SEZ Advisory
Supporting Special Economic Zones with Structured Guidance and Institutional Clarity
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) represent a vital part of India’s industrial, export, and investment ecosystem. However, setting up or operating within an SEZ involves compliance with multiple layers of regulation — from customs and commerce to environmental and infrastructure mandates.
At DharmaSetu Goldschmidt Advisory, we assist SEZ developers, units, and transitioning entities with clarity, documentation discipline, and deep engagement with relevant authorities. Whether you are applying for a new zone, operating within one, or exploring denotification — we ensure your journey is smooth, compliant, and future-proof.
Why SEZs Need Specialist Support
SEZs are governed by a dedicated legal framework and involve interdepartmental coordination between Commerce Ministries, Development Commissioners, DGFT, Customs, and in some cases, State Industrial Development Corporations and Planning Authorities.
Every approval must align with the SEZ Act, SEZ Rules, Foreign Trade Policy, and relevant central and state orders. Even routine operations can become bottlenecks without a structured compliance approach.
How We Support You
SEZ Developer & Unit Registration
- Application support for new SEZ proposals or expansion
- Coordination with Department of Commerce & SEZ Development Commissioner
- Infrastructure and masterplan documentation
- Application for SEZ notification, formal approval, and in-principle clearance
- Advice on sector classification, land minimums, and processing area compliance
Operational Compliance for SEZ Units
- Unit registration and approval under SEZ Rules, including Letter of Approval (LoA)
- Filing of bond-cum-legal undertakings (BLUT), IEC linkage, and LUT renewals
- Coordination with customs officials for import/export permissions and duty exemptions
- Regular returns (APR, SOFTEX) and quarterly reporting preparation
- Online SEZ (SEZ-Online) filing support and dashboard setup
Denotification, Exit, and Restructuring
- Denotification of non-functional or restructured zones
- Guidance for transitioning SEZ land to industrial or non-SEZ use
- Exit strategy support including DGFT, DC, and State Authority clearance
- Asset transfer assistance and legal opinion coordination
DGFT, Customs, and EPCG Alignment
- Assistance in reconciling EPCG and SEZ import/export obligations
- Support in handling show-cause notices or audit issues
- Licensing, valuation, and documentation for inbound machinery or capital goods
- Bonded warehouse advisory for SEZ units
Our Approach
We approach SEZ engagement as a long-term strategic service — designed for compliance, export growth, and risk reduction. We offer practical, real-time support while ensuring every aspect of the operation is future-ready and fully in line with the SEZ framework and India’s evolving trade policies.
We work with sensitivity to the shifting policy landscape, particularly in hybrid SEZ parks, IT/ITES clusters, and logistics zones.
Why DharmaSetu Goldschmidt Advisory?
- Familiarity with SEZ processes in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Surat, and Noida
- Longstanding working relationships with SEZ Development Commissioners and DGFT offices
- Support for clients in electronics, pharma, logistics, IT services, data centers, and green manufacturing
- Integrated legal, customs, and compliance advisory for complex SEZ setups
- Experience guiding both single-unit occupiers and zone-level developers
SEZs require structure, patience, and precision. Whether you are entering, expanding, or exiting — our role is to help you do it in alignment with the law, the regulators, and your long-term goals.