India and New Zealand formally signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 27, 2026, during a major industry gathering at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Concluding in a record nine months after formal negotiations were initiated in March 2025, the pact represents one of India's fastest trade agreements to date. From day one, 100% of Indian exports—covering 8,284 tariff lines including textiles, leather, ceramics, and engineering goods—gain immediate duty-free access to the New Zealand market, eliminating prior tariffs of up to 10%. Concurrently, to safeguard domestic agricultural and manufacturing interests, India successfully excluded sensitive sectors such as dairy, onions, sugar, edible oils, and select metals from any tariff concessions.

Beyond trade in goods, the agreement establishes a robust framework for services, mobility, and investment. It introduces a new Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) pathway that provides 5,000 visas for skilled Indian professionals across IT, engineering, and healthcare, alongside an unprecedented annex granting extended post-study work visas for Indian students. Economically, New Zealand has committed to facilitating $20 billion in direct investments into India over the next 15 years, aligning with a mutual strategic goal to double bilateral trade to $5 billion. Furthermore, the deal significantly reduces technical barriers to trade by streamlining customs procedures. Crucially, the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors will benefit from faster market access through the acceptance of international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) reports, thereby lowering compliance costs. Hailed by leadership from both nations as a "once-in-a-generation" defining milestone, this pact marks India's third successful trade agreement with a "Five Eyes" alliance member, expanding its Indo-Pacific footprint and positioning exporters on a superior global footing.

The Development Commissioner’s (DC) office at Noida Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) organized a vital stakeholder meeting this evening to coordinate a performance audit conducted by the Office of the Principal Director of Audit (PDC Central), Lucknow. Chaired by Shri Parasmani Tripathi, JDC, and attended by DDC Shri Noman Hafiz and other senior officials, the meeting was supported by EPCES NSEZ, which facilitated the participation of 26 member units. The primary focus was on evaluating the zone's operational efficiency, export performance, and infrastructure adequacy, with PAC officials noting that the final report would be forwarded to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) department. During the discussion, units raised critical concerns regarding the delay in RoDTEP benefits and the lack of credit in bonds for shipments processed at Dadri port. Significant technical hurdles on the ICEGATE portal, including the slow processing of both import and export shipping documents, were also highlighted as major operational bottlenecks. Additionally, stakeholders requested the availability of customs services on holidays and discussed the high charges levied by the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) for shipment examinations. The meeting served as a crucial platform for units to provide direct feedback and suggestions to improve policy effectiveness and streamline zone administration.

EPCES MEPZ Region, in collaboration with Knowledge Partner KPMG in India, organized a high-impact webinar on April 24, 2026, titled “IGCR Compliance for EOUs and Supplies to DTA by SEZ Units at Concessional Rate of Duty.” Attended by over 135 members, the session provided a deep dive into the practicalities of the IGCR Rules, 2022, focusing on digital compliance through ICEGATE and the mandatory filing of IGCR-1, 2, and 3/3A forms. Key leaders, including Shri Sunil Rallan (Vice Chairman, EPCES) and Shri Alok V. Chaturvedi (Director General, EPCES), opened the event by emphasizing the critical need for industry preparedness under evolving customs frameworks. Expert speakers from KPMG, led by Shri P. S. Krishnan, highlighted that seamless alignment between internal ERP systems and IGCR reporting is essential to avoid audit objections and heavy penalties. The technical discussion specifically addressed the complexities of SEZ to DTA supplies, noting that concessional duty rates—recently rationalized under Notification 11/2026—are strictly subject to conditions such as a 20% value addition and a 30% DTA sale cap. Participants were advised to maintain rigorous Bill of Entry (BoE)-wise tracking to overcome common operational hurdles like lack of traceability and job work tracking issues. The session concluded with a special address from Shri Kota Rajasekar (Regional Vice Chairman, EPCES MEPZ SEZ), who called for proactive internal controls and single-point ownership of compliance data. This collaborative initiative underscores EPCES's commitment to guiding its members through technical regulatory challenges to ensure uninterrupted and compliant trade operations.

