The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued an important update regarding the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012. The Ammonium Nitrate (Amendment) Rules, 2025, published on June 9, 2025, introduces major changes aimed at easing the process for micro and small enterprises, startups and women entrepreneurs. These amendments focus on the definition of key terms, an updated fee structure for licences, simplified documentation for eligibility, and the overall impact of these changes on ammonium nitrate-related businesses. The updated rules will take effect immediately, intended to provide a supportive regulatory environment.
Table of Contents
Key Changes in Definitions
The amendment introduces several important definitions in Rule 2 of the Ammonium Nitrate Regulations, 2012:
- Micro and Small Enterprises: “Micro and Small Enterprises” means an enterprise defined in clause (h) and clause (m) of section 2 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.
- Startup: “Startup” means an entity registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and as defined in clause (a) of Paragraph 1 of the Notification number G.S.R. 127(E), dated 19 February 2019, and as amended from time to time.
- Women Entrepreneur: “women entrepreneur” means an enterprise owned and controlled by a woman having a minimum financial interest of 26 percent of the capital.
Revised Fee Structure for Licenses
One of the most significant changes in the revised regulations is the revision of the fee structure for the various licenses related to ammonium nitrate activities. The updated fee structure benefits micro and small enterprises, startups and women entrepreneurs, making it more affordable for them to comply with regulations.
The following are the major updates to the fee structure:
| S.No. | Type of Fee | Fees (in Rs.) | Fees for micro and small enterprises and startups (in Rs.) | Fees for women entrepreneur (in Rs.) |
| 1 | Scrutiny fee for prior approval | 1000 | 500 | 200 |
| 2 | Licence to manufacture and possess for sale Ammonium Nitrate or convert melt to solid and vice versa and possess for sale [of Ammonium Nitrate] | 20000/Year | 10000/Year | 4000/Year |
| 3 | Licence to Possess for sale of Ammonium Nitrate from a store house [or Ammonium Nitrate melt in tank] | 2000/year | 1000/Year | 400/Year |
| 4 | Licence to Possess for use of Ammonium Nitrate from a store house [or Ammonium Nitrate melt in tank] | 1000/year | 500/Year | 200/Year |
| 5 | Licence to Import Ammonium Nitrate | 5000 | 2500 | 1000 |
| 6 | Licence to Export Ammonium Nitrate | 5000 | 2500 | 1000 |
| 7 | Licence to bag and store Ammonium Nitrate | 20,000/Year | 10,000/Year | 4000/Year |
| 8 | Licence to Transport Ammonium Nitrate | 2000/year | 1000/Year | 400/Year |
| 9 | Amendment of licence | 1000 | 500 | 200 |
Simplified Documentation for Eligibility
The revised regulations also introduce simplified documentation requirements for businesses to qualify for reduced fees. The following documents are required for eligibility:
Micro and Small Enterprises: A certificate issued by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Micro and Small Startups: Proof of registration with the Department of Industry and Internal Business Promotion.
Women Entrepreneurs: Documentary evidence that proves that women are owners or directors of the firm.
Conclusion
The Ammonium Nitrate (Amendment) Rules, 2025, mark a significant step towards modernizing and making the regulatory environment more accessible for smaller businesses and women entrepreneurs. With clearer definitions, a revised fee structure, and simplified eligibility documentation, the updated rules offer increased support for Micro and Small Enterprises and startups. These changes are poised to drive innovation and growth, providing a more inclusive platform for businesses in the ammonium nitrate sector.