Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued draft rules on September 23, 2025, to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The notification invites objections and suggestions from the public within thirty days before final consideration. The amendment introduces a new provision under Rule 120. From October 1, 2026, for new models, and October 1, 2027, for existing models, all electrified vehicles in categories M and N must be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). This system will follow the audibility requirements specified in AIS-173, which may be updated from time to time. The purpose of AVAS is to ensure road safety by making silent electric vehicles more audible to pedestrians and other road users. The amendment also updates Rule 138. It replaces the words “M1” with “M1, L5, L7, E-rickshaw and E-cart.” This expansion ensures better traffic regulation for various vehicle categories, including electric rickshaws and carts. These draft rules will come into effect once published in the Official Gazette.

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has issued an amendment to the Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025. This step has been taken under the powers conferred by Sections 16, 17, and 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards. This amendment is considered essential in the public interest to ensure proper regulation and quality control of refined zinc. Under the new amendment, the Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, will now formally come into force from April 17, 2026, replacing the earlier provisions. The modification was published in the Official Gazette and ensures that all stakeholders, including manufacturers and traders, adhere to the updated timelines and quality standards. This amendment strengthens the government's commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the zinc industry, ensuring safety, consistency, and compliance in production and trade. All units dealing with refined zinc are expected to follow the revised order from the above date.

Subject

Summary:   The Central Government has issued an amendment to the Tin Ingot (Quality Control) Order, 2025 under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This step has been taken after due discussion with the Bureau of Indian Standards to serve public interest and ensure better regulatory clarity. The amendment has amended the commencement clause of the earlier order. Originally, the order was to come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. However, the updated provision now states that the Tin Ingot (Quality Control) Order, 2025, will formally come into force from April 17, 2026. This change provides a clear timeline for industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and importers, to comply with the mandatory standards. By permitting additional time before implementation, the government aims to facilitate implementation and ensure compliance without disruption to trade and the supply chain. The amendment shows the government’s approach of balancing regulatory enforcement with practical considerations for industry readiness.

Subject

Summary: The Government of India has notified an amendment to the export policy for Non-Basmati Rice under Chapter 10 of Schedule II of the ITC (HS) 2022.  According to the amendment, Non-Basmati Rice under ITC (HS) codes 1006 3011, 1006 3019, 1006 3091, 1006 3099, and 1006 4000 will continue to have a free export policy. However, a new condition has been added: exports will now be permitted only if the contracts are registered with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The move is aimed at ensuring better monitoring of non-basmati rice exports and encouraging systematized trade. All exporters should adhere to the registration requirement immediately. This amendment is effective from the date of notification, and failure to register the contract may result in restrictions on export clearance.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Environment (Protection) Seventh Amendment Rules, 2025 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The revised framework introduces strict limits on waste discharge, freshwater use, and discharge levels for the pulp and paper industry. For mills using chemical pulp, standards now control pH, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour, absorbable organic halogens, and sodium absorption ratio. Mills based on recycled fiber face similar limitations with slight relaxations. Additionally, chemical pulp manufacturing will only be allowed where mills operate chemical recovery systems to ensure zero black-liquor discharge. Freshwater use and discharge standards are product-specific. Bleached grades of chemical pulp are capped at 50 m3 of water per ton of product with 40 m3 effluent discharge. Mills based on recycled fibre are subject to stricter limits. Emission standards for particulate matter and odorous gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) have been introduced. Rayon-grade pulp industries are excluded from the scope of the amendment.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified the Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Amendment Rules, 2025. These rules aim to strengthen India’s vehicle scrapping policy and promote vehicle recycling. The amendment adds new provisions to allow recyclers from sectors like ship breaking, plastic recycling, and others to register and operate as part of a vehicle scrapping facility. This step will make the process of vehicle recycling in India more organised, safe, and eco-friendly. It will also encourage the growth of vehicle scrapping facilities across the country and ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. With the MoRTH notification 2025, the government is focusing on reducing pollution, reusing valuable materials, and promoting a cleaner environment. The vehicle scrapping rules are an important part of India’s green mobility and sustainable development efforts.