On April 24, 2026, the EPCES Cochin SEZ region organized an interactive session with Mr. N. S. Dev, IRS, Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC), to address critical operational and policy issues. The primary focus of the discussion centered on the mechanisms of DTA sales at concessional duty rates and the intensifying impact of global regional conflicts on export performance. Member units informed the DDC that the ongoing war has led to a sharp increase in operational costs and significant delays in international payment realizations. Furthermore, exporters highlighted a major financial burden caused by Adani Gas, which has recently altered its fuel consumption calculation methods. The session also addressed the instability of energy supplies, with units reporting that gas suppliers have begun changing their charging structures on a daily basis. In response to these rising costs and supply inconsistencies, member units strongly advocated for regulatory flexibility to allow the use of alternative fuel sources to meet their industrial requirements. Mr. N. S. Dev took note of these systemic hurdles, and a detailed report is being prepared to be sent separately for further administrative action. This meeting underscored the urgent need for policy support to protect the competitiveness of export-oriented units amidst shifting geopolitical and local economic pressures.

Srikanth Badiga, Group Director of Phoenix and the current Chairman of EPCES, is spearheading a movement to restore humanity and peace to the final moments of life. Driven by a personal experience with a chaotic and undignified cremation, he founded Mahaprasthanam to reimagine the final journey through the core values of Embrace, Honour, and Farewell. This initiative has grown from a single moment of discomfort into a transformative movement that has reshaped thousands of crematoria across India. By focusing on compassion and respect, Badiga emphasizes that true societal progress is measured not just by our physical structures, but by how gently we treat the most certain moment of life. This story highlights the importance of restoring dignity where it matters most, ensuring that every goodbye is a peaceful and honored transition.

A Virtual Conference (VC) was held on 9.4.2026 under the chairmanship of Secretary (Commerce) and Secretary (Shipping). The meeting was attended by major shipping lines, ports, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), and exporters. The objective of the VC was to discuss issues related to ports and shipping in the context of the ongoing challenges, and to explore feasible solutions in consultation with all stakeholders

