Clarification on SEZ Import Restrictions by DGFT

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, issued Policy Circular No. 06/2024-25 on June 19, 2024, addressing concerns raised by Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units following the Notification No. 17/2024-25, which restricted imports of specific items categorized under ITC (HS) Codes 71131912, 71131913, 71131914, 71131915, and 71131960. The circular highlights that, according to Rule 27(1) of the Special Economic Zone Rules, 2006, amended, imports made by SEZ units (excluding Free Trade and Warehousing Zones) for the specified ITC codes are exempt from the mentioned restrictions. This clarification aims to alleviate the issues faced by SEZ units concerning import regulations. The notification was issued with the approval of the DGFT and is intended for Customs Authorities, Regional Authorities of DGFT, and trade members to ensure compliance and understanding of the regulatory framework.
Government of IndiaMinistry of Commerce & IndustryDepartment of CommerceDirectorate General of Foreign TradeVanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Policy Circular No. 06/2024-25 -DGFT | Dated: 19th June, 2024
To,1. All Customs Authorities2. All RAs of DGFT3. All Members of the Trade & Industry
Subsequent to the issuance of the Notification no.17/2024-25 dated 11.06.2024 restricting import of specific items under ITC (HS) Codes 71131912, 71131913, 71131914,, 71131915 and 71131960, Representations have been received from SEZ Units highlighting the issues faced by these units.
2. In this regard, attention is drawn to rule 27(1) of the Special Economic Zone rules, 2006 as amended. Accordingly, it is clarified that import made by SEZ units (Other than FTWZ units) under the ITC (HS) Codes 71131912, 71131913, 71131914, 71131915 and 71131960 are outside the purview of this notification.
This is issued with the approval of DGFT.
(Jai Pal)Joint Director General of Foreign TradeE-mail: [email protected]
(Issued from F.No.01/89/180/36/AM-11/PC-2[A]/E-1679)