SEZ approvals: formal and in-principle project sanctions plus delegation to Unit Approval Committee for default operations.
The Board of Approval granted Formal Approvals for two SEZ projects and one In-Principle Approval for a Solar SEZ, approved nine co-developer statuses, decided to enlarge the list of default operations, and authorised the Unit Approval Committee to approve default operations, with a notification to be issued.

Safeguard and anti dumping measures expanded, altering duty imposition and administrative powers for customs and excise.
Finance (No. 2) Act, 2009 amends provisions in the Customs Tariff Act to address anti dumping duty, countervailing duty, special and China specific safeguard duties, and an additional duty equal to excise and local taxes; and amends the Customs Act and Central Excise Act to expand rulemaking powers, formalize advance rulings, clarify cognizance and appellate access to the High Court, and introduce/refine special audit provisions where duty credit usage is abnormal.

All Industry Rates of Duty Drawback: data call for representative cost and consumption inputs to revise rates
Request for comprehensive industry data to rework All Industry Rates of Duty Drawback by submitting a three-part proforma detailing input/input-service consumption and duty incidence, actual export costs and sales realizations, and service tax incidence. Data must be representative (at least five units across small, medium and large manufacturers), supported by documentary evidence where possible, and aggregate inputs/services across all types/styles of the specified export item including total FOB realization. Anomalies in the Drawback Schedule and other suggestions may be submitted separately; electronic submission and prior intimation for presentations to the constituted committee are provided.

Default authorized SEZ developer activities permit core infrastructure and utilities from notification pending Board approval.
Instruction authorises Developers and approved Co Developers, from SEZ notification, to carry out specified default infrastructure and service activities pending Board approval. Authorised works, listed by SEZ type, include roads with lighting, water treatment and supply, sewage and effluent treatment, electrical and gas distribution and substations, telecom and internet connectivity, rain water harvesting, landscaping, boundary walls, and office space for customs and security, with sector specific additions such as air conditioning and fire protection for IT zones, Wi Fi and micro irrigation for sector zones, and factory sheds and playgrounds for multi product zones.

DEPB claim jurisdiction clarified: SEZ units must file DEPB claims with their respective Development Commissioners per new instruction.
SEZ units must submit DEPB claims to the respective Development Commissioners, establishing those offices as the competent filing authority; this requirement operates alongside customs exemptions for imports under a Duty Entitlement Passbook and provisions permitting DEPB benefits for supplies from the domestic tariff area to SEZ developers or co-developers against Indian rupee payment.