At the instance of the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (SEZEPC), a meeting was taken by Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, SEZ division, Department of Commerce at 11 am on 7.4.2026 in Vanijya Bhawan to review the outstanding issues related to improving Ease of Doing Business in respect of SEZs and EOUs. The meeting was attended by Shri Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, SEZ Division, D/o Commerce and Shri Gaurav Anand, Director, SEZ Division, D/o Commerce. From the SEZEPC side, Shri Alok Chaturvedi, Director General, Shri Srikanth Badiga, (Group Director , Phoenix Group), Chairman , Shri Sunil Rallan (CMD, J. Matadee Free Trade Zone), Vice Chairman, Shri Vilas Gupta (MD Taurus Englobe Limited), Member Governing Council, Shri Sunil Puri (Director, Yasen Lighting Private Limited) , Regional Chairman , NSEZ, SEZEPC, Shri Anil Malhotra, MD, TUF Metallurgical Pvt Ltd, Mr E Shankar, Director, OnnSynex Ventures Pvt Ltd, Shri Ramesh R. , Director and Ms Rita Verma, Manager, Flextronics Technologies (India) Ltd, Shri Prakashsingh Thakur, GM, GIFT SEZ were present. Shri Alok Chaturvedi, Director General presented the issues related to improving Ease of Doing Business being faced by SEZs and EOUs. A copy of the presentation and background note are attached. Due to shortage of time, the following key issues could be discussed: i. Implementation Issues regarding the recent notification for conditional concessional custom duty for SEZ to Domestic Tariff Area sales. It was decided to collate the problems/doubts being faced by the SEZ units and then a doubt clearing sessions may be held urgently. ii. Compliance burden due to 100% endorsement of invoices by SEZ Customs for the supply of services and goods from DTA to SEZs. Request to make it automatic/self-certification basis with risk-based post audit. NSDL is in discussion with GSTN and ICEGATE for the same. iii. Streamlining of multiple and complex reporting of same information by services units in SEZs to different regulatory bodies like RBI, Development Commissioner, etc. NSDL was asked to develop a streamlined portal for the same. iv. Unnecessary harassment of SEZ units due to demand notices from Income Tax Authorities for payment of TDS on rental payment to SEZ Authorities due to non-issue of exemption certificate under Section 10(46), IT Act to SEZ Authorities. It was decided to expedite having exemption certificate by SEZ Authority immediately. v. Discontinuation of illegal Export Duty on DTA to SEZ supplies in view of Supreme Court dismissal of Government appeal. The matter is under discussion with the D/o Legal Affairs. However, export duty is not being charged now. vi. Problems being faced by SEZ units due to lack of infrastructure and other facilities in AMRL HiTech City SEZ in Tamil Nadu due to NCLT proceedings against the AMRL group. The problem is due to NCLT proceedings and Resolution Professional (RP) is managing the company. DC, MEPZ is in regular touch with the RP. vii. Amendment in SEZ Rule 43 by permitting SEZ units for doing job work for DTA units without any linkage to exports. It was assured that this will be taken up immediately in consulatation with DGEP. viii. Allowing RoDTEP benefits to exports through FTWZs. It was assured that the discussions are being held with DGFT in this regard. ix. Permitting SEZ developers to have Rooftop solar power plants with SEZ fiscal benefits. The issue is being addressed in consultation with DGEP. x. Considering SEZ to MOOWR supplies as NFE positive under SEZ Rule 53 A9j).This will be addressed urgently. It was also decided to have a regular meeting to review pending EoDB issues being faced by the SEZs and EOUs on the day of the meeting of the Board of Approval. There were other issues which could not be taken up due to shortage of time. It was decided to have a separate discussion on the problems of Free Trade and Warehousing Zones (FTWZs) separately. SEZEPC

At the instance of the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (SEZEPC), a meeting was taken by Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, SEZ division, Department of Commerce at 11 am on 7th April 2026 in Vanijya Bhawan to review the outstanding issues related to improving Ease of Doing Business in respect of SEZs and EOUs. The meeting was attended by Shri Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, SEZ Division, D/o Commerce and Shri Gaurav Anand, Director, SEZ Division, D/o Commerce. https://us9.campaign-archive.com/?u=72d3bf6b4d5b6a1700e4d01f5&id=3373a345ed Presentation by EPCES- https://epces.in/uploads/highlight/EoDB%20Issues%20-%20SEZs%20and%20EOUs%20-%20Presentation%20before%20DoC%20on%207202604081775646576.4.2026%20(1).pdf List of Pending Issues - https://epces.in/uploads/highlight/Status%20of%20Key%20Pending%20Issues%20(As%20on%2025202604051775393527.02.2026)%20(1).pdf

EPCES Organised a meeing with DG System in hybrid mode for FTWZ units for issues related to ICEGATE on 19th November 2024 at NSEZ.

"Expanding Horizons: India's Edge in Service Exports" event organized by the Export Promotion Centre (EPC) in collaboration with the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) and the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday, 04 October 2025, at Hotel Novotel, Chennai.

• The seminar focused on the impact of U.S. tariffs on Indian exporters and importers. • Types of Tariffs: The discussion included country-specific reciprocal tariffs (currently 15% plus the MFN rate) and product-specific Section 232 tariffs, which apply to goods like steel, aluminium, and potentially pharmaceuticals. A "secondary tariff" concept was also introduced, where tariffs can apply to raw materials within a final product. • Mitigation Strategies: The speaker, Shri. Himanshu, provided strategies to mitigate tariff impacts. These included optimizing the origin of goods, leveraging the "first sale for export" concept, and refining transaction values. • First Sale for Export: This strategy allows for a lower customs duty tax base in the U.S. by using the earlier sale price from the manufacturer (e.g., an SEZ unit) to an intermediary entity, rather than the final sale price to the U.S. importer. This can result in a significant reduction in customs duty costs. Key conditions for this strategy include multiple sales before import into the U.S. and proving an arm's-length price. • Transshipment Penalties: The importance of avoiding transshipment penalties was highlighted, which can result in an additional 40% tariff if the origin of goods is misrepresented. Substantial transformation must occur in the intermediate country to legitimately change a product's origin.

