Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 sets new rules to improve the safety and quality of hand tools sold in India. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued this order under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The order will start on 1 October 2026 and will apply to several common hand tools like pipe wrenches, open-jaw spanners, ring spanners, pliers, and adjustable wrenches. Each tool must follow the matching Indian Standard and carry the BIS Standard Mark under a licence issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The order lists important standards such as IS 4003 (Part 1 and 2) for pipe wrenches, IS 2028 for open-jaw spanners, IS 2029 for ring spanners, IS 6149 for adjustable wrenches, and IS 3650 for cutting pliers. Large industries must follow the rules from October 2026, while small enterprises get time till 1 January 2027, and micro enterprises get time till 1 April 2027. This phased start supports smaller units so they can upgrade their systems without pressure. The order does not apply to items made for export. Manufacturers can also import up to 200 units of hand tools each year for research and development without BIS certification, but these items must be scrapped later and cannot be sold. The Bureau of Indian Standards will act as the main authority to certify and enforce these rules. Any violation of this order will lead to punishment under the BIS Act, 2016. The new framework aims to raise product quality, create safer tools, and strengthen consumer trust across the country.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued an important update on 28 November 2025. The Central Government cancelled several Chemical Quality Control Orders under the BIS Act 2016. The decision came after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The cancellation started immediately in the public interest. These withdrawn orders were first issued in 2021 to control the quality of important industrial chemicals. The chemicals included p-Xylene, Toluene, Methyl Acrylate, Ethyl Acrylate, Vinyl Acetate Monomer, Ethylene Dichloride, and Vinyl Chloride Monomer. These chemicals are used in petrochemicals, plastics, paints, and the pharmaceutical industries. Each earlier order required manufacturers and importers to follow specific BIS standards. This move aims to support smooth industrial operations and avoid compliance burdens for businesses. It may also help with faster supply chain movement and reduce production delays. The decision highlights that chemical regulations may change depending on industrial needs and public interest. The BIS Act remains the main law for ensuring product quality in India. Any new orders or standards may come again in the future, as per national requirements

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Heavy Industries released the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Second Amendment Order, 2025. This amendment comes under the BIS Act, 2016. It changes the starting date for mandatory BIS compliance for machinery and electrical equipment. The earlier date of 1st September 2026 has now been replaced.  The new date for enforcement will come through a future notification in the Official Gazette. The amendment supports public safety and standard compliance in India. The Central Government will decide the final date after consultation with BIS. This step ensures better planning for industries and smooth implementation of product safety rules under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety Order.

Subject

Summary: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released new amendments to improve the Indian Standards for electricity meter data exchange. These updates focus on better accuracy, secure communication, and smooth data transfer for both smart and static energy meters.  The amendments include IS 15959 (Part 1): 2011 for static energy meters, IS 15959 (Part 2): 2016 for smart meters, and IS 15959 (Part 3): 2017 for transformer-operated meters. Established on 22 October 2025, these will remain in force until 21 April 2026. The updated BIS standards aim to support India’s growing smart grid systems and ensure transparent tariffs and load control.  This initiative strengthens standardization, promotes reliable energy management, and aligns with national goals for digital and sustainable power infrastructure. The BIS amendment marks another step toward efficient energy monitoring and better power quality across India.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has announced the cancellation of three Quality Control Orders under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The government has rescinded the earlier orders related to Acrylonitrile, Maleic Anhydride, and Styrene (Vinyl Benzene). These Quality Control Orders, first issued in April 2022, are now withdrawn with immediate effect. The decision aims to simplify chemical regulations and improve industry compliance. The move follows consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards and reflects a step toward reducing regulatory burden on manufacturers and traders. By withdrawing these orders, the government ensures that the production, import, and trade of these key industrial chemicals remain smooth and uninterrupted. This update marks an important policy shift in India’s chemical sector, supporting ease of doing business while maintaining public safety through other existing regulatory measures. The notifications were published in the Gazette of India on 24th October 2025.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, issued an amendment to the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymers Quality Control Order, 2022. This new order, named Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, delays enforcement to 3rd October 2026. BIS ensures that all EVA copolymers comply with updated quality standards to protect public interest. Manufacturers and suppliers of EVA copolymers must follow these BIS standards to meet quality requirements. The amendment strengthens product compliance, improves market safety, and aligns India's BIS regulations with international quality standards.