Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has issued the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) Control Twelfth Amendment Order, 2025, introducing key regulatory changes under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. A significant inclusion is the recognition of Organic Carbon Enhancers produced from Compressed Biogas plants, now covered under Schedule VIII with defined quality standards. Inspectors are sanctioned to draw and document samples of these enhancers following new procedures, with analysis mandated at designated Regional Centres or approved laboratories. Amendments to clauses 28, 29, 29AB, 29D, and 30 update sampling, testing, and compliance requirements for Organic Carbon Enhancers alongside organic fertilisers and non-edible de-oiled cakes. Schedule I receives numerous additions, including specifications for NBPT-coated urea, new NPK grades, revised micronutrient and fortified fertiliser norms, and updated tolerance limits for customised, liquid, fortified, and beneficial fertilisers. Liquid fertiliser standards now include Potassium Acetate and Liquid Potassium Carbonate. Forms J, K, and L-1 are revised to incorporate Organic Carbon Enhancers and related substances to ensure uniform documentation.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued an important amendment to the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023 under Paras 4.87(a) and 4.88. This update expands the list of airports that can handle personal carriage of gems and jewellery parcels for both export and import. Earlier, this facility was available through major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. The new amendment now includes Ahmedabad Airport in this list. Under the revised Para 4.87(a), foreign-bound passengers can carry gems and jewellery export parcels from all EOU, SEZ, and DTA units through the approved airports, including Ahmedabad. Customs will handle the procedure for personal carriage, and export payments will continue through normal banking channels. Para 4.88 has also been updated to allow import of gems and jewellery parcels by Indian importers or foreign nationals through Ahmedabad Airport. The process will follow the same steps as regular air freight. The parcels must be brought to Customs for inspection and release, and clearance will take place under the normal customs procedure. The main effect of this public notice is the official inclusion of Ahmedabad Airport as an authorised point for personal carriage of gems and jewellery parcels for both import and export. This change supports smoother trade, faster movement of high-value goods, and easier access for exporters and importers operating in western India.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued an important update on 28 November 2025. The Central Government cancelled several Chemical Quality Control Orders under the BIS Act 2016. The decision came after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The cancellation started immediately in the public interest. These withdrawn orders were first issued in 2021 to control the quality of important industrial chemicals. The chemicals included p-Xylene, Toluene, Methyl Acrylate, Ethyl Acrylate, Vinyl Acetate Monomer, Ethylene Dichloride, and Vinyl Chloride Monomer. These chemicals are used in petrochemicals, plastics, paints, and the pharmaceutical industries. Each earlier order required manufacturers and importers to follow specific BIS standards. This move aims to support smooth industrial operations and avoid compliance burdens for businesses. It may also help with faster supply chain movement and reduce production delays. The decision highlights that chemical regulations may change depending on industrial needs and public interest. The BIS Act remains the main law for ensuring product quality in India. Any new orders or standards may come again in the future, as per national requirements

Subject

Summary:   On 28 November 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an order directing immediate enforcement action against the illegal use of Auramine, an industrial dye, in food products. The order specifically targets roasted Chana and similar items where Auramine has been reportedly used to improve colour. Auramine is a synthetic dye not permitted under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Its presence renders any food product unsafe under Section 3(1)(zz)(v) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI has instructed Commissioners of Food Safety in all States and Union Territories, along with Central Licensing Authorities, to conduct inspections, sampling, and testing of vulnerable products. Actions must cover manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale across organized, unorganized, and e-commerce sectors. Defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs) will face appropriate action. A combined report of actions taken must be submitted within 15 days. FSSAI has also provided a list of four NABL-accredited laboratories for Auramine testing in cereal and cereal products.

Subject

Summary: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has extended the date for enforcing new labelling rules for alcoholic beverages. These rules are part of the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment Regulations, 2025. Earlier, the rules were supposed to start on January 1, 2026. Now, the new enforcement date is 1st July, 2026. The notification issued on June 20, 2025, introduced new standards for different alcoholic drinks such as mead (honey wine), craft beer, Indian liquors, wine-based beverages, and alcoholic ready-to-drink (RTD) products. It also included changes in labelling requirements for these products. A stakeholder pointed out that alcoholic beverages must also follow State Excise Laws. In many states, label registration takes place at the beginning of the excise year, which usually starts on April 1st or July 1st. Changing labels in the middle of the excise year can create many practical problems. It may lead to business disruption, waste of already printed labels, and extra cost for printing and re-registering new labels. After reviewing these concerns, FSSAI decided to grant more time to the industry. The extension has been issued under the powers given to FSSAI under Section 16(5) of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Subject

Summary: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has issued a new price update under the Drugs Prices Control Order, 2013, acting through the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The order fixes new retail prices for specific drug formulations submitted by manufacturers and marketing companies through Form I. These prices are exclusive of GST, which can be added only when it is officially payable. Manufacturers should calculate pack-wise prices as per paragraph 11 of DPCO 2013 and submit the revised price list in Form V through IPDMS. A copy must also be sent to the State Drug Controller and to dealers. Retailers and dealers are required to show the updated price list in a clearly visible area of their premises, ensuring transparent access for consumers. The notification also supersedes any previous price orders for the same formulations. Non-compliance will need manufacturers or marketers to return the overcharged amount with interest under DPCO 2013 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The update reinforces pricing discipline and regulatory oversight across the pharmaceutical supply chain.