INFHRA - organised a conference for the real estate developers and companies who are opting to be a Sez unit. INFRHRA makes its presence pan India basis through conferences / programs and workshops, its an association and epitomizes the interest of trade and industry and interacts with its counterpart international partners to promote bilateral trade. They had invited EPCES during their recent conference held in New Delhi. EPCES, SEEPZ ZONE had been invited to a talk on SEZ and the role of EPCES in promoting the SEZ. Regional Director,SEEPZ briefed on SEZ sector as well as SEEPZ and highlighted on the role of EPCES, the membership and services. Also interacted with a few of the companies on the subject, specifically about setting up a unit in SEZ. Some of them have shown interest and are keen in setting up an unit in SEZ.

on 22-01-2025 EPCES Regional office Bangalore staff and staff of CSEZ Bangalore attended felicitation and farewell function of Joint Development Commissioner, CSEZ Bangalore Shri A.S Naveen Kushalappa IRS on his completion of deputation period and on his promotion as Commissioner of Customs and CGST. The felicitation and farewell function were presided over by Smt P. Hemalatha IAS, Development Commissioner, CSEZ. On behalf of EPCES, the Regional Director Shri C U Poovaiah IRS � presented a Flower bouquet and a fruit basket, highlighted his helpfulness for EPCES members and wished him a successful career in all his future assignments.

Hybrid meeting was organised by NSDL on tracking status of various Customs documents of SEZ. Presentation was given by NSDL in the office of DC on 14th January 2024 at 11.00 AM. EPCES Noida arranged participants and also attended the meeting

The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services, CBIC, Bengaluru Zonal Unit (DGTS) in association with EPCES CSEZ, Bangalore Region and other stakeholders organised a webinar event on "Customs Compliance Requirements of BIS, EPR & LMPC � An Overview" for the benefit of the members of EPCES, covering the detailed study on Customs compliance requirements on Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), on Extended Producer Responsibility(EPR) and on Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities (LMPC) on 3rd January 2025 with distinguished speakers Shri. Amar Kumar Sinha, I.R.S., Additional Director General, Ms. Rachna, I.R.S. Joint Director, DGTS BZU of Directorate General of Taxpayer Services Bengaluru Zonal Unit Bengaluru and Shri KK Pillai Regional Chairman, EPCES-CSEZ. The welcome address, introductory remarks and the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Shri A. Ebenezer, IRS, Assistant Director, DGTS -BZU Bengaluru.

A Physical interactive session on Sez, Rules and procedures was held exclusively for SEZ Developer & SEZ units in the premises of Brigade Tech Garden SEZ, Bangalore on the 14th November 2024,

DC office organised an Awareness Programme as a part of Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2024 on 13th November 2024 at the Athulya Auditorium, Infopark Campus. Topic of the programme was �Culture of Integrity for Nation�s Prosperity�.

EPCES in association with the Development Commissioner Office, SEEPZ organized an Outreach Program and Open House for EOU and DTA units on Trade Credit Insurance and Recent Developments on 25th October, 2024 in Goa.

1) Inauguration Ceremony of GateNo.2 and Customs Examination Area by Shri Vimal Anand, JS , Deptt. of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India on 10th October 2024.. EPCES arranged participants and also attended the function. Shri Vilas Gupta, CGC member , Shri Sunil Puri Regional Chairman and other our RGC members also attended the ceremony