Law Updates

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has issued the Polypropylene (PP) Materials for Moulding and Extrusion (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2025. The amendment updates the earlier 2024 PP Quality Control Order. The key change sets the new enforcement date as 24th April 2026.

This amendment ensures that all polypropylene materials used for moulding and extrusion comply with updated BIS standards. Manufacturers and industries using PP materials must follow the revised quality and safety norms from the new effective date. The government emphasizes public safety and industry standardization through this amendment.

The order strengthens the regulation of polypropylene in manufacturing processes, aiming for consistent quality in finished products. This update is crucial for the plastics industry, promoting safer and higher-quality PP products in India.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued implementation guidelines for the revised IS 16242 (Part 1):2025 / IEC 62040-1:2017, which replaces IS 16242 (Part 1):2014 / IEC 62040-1:2008. The concurrent operation of both standards will continue only until 19 November 2025, after which the older version will be withdrawn.

All existing BIS licensees are required to ensure compliance with the revised standard before the deadline. They must submit complete test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories for lead models and provide an undertaking confirming conformity for all series models under their licence. Non-compliance beyond the deadline may lead to licence cancellation or model deletion.

For new applicants, processing under the old standard will be allowed only until the implementation date, with a declaration of commitment to adopt the revised version. After 19 November 2025, no licences will be granted under the old standard.

These revised guidelines aim to align India’s certification framework for UPS systems with international safety norms under IEC 62040-1:2017.

The Central Government has officially issued an amendment to the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, specifically under the powers issued by the proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 21. This update was made in consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and directly amends the existing notification published on November 12, 2024, by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

As per the latest revision, the earlier issued Schedule has been completely substituted with a new version. The revised Schedule aims to simplify environmental compliance and enhance regulatory clarity for industries and other stakeholders. These modifications are intended to boost the effectiveness of air quality management and align enforcement standards with current environmental needs.

This move marks a continued effort by the government to curb air pollution by updating statutory frameworks in line with expert recommendations and evolving environmental challenges.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced a key amendment to India’s import policy regarding areca nuts. As per the Notification, roasted areca nuts classified under ITC (HS) Code 20081991 will now face a strict import restriction. Specifically, any consignment of roasted areca nuts with a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of less than INR 351 per kilogram is now classified as “Prohibited” for import into India.

This amendment falls under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and aligns with Paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. The policy change also applies to ITC (HS) Code 08028090, updating the conditions under Schedule-I (Import Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022.

The decision, approved by the Commerce and Industry Minister, aims to regulate low-cost imports that may undermine domestic producers or bypass quality standards. Importers dealing in areca nut products should carefully assess CIF values and documentation to ensure compliance with the new regulation.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released a draft notification proposing significant changes to Schedule H2 of the Drugs Rules, 1945. This amendment aims to include more medicines under a category that mandates strict prescription and monitoring protocols. The Drugs (Amendment) Rules, 2025, the draft has been issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and is open for public consultation.

The proposal introduces a new Table under Schedule H2, identifying specific therapeutic categories of drugs that are considered high-risk, critical, or vulnerable to misuse. These additions are meant to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure safer use of potent medications.

Stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and the public have 30 days from the Gazette publication date (October 16, 2025) to submit feedback or objections. The Ministry will review all suggestions before finalizing the amendment.

This move underscores the government’s focus on public health and the responsible distribution of sensitive drug formulations through tighter legal controls.

The Central Government has issued the Sugarcane (Control) Amendment Order, 2025, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, updating the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966. A significant addition is Clause 6F, which lays out the framework for reinstating derecognised Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandums (IEMs).

Under the new rules, reinstatement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Conditions include submission of fresh or additional bank guarantees INR 50 lakh per year for regularising expired periods or seeking extensions. A one-time relaxation is still applicable for the COVID-19 period (March 2020 - February 2022).

The reinstated IEM’s validity can be extended up to two years, not exceeding one year at a time, for completing the necessary steps. An additional extension of up to two more years is allowed strictly for starting commercial production. However, failure to meet deadlines will result in forfeiture of bank guarantees.

All reinstated IEMs must follow the minimum distance standards and adhere to other existing provisions, unless specified otherwise in the reinstatement order and after consultation with the State Government and the Ministry of Law and Justice.