Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has revised the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) List under Appendix-3 of Schedule-II of ITC(HS) 2022. This update aligns India's export control framework with international standards, enhancing non-proliferation measures and addressing emerging technologies. The revised list includes new items under Category 7, covering certain emerging technologies and related items. To ensure a smooth transition, the changes will come into effect 30 days from the date of the notification, allowing stakeholders adequate time to comply. The updated list will be available on the DGFT website under the "Regulatory Updates" section.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued a notification updating the export policy for De-Oiled Rice Bran (DoRB) with immediate effect. Previously, exports under ITC HS codes 2302.40.00, 2306.90.19, 2306.90.29, and 2306.90.90 were prohibited until 30th September 2025. The DGFT has now allowed free export of all types of De-Oiled Rice Bran, including bran from cereals and oil-cake residues from other seeds, both expeller and solvent-extracted varieties. This amendment provides new international market opportunities, supports the rice processing and oil industry, and aligns with the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. Exporters can now legally ship DoRB without restrictions. This change strengthens India’s presence in global rice by-product markets and encourages growth in trade and revenue potential for businesses in the sector.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, Under the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023. The amendment now permits Regional Authorities (RAs) to issue End-User Certificates (EUCs) not only for freely importable products as well as for restricted goods, subject to particular conditions. As per the new provision, if a foreign government needs end-user certification before allowing export from their country, the RA can grant a EUC in accordance with Appendix 2Q of Appendices and Aayat Niryat Forms. Applicants are required to apply through ANF 2J with the required documents. For restricted imports, EUCs will only be granted where a valid restricted authorisation has been given by DGFT. The certificate must strictly signify the approved quantity and value mentioned in the authorization. This amendment improves regulatory clarity while permitting importers to fulfill international certification needs. It strengthens transparency, ensures compliance, and strengthens oversight in the handling of sensitive or restricted imports.

Subject

Summary: The Indian Government has issued a notification allowing exemptions on the export of specific agricultural commodities to Bhutan. This exemption, is released under the powers of section 3 rad with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy (2023), bought instant relief for cross border trade. As per the revision made to Section (I) of the ‘General Note to Export Policy’, Schedule- II (Export Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022, exports of the specified agricultural items listed in the official table will not suffer any restrictions or prohibitions. This exemption is operative immediately and will remain valid until further order are issued by the authorities.  The move is expected to support smooth trade relations with Bhutan and guarantee continuous supply of essential farm goods. By relaxing these restrictions, the government aims to s bilateral cooperation and facilitate better access to agricultural goods. Businesses involved in export to Bhutan can now proceed without the compliance hurdles that were applicable before.

Subject

Summary: The Government of India has extended the last date to apply for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles until 31st December 2025. This extension comes after receiving a vast number of applications from sectors such as Man-Made Fibre (MMF) Apparel, MMF Fabrics, and Technical Textiles. The move shows the rising interest of industry stakeholders and the growing demand for domestic textile manufacturing. The PLI Scheme for Textiles aims to boost investment, innovation, and production capacity, making India a stronger player in the global textile market. The applications can be submitted through the official portal.

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.