StepIndus’s SEZ Service: Special Economic Zone service offering is a critical component of their entry strategy, designed to maximise cost savings and regulatory compliance for three core functions: Global Capability Centers (GCCs), Engineering Centers, and Manufacturing Units.

 

SEZ vs Non-SEZ: The Right Question

Designing Trade-Efficient India Operations

 The question is not:
“Should we register in an SEZ?”

The right question is:
“Does SEZ structurally improve our India operating model over the next decade?”

StepIndus helps you answer that with clarity by providing strategic SEZ advisory focused on operating model and setup the SEZ unit in a Special Economic Zone that is suitable to your operation.

We help global enterprises evaluate whether SEZ improves their India structure, and if so, architect it right from day one.

Beyond Tax Holidays. Towards Structural Efficiency.

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regime in India is often misunderstood as a legacy tax incentive framework. In reality, under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, SEZs remain one of India’s most powerful structural tools for export-led Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and manufacturing platforms.

SEZ is no longer about income tax holidays. It is about structural efficiency. StepIndus designs SEZ strategies that align trade flows, GST architecture, capital imports, and export positioning for GCCs and manufacturing investors.

Who Should Consider SEZ?

Global Capability Centers (GCC)

  • IT & IT-enabled services
  • Engineering and R&D centers
  • Global Shared Services Centers
  • Export-driven delivery models

Manufacturing & Global Supply Chains

  • High import-content manufacturing
  • Export-oriented production
  • Global value chain integration models
  • Multi-country distribution platforms

Our SEZ Service Approach

We do not treat SEZ as a compliance checkbox. We evaluate it as a strategic operating model decision.

SEZ Evaluation

  • SEZ vs Non-SEZ financial modelling
  • Capex intensity assessment
  • Export ratio sensitivity analysis
  • State-level SEZ comparison
  • Captive SEZ feasibility review

Deliverable: A quantified board-ready decision matrix.

Regulatory Approvals

  • SEZ unit approval 
  • Customs and GST alignment
  • FEMA structuring advisory
  • Capital structure and ECB review
  • Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) sales planning

We ensure your SEZ model is legally robust, fiscally efficient, and scalable.

Execution & Lifecycle

  • Approval coordination
  • Upfront Imports clearances
  • Set up phase compliance oversight
  • Expansion strategy advisory
  • Exit and restructuring planning

SEZ decisions have long-term implications. We remain engaged beyond setup.

Business Strategy Planning Concept

Work with us for value by being closer to your needs

  • Your extended team for setup
  • Local terrain knowledge
  • Commitment to value

Want to evaluate SEZ verses non-SEZ option?

Write to us with your questions, and our team will get back to you with detailed answers. Or book a free consultation slot with us.

Book a Free Consultation

Related Insight