The Special Economic Zones (SEZs) policy was launched in April, 2000. The Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, was passed by Parliament in May, 2005 which received Presidential assent on the 23^rd of June, 2005. The SEZ Rules, 2006 came into effect on 10^th February, 2006. The salient features of the SEZ scheme are:-

1. A designated duty free enclave to be treated as a territory outside the customs territory of India for the purpose of authorised operations in the SEZ;
2. No licence required for import;
3. Manufacturing or service activities allowed;
4. The Unit shall achieve Positive Net Foreign Exchange to be calculated cumulatively for a period of five years from the commencement of production;
5. Domestic sales subject to full customs duty and import policy in force;
6. SEZ units will have freedom for subcontracting;
7. No routine examination by customs authorities of export/import cargo;
8. SEZ Developers /Co-Developers and Units enjoy tax benefits as prescribed in the SEZs Act, 2005.

The notification of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the country is guided by the following:-

1. generation of additional economic activity
2. promotion of exports of goods and services;
3. promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources;
4. creation of employment opportunities;
5. development of infrastructure facilities

There were 7 Central Government Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 12 State/Private Sector SEZs prior to the enactment of the SEZs Act, 2005.  In addition, 425 proposals for setting up of SEZs in the country have been accorded formal approval under the SEZ Act, 2005.  Presently, 378 SEZs are notified, out of which 265 are operational.  States/Union Territories-wise details of SEZs is at Annexure-I.

Eight Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been approved for the Agro and Food Processing sector in India.  Of these 8 SEZs, 7 have been notified and 4 are operational. A statement showing details of Agro and Food Processing SEZs in India is at Annexure-II.  The exports from these SEZs during the last five years and current year 2020-21 (i.e. up to 31^st December, 2020) is as under: 

Annexure-I

Annexure-II

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.