Union Budget 2026–27: Strengthening SEZs for Global Competitiveness & Growth

• Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are duty-free enclaves deemed to be territory outside the customs territory of India for authorised operations, governed by the SEZ Act, 2005.
• Budget 2026–27 introduced a one-time concessional-duty window allowing SEZ manufacturing units to sell into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) — a structural pivot from pure export-orientation to hybrid market access.
• Relevant to UPSC for GS-III (economy, trade, manufacturing, industrial policy) and Prelims (Acts, agencies, numbers).