Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has released a public notice on the Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified these rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The rules came into force on 1 April 2025 and focus on safe recycling, collection, dismantling, and disposal of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system. Under the new ELV EPR Rules 2025, all Producers, Bulk Consumers, and Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) must complete registration on the CPCB EPR Portal before starting any commercial activity. The rules apply to petrol, diesel, electric, and battery-operated vehicles covered under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. GPCB has clearly stated that vehicle scrapping facilities operating without a valid Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO/CCA) must stop operations immediately and apply for a valid Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO/CCA) through the GPCB XGN Portal. Non-compliance with the End-of-Life Vehicle Rules 2025 may lead to legal action under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. These rules aim to improve sustainable vehicle recycling, reduce pollution, and strengthen environmental compliance in India.  

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has amended the export policy for specific feather-related products under Chapter 5 of Schedule-II of ITC (HS) 2022 with immediate effect. The notification introduces a new Policy Condition 5 for selected ITC (HS) codes covering feathers, down, skins, and other parts used in trade and export. Under the revised rules, exporters must obtain a consignment-wise Veterinary Certificate or Shipment Clearance Certificate from CAPEXIL in line with EU and UK regulations. The certificate must include exporter details, IEC number, registered plant address, and plant approval number. After shipment, exporters are also required to provide a Production Process Certificate or Veterinary Health Certificate containing details such as HS code, packaging, origin, destination, vessel name, departure date, and veterinary health requirements. Where mandated by the importing country, the Veterinary Health Certificate will be jointly issued by CAPEXIL and the Animal Quarantine Officer under the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. The amendment applies to ITC (HS) Codes 05051090, 05059029, and 05059099 and aims to align India’s feather export regulations with EU/UK import standards.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Public Notice dated May 04, 2026, introducing four new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) under the Chemical and Allied Product Group ‘A’. The newly added SION entries A-3698 to A-3701 cover key export products including Cefuroxime Sterile Sodium, NAS-5, Tobramycin Nebuliser Solution, and Schaeffers Acid, along with clearly defined permissible import inputs such as Cefuroxime Acid, Tobias Acid, Tobramycin, and Beta Naphthol. This move allows Regional Authorities (RAs) to grant Advance Authorisation directly, removing the need for case-by-case approvals from the Norms Committee. The result is a more predictable and faster approval system for exporters. Overall, the update strengthens procedural efficiency, transparency, and uniformity, while significantly reducing delays. It is a practical step toward improving the ease of doing business in India’s chemical export sector.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Communications has issued a significant notification introducing revised standards for telecommunication equipment under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Released through the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), these updates aim to strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance network security, and ensure the adoption of advanced technological benchmarks across the telecom sector. The revised framework covers a wide range of critical telecom infrastructure and systems, including electronic locator systems, servers, unified threat management, optical fibre splice closures, quantum random number generators, SMPS-based power plants, lawful interception and monitoring systems, broadband remote access servers, SIM cards, and IP security equipment. These updated standards reflect the increasing need for robust, secure, and technologically advanced telecom networks, especially in the context of rising data traffic and growing cybersecurity concerns. To support a smooth transition, the government has provided a 90-day window during which both existing and revised standards will remain applicable. After this period, compliance with the newly notified standards will become mandatory for all stakeholders. Overall, this move highlights the government’s proactive approach to modernizing telecom infrastructure and aligning it with global benchmarks, urging telecom operators, manufacturers, and service providers to take timely action for seamless compliance.

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has amended the import policy condition for Urea (Exim Code 31021010) under ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule I. Through Notification, issued under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and aligned with the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, the State Trading Enterprise (STE) status of Indian Potash Limited (IPL) has been extended. As per the amendment, Indian Potash Limited will continue to handle the import of agricultural-grade Urea on the government account up to 31 March 2027. This extension ensures continuity in the existing import framework and avoids disruption in fertilizer supply. The import remains subject to Para 2.21 of FTP 2023, which governs imports through State Trading Enterprises. No other changes have been introduced, and all previous conditions prescribed under earlier notifications remain unchanged. This move provides regulatory clarity and strengthens the controlled import mechanism for Urea, ensuring timely availability for agricultural needs while maintaining policy consistency.

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has amended the export policy for wheat under ITC (HS) Codes 10011900 and 10019910 through Notification S.O. 1769(E), issued under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023. The export policy for wheat continues to remain “Prohibited.” However, a limited relaxation has been introduced. Export of up to 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat is now permitted. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) will issue a separate Public Notice detailing the procedure, eligibility, and operational modalities for this permitted quantity. Importantly, the earlier condition under DGFT Notification No. 06/2015-2020 dated May 13, 2022, remains in force. Accordingly, wheat exports may also be allowed beyond the 25 LMT cap based on specific approvals granted by the Government of India to other countries, particularly to address food security requirements upon their request. This amendment reflects a calibrated approach, balancing domestic supply concerns with international obligations and strategic export commitments.