Software Technology Parks of India ( STPI)
STPI Scheme
The 100% Export Oriented Unit scheme (STP scheme) is made for setting up of software development and IT Enabled Services (ITES) firm in India for 100% Export. A distinctive feature of this STP/EHTP scheme is that it provides single point contact services for member units, which enables them to conduct exports operations at a pace commensurate with global standards. The Directors of STPI administers this scheme.
Scheme Benefits & Highlights
- Customs duty exemption on imports of capital equipments and the equipments can also be imported on loan or lease basis.
- All relevant equipments/goods, including second hand equipment, can be imported (except the prohibited items)
- Goods and Service Tax reimbursement on indigenous items procurement.
- Green card enabling priority treatment for government clearances or other services.
- Full Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) permissible through 'Automatic Route' of RBI.
- Sales in the DTA (Domestic Tariff Area) up to certain limits of the foreign exchange earned by the STP/EHTP unit.
Periodic Compliance Services
Statutory Reports for STP Units
- Monthly Progress Reports (MPR): All units are required to submit Monthly Progress Reports by the 7th of a month on completion of previous month, in the prescribed format. It is a mandatory requirement and units which are irregular in submitting MPRs can be denied services of STPI.
- Annual Performance Reports (APR): Annual performance report should be submitted as per the prescribed format.
Statutory compliance for STP units
Accounts
Distinct Identity: If any industrial enterprise is operating simultaneously as a domestic unit as well as an EHTP/STP unit, it shall have two distinct identities with two separate accounts, including separate bank accounts. However it is not necessary for it to be a separate legal entity, but it should be possible to distinguish the imports and exports or supplies affected by the EHTP/STP units from those made by the other units of the enterprise.
Maintain the accounts as under:
- Maintenance of Sales Invoices.
- Maintenances of Fixed Asset Registers.
- Maintenance of Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate file (FIRC) & Bank Realization Certificate (BRC) file in which the original of the FIRCs and BRCs are kept.
- Maintenance of contract file, where the copies of contracts received from buyers are maintained.
- Advisory Services for Assessments, Refunds, Appeals etc.