Law Updates

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Summary: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Maharashtra, has issued a strict prohibition order on two cough syrup brands, Respifresh TR and Relife, after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) impurities beyond the safe limit.  These syrups, manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. and Shape Pharma Pvt. Ltd. in Gujarat, were declared adulterated and not of standard quality. Diethylene Glycol is a toxic chemical that can cause severe poisoning, kidney damage, and even death, especially in children. Under Section 18 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the sale, distribution, and use of these products are completely banned across Maharashtra.  All retailers, distributors, hospitals, and medical practitioners must immediately stop the sale of these batches and report any existing stock to local FDA offices. This action reinforces Maharashtra’s commitment to ensuring drug safety and public health protection.

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Summary:   The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has notified a fresh amendment to the export policy of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) under Notification S.O. 5032(E). The notification amends policy condition 3 of Chapter 44 in Schedule-II of the ITC (HS) 2022, making the export of Red Sanders wood and roots from private or cultivated land a restricted activity. Under the revised norms, exporters must apply for a Restricted Export Authorisation, supported by a Certificate of Origin issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). The certificate must confirm legal procurement and provide details of physical stock verification. All export authorizations will be reviewed on merit, considering conditions like quantity ceilings under CITES regulations. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), based on CITES recommendations, has fixed an annual export quota of 10 metric tonnes for Karnataka and 100 metric tonnes for Gujarat. These limits will apply from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027, for artificially propagated Red Sanders. Export of wild specimens remains prohibited.

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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.

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Summary: The Central Pollution Control Board issued a new notification that grants official recognition to the Central Laboratory of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board in Gandhinagar. This recognition declares the lab as an authorized Environmental Laboratory under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.  The notification also lists the approved Government Analysts responsible for testing different groups of environmental parameters. The lab can now carry out tests for water, wastewater, soil, sludge, sediment, solid waste, hazardous waste, ambient air, stack emissions, noise, and meteorological conditions.  This recognition strengthens environmental monitoring in Gujarat by allowing the lab to conduct physical, inorganic, organic, biological, microbiological, and toxicological tests. The approval remains valid until 10 July 2028, while the listed analysts will serve until the end of their official tenure or superannuation. This update supports stronger environmental compliance and enhances scientific testing across the state.

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Summary: The Central Government has issued the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) (Eleventh Amendment) Order, 2025 under Section 3(1) of the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914. This amendment aims to boost India’s phytosanitary measures and control the safe import of agricultural commodities. The Order, which comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, introduces specific changes to Schedule VI of the principal Order of 2003. Under Serial Number 262, relating to Pyrus communis (pear), new entries have been added in columns 3, 4, 5, and 6. These amendments establish updated import requirements and inspection conditions to avoid the entry of harmful pests and diseases through imported pears. The revision shows the government’s ongoing efforts to increase plant quarantine standards, align import protocols with international best practices, and safeguard domestic crops from biosecurity risks. Importers and exporters handling fresh fruit shipments are advised to review the new requirements carefully to ensure compliance with the updated regulations.

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Summary: The Central Government has published the draft Insecticides (Amendment) Rules, 2025, under Section 36 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, for public consultation. The notification invites objections and suggestions from individuals, industry stakeholders, and relevant organizations likely to be affected by the proposed amendments. Feedback must be submitted within thirty days from the date the notification is made available in the Gazette of India. Submissions may be sent to the Joint Secretary (Plant Protection), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The proposed amendment modifies Rule 10(1A) of the Insecticides Rules, 1971, by substituting the earlier compliance deadline of June 30, 2024, with a new deadline of June 30, 2026. This extension aims to provide additional time for licensing authorities, manufacturers, and stakeholders to ensure smooth compliance with procedural and safety requirements. The Rules will come into force on their final publication in the Official Gazette. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft carefully and submit their comments within the stipulated timeframe.