Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has notified the Coastal Shipping (Strategic Plan and National Database) Rules, 2026, under the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025. The rules came into effect on 13 May 2026 and aim to strengthen coastal shipping governance through digital reporting and centralized data management.  Under the new framework, every vessel engaged in coastal trade must submit voyage commencement and completion reports through the National Database of Coastal Shipping Portal. Voyage commencement reports must be filed within 24 hours before departure, while completion reports are required within 24 hours after arrival.  The rules also mandate reporting of incidents affecting navigation safety, cargo, or the environment, along with compliance details under the Act. Any corrections in voyage reports must be submitted within one week of identifying the error.  Additionally, the government will maintain a centralized digital portal, integrated with systems such as the National Single Window System (NSWS) and the Sagarmala National Logistics Portal, to improve data sharing, transparency, and operational efficiency in the coastal shipping sector.

Subject

Summary: The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has revised the Environment Compensation Charge for Delhi-bound commercial vehicles following the Supreme Court order dated 12 March 2026 in the matter of M.C. Mehta v. Union of India. The revision has been approved based on the recommendations of the Commission for Air Quality Management. Under the revised structure, ECC for Category 2 Light Duty Vehicles and Category 3 Two Axle Trucks has increased from Rs 1400 to Rs 2000. For Category 4 Three Axle Trucks and Category 5 Four Axle Trucks and above, the charge has increased from Rs 2600 to Rs 4000. The revised ECC rates will become effective from 1 April 2026. Further, the charges will increase by 5% every year and will be rounded off to the nearest Rs 10 in line with Supreme Court directions and CAQM recommendations. The collection, enforcement, and implementation process will be handled by the concerned authorities as per the approved compliance mechanism.

Subject

Summary: The Government, namely, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (i.e., MoA & FW) has issued a recent notification under the Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985, introducing specifications for two customized fertilizers for cotton cultivation in selected districts of the state, Andhra Pradesh. The notification, also published on 8 May 2026, will remain valid for 3 years from that date.  The first customized fertilizer, has been approved for the basal stage of cotton crops. It also prescribes minimum nutrient standards, including 12% total nitrogen, 24% phosphorus, 0.5% zinc, and 0.2% boron, as well as particle-size specifications for quality control.  The second customized fertilizer, is approved for the top-dress stage of cotton crops in the same districts. The formulation mandates a minimum of 24% nitrogen and 16% water-soluble potassium content.

Subject

Summary: The Indian government, through the DGFT, has shared a new update about sending wheat to other countries, which is called "exporting". Usually, there is a big "No" (Prohibited) on sending wheat out of India right now. This is to make sure we have enough food at home.  However, the government has decided to be a little flexible. They are now allowing an extra 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat to be sent abroad. Think of this as a special hall pass that allows extra wheat to go to other places. The exact "how-to" steps for this will be shared in a later announcement called a Public Notice.  Even with this change, the old rules from May 13, 2022, still apply. This means that if another country's government really needs help feeding its people, it can ask the Indian government for permission. India can still say "Yes" to these requests to help with their food security, even if it is more than the extra 25 LMT already promised. In short, India is keeping most of its wheat but sharing some extra to help others.

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.