in this article is based on IFSCA Circular No. IFSCA-PMTS/10/2023-Precious Metals/2026/2 dated 15th June 2026, issued under Sections 12 and 13 of the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019, read with Regulation 78 of the IFSCA (Bullion Market) Regulations, 2025. This circular amends the original Circular dated 10th October 2025 on import of gold or silver by Qualified Jewellers and valid India-UAE CEPA TRQ holders through IIBX, as previously updated on 2nd January 2026.

References to DGFT Notifications 17/2026-27 (dated 16th May 2026) and 19/2026-27 (dated 2nd June 2026) are based on information contained within the IFSCA circular. Readers should independently verify the full text of these DGFT notifications for complete details.

A separate, updated Consolidated Circular incorporating these amendments is being issued by IFSCA. Readers should refer to the official, most current Consolidated Circular available at www.ifsca.gov.in under Legal Framework → Circulars for authoritative and up-to-date compliance requirements.

Eligibility for Qualified Jeweller notification, import authorisation requirements, and applicable policy conditions may vary based on entity type, SEZ status, ITC(HS) classification, and other factors specific to each applicant. Entities are strongly advised to consult qualified legal, customs, trade compliance, and tax professionals before undertaking any bullion import transaction through IIBX.

The publisher is not a law firm, customs broker, or IFSCA-regulated entity. Nothing in this article constitutes legal or regulatory advice