Domestic solar gear makers seek level-playing field for units in SEZs

Industry said without a level-playing field, domestic manufacturers in SEZs will have to shut shop and "may see job losses in tune of 15,000 people"

Domestic solar cell and module manufacturers have urged the government to impose an equalisation levy so that units located in special economic zones (SEZs) are not affected by the government’s decision to impose basic Customs duty (BCD) on solar imports. 

The industry said domestic manufacturers in SEZs would have to shut shops if there was no a level-playing field for SEZ units and “may see job losses in tune of 15,000 people”.  SEZ units are considered on a par with foreign companies and, hence, Customs duty is imposed on them too.

The Centre is considering imposing a 2 per cent equalisation levy