Software Technology Park of India (STPI), an autonomous society under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Dept. of Electronics and Information Technology, Govt. of India has been set up with a distinct focus to boost up Software export from the country. STPI is constantly working with an objective to implement STP/EHTP scheme formulated by Govt. of India, to set up and manage infrastructural facilities.
The objectives of the Software Technology Parks of India are:
Commonly asked question and answer for the same is enumerated below:
Q. What is STP and what are the advantages of becoming a STP unit?
The Software Technology Park (STP) scheme is a 100% export-oriented scheme for the development and export of computer software using data communication links or in the form of physical media including the export of professional services. The major attraction of this scheme is the single point contact service to the STP units.
Q. Who can become a STP unit and how?
An Indian company, A Subsidiary of a Foreign Company or A branch office of Foreign Company can become STP Unit. Further In order to become certified member unit under STP scheme, approval from the competent authority is required. The following steps are involved in obtaining approval:
Q. Can I operate from any location in the country?
Yes, operations under the STP Scheme can be carried out from any location in the country.
Q. Being a STP unit, can I take up domestic projects?
Yes, subject to meeting the Minimum Export Performance norms, STP unit can do business in the DTA.
Q. What is the process to be followed after I become a STP unit?
Subsequent to the approval granted by STPI, the approved unit will be signing a legal agreement, with a list of capital goods and Indigenous purchases for attestation to obtain Private Bonded Warehouse License from the Customs Department.
Q. What is import and how can I do the same under STP?
A unit operating under STP Scheme can import capital goods (i.e., Computer Hardware & Software and basic infrastructure support) without paying any Customs Duty, as may be levied to the importer in normal cases.
We assist our clients in Obtaining STPI Registration
Any business entity which is into the development of Export-oriented Computer Software/IT Enabled Services, is required to register itself as NON-STP unit under STPI to avail Softex certification. Further as per RBI Master Circular, Softex Certification is mandatory for any company that does IT/ITES exports through Data communication links. For Non-Filing of Softex funds received from Out India is treated as General Income rather than as Export Income. In addition to this Banker may issue a letter for holding your account. Further, this will lead to violation of FEMA Regulations
In order to Comply with Softex Certification requirement, the Business entity is required to be registered as Non-STPI Unit and Commonly asked question and answer for the same in this regard is enumerated below:
1. Who can become a NON-STP unit under STPI and how?
Any company/partnership firm/proprietorship which is into development of Export oriented Computer Software/IT Enabled Services can register itself as NON-STP unit under STPI to avail Softex certification. In order to become a NON-STP unit under STPI, the company has to get register itself with STPI on submission of application form along with the supporting documents, to the jurisdictional Director, STPI along with applicable processing fee of Rs.1000/- (one thousand only) + GST in the form of demand draft or through NEFT in favour of the Director STPI.
2. Is it mandatory for any IT/ITES companies who are into exports, to get registered as NON-STP unit under STPI?
As per the prevailing RBI Master Circular No. RBI/2013-14/14 dated 1st July 2013 (Para B 15), RBI Circular No.80 dated 15th February 2012 and RBI Circular No.43 dated 13th September 2013, any company that does IT/ITES exports through Data communication links needs to submit the Softex Form for certification. For getting the Softex certification by STPI (which is the Designated Authority), the companies have to become STP members by either registering under STP scheme or as NON-STP unit with STPI. Nevertheless, the companies registered under STP scheme will have other benefits apart from getting their Software Exports certified.
3. Once the Non-STP registered unit Letter of Permission (LoP) expires after 3 years, what is the procedure to be followed for renewal of LoP?
Letter of permission for Non-STP registration is issued for a period of 3 years. During the last three months prior to the expiry of LoP, Non-STP registered unit should approach Director STPI for the renewal of LoP. There shall be no charges for renewal of LoP.
4. Once the company gets registered as Non-STP unit, what will be the procedure to certify the Softex forms from STPI?
Non-STP units should register each of their export contracts prior to the submission of Softex against that contract. The Unit also needs to submit its projected exports during the next financial year as well as applicable STPI service charges.
5. What is the proof of NON-STP registration?
The company registered under STPI as NON-STP unit will be issued a Registration Certificate with a validity of 3 years by the respective jurisdictional STPI Director. Renewal of registration will have to be applied three months prior to the expiry of the registration.
6. Can a NON-STP operate from any location in the country?
Yes, operations as NON-STP unit can be carried out from any location in the country. However, registration has to be made with the respective jurisdictional STPI Centre.
7. What are the entitlements of NON-STP registration?
Once NON-STP units get registered with STPI, they will be entitled for submission of Softex for certification as per prevailing guidelines of RBI. However, Non-STP units should also register each of their export contracts prior to submission of Softex against that contract.
8. Is the Softex submission by NON-STP units mandatory?
As per the prevailing RBI Master Circular No. RBI/2013-14/14 dated 1st July 2013, RBI Circular No.80 dated 15th February 2012, RBI Circular No.43 dated 13th September 2013, “any company who does IT/ITES exports through Data communication links needs to submit the Softex to Designated Authority for certification.”. The Softex is required to be filed within 30 days from the date of last invoice raised in that month.
We also offer other sorts of registration services as below: