In short: A. George & Associates looks after SEZ, STPI and EOU units in Kochi and across Kerala, most of them IT and software companies at Infopark and SmartCity. We handle entry into the SEZ and Letter of Approval, EDF and SERF filings, MPR and APR on SEZ Online, liaison with the Development Commissioner, ADC and customs, duty-free procurement and exits, so your finance team is not left decoding regulations.
Sound familiar?
"Our annual performance report is due and nobody is sure which numbers the Development Commissioner's office will question."
"Our vendors keep charging GST on supplies to our SEZ unit, and nobody has fixed the procurement process."
"We want to take on a domestic client, but no one can tell us what that means for our SEZ status."
"Our finance team changed and the SEZ compliance knowledge left with them."
We work with SEZ and STPI units every month, so these questions have answers.
SEZ entry, filings and liaison we handle
Entry into the SEZ
Letter of Approval application, Unit Approval Committee, bond-cum-legal undertaking and lease, so the unit starts operations correctly.
EDF
Export Declaration Forms for software and service exports, prepared from your invoices and matched to foreign inward remittances.
SERF
SERF filings on SEZ Online for services exported by the unit, kept consistent with your EDFs, invoices and bank realisations.
MPR
Monthly Progress Reports prepared from your books and filed on SEZ Online on time every month, with certification where required.
APR
Annual Performance Report prepared from audited figures and certified by a chartered accountant, ready for the Development Commissioner's review.
Liaison with DC, ADC and customs
Representation before the Development Commissioner, Assistant Development Commissioner and customs officers on approvals, procurement, bills of entry and queries.
We also handle setting up in the SEZ (Letter of Approval, Unit Approval Committee, bond-cum-legal undertaking and lease with the developer), duty-free procurement of goods and services, bills of entry, DTA sale requests, LoA extensions and broad-banding, and liaison with the Development Commissioner, Assistant Development Commissioner and customs officers, including representation before the Unit Approval Committee and Board of Approval. Every filing is reconciled with your books, GST returns and bank records, because that is where queries usually start.
SEZ and STPI Consultants in Kochi,Ernakulam Kerala
Our services to SEZ/STPI/ EOU units shall include the following:-
- Managing documentary and regulatory compliance related to STPI/EOU/SEZ units;
- Obtaining approvals to set up STPI , SEZ and EOU units;
- Online submission of MPR, APR, bill of entry and other forms;
- Certification of Monthly and Annual Performance Reports;
- Submission of documents with the authorities;
- Discussion with ADC and DC in connection with the matters undertaken by the units;
- Representing the units in the UAC and BOA in connection with the approvals
- Ensure that the legal formalities and procedures, including record and document management are complied;;
- Consultation and documentation support to the STPI/EOU/SEZ units to perform their daily activities smoothly by handling their flow of goods/services effectively. In cases where the units want to exit from the EOU/SEZ status, we facilitate the same;
- Support services in connection with for Customs and central excise audits, and also facilitates customers in facing audits;
- Any other services as the requirements arise.
What working with us looks like
A compliance calendar
Every SEZ, STPI, GST and ROC deadline for your unit, agreed at the start of the year.
Monthly review
Exports, foreign exchange receipts and documents checked before they become a problem.
Liaison handled
Development Commissioner, ADC and customs matters represented by people who know the unit.
One point of contact
A partner-led team that also handles your audit and tax, so nothing falls between advisers.
SEZ and STPI compliance checklist for IT companies
From SEZ entry and Letter of Approval to EDF, SERF, MPR, APR and liaison with the DC, ADC and customs, on one page.
Frequently asked questions
Can you help us set up a new SEZ or STPI unit at Infopark or SmartCity?
Yes. We prepare the application, project report and supporting documents, follow up with the Development Commissioner's office or STPI, and help you put compliance systems in place from day one.
What are the main ongoing filings for an SEZ unit?
Export Declaration Forms (EDF) for each software or service export, SERF filings and Monthly Progress Reports (MPR) on SEZ Online, the certified Annual Performance Report (APR), and compliance with the conditions of the Letter of Approval. The exact set depends on the unit and its approval.
Can an SEZ unit sell services in India?
Supplies from an SEZ unit to the domestic tariff area are possible but come with conditions and tax consequences. We review the proposed arrangement before you contract.
We are moving out of the SEZ or closing the unit. What is involved?
Exit requires approvals and settlement of duties and benefits on assets and inventory. We plan the steps, prepare the filings and represent the unit before the authorities.
Do SEZ units need GST refunds?
Usually not. Supplies to an SEZ unit are zero-rated, so goods and services should be procured without GST, and the unit does not build up input tax credit. The focus is making sure vendors supply correctly without charging GST. Refunds are relevant for STPI and non-SEZ exporters, and for vendors supplying to SEZ units, which we also handle.
Related: IT companies and startups, GST consultants in Kochi, compliance guide for IT companies in Kochi.