SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
Institutions: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
The 133rd meeting of the Board of Approval (BoA) for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), scheduled for 15 October 2025 under the Department of Commerce, is set to review a comprehensive agenda covering amendments to the SEZ Rules 2006, new SEZ approvals, de-notifications, and operational changes across sectors.
According to the official agenda released by the BoA Secretariat, the meeting will consider time extensions for existing approvals, area modifications, and in-principle proposals for new SEZs in the Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Engineering sectors. Applications from co-developers for infrastructure creation within existing SEZs will also be examined, along with cases of partial de-notification arising from non-utilisation or evolving business plans.
The agenda further includes a review of proposed amendments to the SEZ Rules 2006 concerning the validity and operational timelines of Letters of Approval (LoAs), intended to improve procedural clarity and business continuity.
The meeting reflects the governmentβs continuing focus on regulatory simplification, timely implementation, and export-oriented industrial growth. SEZs remain central to Indiaβs goals of employment generation, investment facilitation, and infrastructure-driven competitiveness.
The agenda signals ongoing efforts to streamline SEZ governance and align industrial policy with trade and investment objectives, improving operational predictability for developers and exporters alike.
What is the Board of Approval (BoA)?
A statutory body chaired by the Secretary, Department of Commerce, responsible for approving, monitoring, and amending SEZ proposals under the SEZ Act 2005 and SEZ Rules 2006.
What is a Special Economic Zone (SEZ)? β A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a designated area within a country that operates under a distinct set of economic laws and incentives to attract investment, boost exports, and generate employment. In India, SEZs offer tax concessions, simplified customs procedures, and liberalised labour and land norms to encourage manufacturing and services for global markets. SEZs are governed by the SEZ Act 2005 and the SEZ Rules 2006, administered by the Department of Commerce. Each zone functions as an export-oriented enclave, where developers and units receive duty exemptions and faster clearances to support industrial growth and foreign exchange earnings.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can proposed reforms to the SEZ Rules 2006 enhance investment uptake and utilisation rates across Indiaβs export zones?
Follow the full news here: https://sezindia.gov.in/sites/default/files/notice_board/133rd%20BoA%20Agenda.pdf