Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has informed the Cross Recessed Screws Quality Control Order, under Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This order swaps the 2024 version and comes into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Under this directive, all stated cross-recessed screws must adhere with relevant Indian standards and carry BIS standard mark, which is secured through a license under Scheme I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. However, some categories are exempt. These consist of manufactured goods for export, imports used in finished products or sub-assemblies, and imports by domestic producers for export manufacturing. Micro and Small Enterprises, as defined under the MSME Act, 2006, are exempted on the basis of the timelines stated in the Order. Udyam registered enterprises have an investment not exceeding Rs 25 lakh and turnover less than Rs 2 crore are also excluded. In addition, imports of up to 200 kg per year for R&D purposes by OEMs are permitted, with restrictions on commercial use and the need to maintain records.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2025 under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This order supersedes the 2024 notification and ensures mandatory quality compliance for cookware, utensils, and cans used in food and beverage packaging. As per the order, goods listed in the official Table of Standards - including stainless steel utensils (IS 14756:2024), wrought aluminium utensils (IS 1660:2024), stainless steel sinks (IS 13983:1994), three-piece round open-top metal cans (IS 18427:2024), and aluminium beverage cans (IS 14407:2023) - must conform to Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a valid license. The order comes into effect from 1st October 2025 for general manufacturers, with extended deadlines for small enterprises (1st January 2026) and micro enterprises (1st April 2026). Exemptions apply to export goods, R&D imports, and small-scale manufacturers registered under Udyam with limited investment and turnover. The BIS will act as the certifying and enforcement authority, and any violation will attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016, ensuring consumer safety, standardization, and quality compliance across the cookware and packaging sector.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has released the Draft Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 on 11 August 2025. These proposed changes amend the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002 to update the fee schedule and procedural aspects for various GI-related activities. The revised First Schedule outlines new fees for applications, renewals, oppositions, authorised user registrations, rectifications, and GI agent registrations. Separate provisions have been introduced for domestic and convention country applications, with class-wise fee structures for single and multiple class filings.  Charges have also been rationalised for administrative changes, such as corrections in name or address, and for services like searches, certified copies, and duplicate certificates. Additional updates include specified charges for interventions, extensions of time, review applications, and requests for additional protection to certain goods. The amendments aim to bring greater clarity, ensure transparent cost structures, and align GI processes with current trade and intellectual property practices. These changes are expected to make Geographical Indication registration and protection in India more streamlined, efficient, and supportive of traditional product recognition.

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has issued the draft Gas Cylinders (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2025 under the Explosives Act, 1884. The purpose of this amendment is to revise the definition and technical characteristics of gas cylinders as defined under the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016. Under the proposed changes, a “gas cylinder” will now include enclosed metal containers with a volume of more than 500 mL but not more than 1,000 litres, the purpose of which is to contain and transport compressed gas. This definition extends to LPG, LNG, CNG, or CHG cylinders used in motor vehicles. Significantly, this modification allows cylinders used for CHG, CNG, nitrogen and compressed air to keep a water capacity of up to 3,000 litres, provided certain diameter limits are met, 60 cm for nitrogen and compressed air, and 80 cm for CHG and CNG. Moreover, compound cylinders for CHG must not be wrapped with glass fibre. The draft is open for public comment for 30 days from its Gazette publication date, after which finalization will follow.

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has implemented Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 to replace the 2024 version. Effective from 1 October 2025, the order makes it mandatory that hand tools must carry a standard mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Small and micro enterprises must comply on the basis of specific deadlines. Exemptions are granted for goods manufactured for export and small quantities (up to 200) imported for research and development. These imports may not be sold commercially and must be disposed of as scrap with annual record keeping. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will supervise certification and enforcement, with applicable fines for non-compliance.