Home About Us Services Knowledge & Updates Tools Contact Us
SEZ / STPI

SEZ / STPI Compliance & Advisory

Unit setup, SOFTEX, performance reports, NFE tracking and GST zero-rating - the full export-unit compliance stack for SEZ and STPI units.

Home/Services/SEZ / STPI

Hyderabad is one of India’s largest SEZ and STPI markets, and export-unit compliance is a specialised discipline - LOA conditions, SOFTEX, monthly and annual performance reports, NFE computation and GST zero-rating all have to move together. We run this stack for IT/ITES exporters so benefits are never at risk.

🏭
SEZ Unit Registration and Setup
Guidance on obtaining SEZ unit approval, Letter of Approval from Development Commissioner and post-approval compliance framework.
View Details
Registration Steps
  • Identify the appropriate SEZ based on sector and location
  • Prepare project report with investment, employment and NFE projections
  • Apply for Letter of Approval (LOA) from the Unit Approval Committee
  • Execute Bond-cum-Legal Undertaking (BLUT) with the Development Commissioner
  • Apply for Customs bond registration for duty-free imports
Post-Registration Compliance
  • Quarterly Performance Report (QPR) to Development Commissioner
  • Monthly Performance Report (MPR) for first two years
  • Annual Performance Report (APR) with Net Foreign Exchange Earning (NFE) computation
  • Softex filing for software and service exports
  • DSPF endorsement where applicable
Suitable for IT, BPO and GCC units NFE must be positive over 5-year period
💻
STPI Registration and Compliance
STPI membership, SOFTEX filing, SERF returns and customs duty exemption management for software and IT service exporters.
View Details
STPI Registration
  • Apply to nearest STPI centre with project details
  • Obtain Letter of Permission (LOP) for duty-free import of equipment
  • Register with STPI Director for SOFTEX filing access
  • Annual renewal of STPI membership
Ongoing Compliance
  • SOFTEX: monthly filing for deemed export of software within 30 days of invoice
  • SERF: Software Export Return Filing — quarterly with STPI Director
  • eBRC generation on DGFT portal for each realised export invoice
  • Annual performance report with export and import data
  • Customs duty exemption on hardware and equipment under STPI scheme
SOFTEX filing: within 30 days of invoice date RBI extended export realisation period: 15 months
🔄
SEZ and STPI GST Compliance
Zero-rated supply treatment, LUT filing, IGST refund management and ITC reconciliation specific to SEZ and STPI exporters.
View Details
GST on SEZ Supplies
  • All supplies to SEZ units are zero-rated under Section 16(1)(b) of IGST Act
  • Supplier can export with payment of IGST and claim refund, or supply under LUT without payment
  • Form RFD-01 for refund of IGST paid or ITC accumulated on inputs used for SEZ supplies
  • LUT filing for zero-rated exports: file before the financial year begins
GST on STPI Exports
  • Services exported by STPI units are zero-rated if made under LUT
  • IGST refund on services exported with payment: linked with eBRC and GSTR-1
  • Input ITC fully claimable for STPI units unlike SEZ units where some restrictions apply
📊
FEMA and RBI Compliance for Exporters
EDPMS reconciliation, export realisation tracking, APR filing and FEMA advisory for software and service exporters through SEZ and STPI.
View Details
EDPMS Compliance
  • Every export invoice above USD 25,000 must be reported in EDPMS through the authorised dealer bank
  • Foreign exchange realisation must be received within 15 months of shipment (as extended by RBI)
  • eBRC must be generated on DGFT portal once realisation is confirmed by bank
  • Unresolved EDPMS entries require regularisation with RBI through the AD bank
APR Filing
  • Annual Performance Report to RBI through AD bank for each overseas subsidiary or office
  • Form ODI Part II: annual reporting of overseas direct investments
  • FC-GPR for receiving FDI into the Indian entity from a foreign parent

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an SEZ unit and an STPI unit?

An SEZ unit sits inside a notified zone with customs-bonded premises, GST zero-rated procurement and (legacy) Section 10AA benefits. An STPI unit can operate from any premises with lighter compliance - duty-free imports and SOFTEX-based export reporting - but without SEZ procurement benefits. The right choice depends on scale, location flexibility and tax position.

What is SOFTEX and when must it be filed?

SOFTEX is the export declaration for software/IT services, filed with SEZ/STPI authorities generally within 30 days of the invoice. Missing it creates FEMA realisation issues - we run it on a monthly calendar.

What periodic reports does an SEZ unit file?

Monthly performance reports where applicable, quarterly QPRs and the Annual Performance Report, plus NFE (Net Foreign Exchange) monitoring over the 5-year block. Non-compliance can jeopardise the LOA.

How do SEZ supplies work under GST?

Supplies to SEZ units are zero-rated - suppliers ship under LUT without tax or claim refunds. The unit itself procures without embedded GST; we manage endorsements and documentation.

Discuss your requirement

Talk directly to CA CS CMA Krupanand Bammidi - no call centers, no juniors on first calls.

📞 +91 78427 96315 WhatsApp Us Contact Page
As per the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, ICAI members are not permitted to solicit work or advertise. This website is published in accordance with ICAI Website Guidelines for informational purposes only.
Chat with Us Join Channel