New Delhi: At present, there are 425 formally approved Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the country. As on date, 376 SEZs are notified and 268 SEZs are operational. This information was given by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

SEZs are primarily private investment driven initiatives. The delay in setting up of and operationalizing SEZs could be attributed to several reasons including adverse business climate due to changed global economic situation, changes in fiscal incentives, etc., she said.

As per Section 30 of the SEZ Act, 2005, any goods removed from a SEZ to the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) shall be chargeable to duties of customs including anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard duties under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, where applicable, as leviable on such goods when imported, added Patel. /BI/