2 hrs ago
India Pushes Agile Rules to Accelerate Semiconductor Projects
India wants to build more semiconductor factories.
Semiconductors are tiny parts used in many electronic products.
Officials said the industry needs quicker and more flexible rules than ordinary factories.
They want equipment and materials to move through customs faster.
Customs said most cargo already receives quick clearance, with even higher facilitation for approved companies.
The government has also made some changes to make semiconductor special economic zones easier to establish.
Companies are concerned that quality and safety rules from different ministries may overlap.
Officials said clearer guidance on these rules is planned within two to three months.
Government and industry representatives called for risk-based, agile semiconductor regulations.
The proposed changes target customs, SEZ approvals, QCOs, BIS rules and state infrastructure.
Customs said about 85% of cargo is cleared without documentary or physical examination.
India reduced the minimum semiconductor SEZ land requirement from 50 hectares to 10 hectares.
DPIIT said it would issue clearer QCO guidance within two to three months.
- Who
- Indian government officials, customs authorities and semiconductor industry representatives.
- What
- Participants called for an agile, risk-based regulatory framework to speed semiconductor projects and reduce compliance delays.
- Where
- At Semicon India 2026 in India; the specific venue was not stated.
- When
- The discussion was held at Semicon India 2026 on September 19, 2026.
- Why
- To support a domestic semiconductor ecosystem by speeding equipment and material movement and reducing regulatory friction.
Key facts
- Event
- Semicon India 2026 panel discussion
- Publication date
- September 19, 2026
- Customs facilitation
- About 85% of cargo is facilitated without documentary assessment or physical examination.
- Authorised economic operator facilitation
- More than 95% in certain cases.
- Semiconductor SEZ land requirement
- Reduced from 50 hectares to 10 hectares.
- QCO guidance
- DPIIT said it would provide clear guidance within two to three months.
Quotes
Sumit Jharangal
Joint Secretary in India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
“We need to actually ask ourselves the tough questions whether our regulatory framework can be more agile to this kind of high precision manufacturing”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Within two-three months, we will come up with a clear guidance and policy so that no company has to suffer because of the QCO framework”
thehindubusinessline.com







