The Department of Commerce has initiated an exercise for standardization of procedures, harmonization of Rules, formats and fees, and is undertaking a review of the issues relating to Human Resource Management (both SEZ & Customs), Vigilance mechanism, Grievance redressal and its monitoring in all Zones. Department of Commerce is also making preparations for allowing online filing of applications for various purposes by SEZ Developers and Units, and this facility would be launched next month.

Shri Madhusudan Prasad, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce today unveiled and implemented the timelines for disposal of various processes and activities related to SEZ Developers / Units at Noida SEZ in the presence of Shri Rajeev Arora, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce and Shri Sumeet Jerath, Development Commissioner, Noida SEZ and.

These timelines will be strictly followed by all the Zonal Development Commissioners throughout India. These timelines have been uploaded on the SEZ Website (www.sezindia.nic.in) and are being prominently displayed through notice boards in all DC offices as well as on the individual websites of the Zones.

To ensure smooth functioning of SEZs and facilitating ease of doing business in SEZs, Department of Commerce, Government of India has prescribed time limits for disposal of various activities related to SEZ Developers/Units. Henceforth, the timeline for examination of proposals for setting up of SEZs including site inspection of land and sending to the DoC is 15 days, examination of the proposal for change of sector is 7 days, extension of LOA upto 4th year and execution of lease deed is 7 days, in-principle exit order is 7 days, issuance of Form-I for CST exemption is 5 days etc. This will work as a catalyst in providing good governance in the SEZs.

SEZ procedural timelines accelerate application disposal and introduce online filing for developers and units nationwide The Department of Commerce will launch online filing for SEZ developers and units and has mandated uniform timelines for SEZ processes: 15 days for new SEZ proposals including site inspection and transmission, 7 days for sector change examination, 7 days for LOA extension and lease execution, 7 days for in-principle exit orders, and 5 days for issuance of Form-I for CST exemption; timelines are to be uploaded on the SEZ website and displayed in DC offices and zone websites.