Law Updates

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has proposed the BEE (Labeling Fees) Regulations, 2025, which aims to regularize the structure of fees under its standards and labeling programme. The regulations apply to all mandatory and voluntary devices listed under Schedule A and B. Fundamental provisions contain a one-time application fee of Rs 5,000 for company registration, a label security deposit of Rs 5 lakh per appliance (Rs 1 lakh for small-scale industries), and Rs 5,000 label permission fee per application. The renewal fee is Rs 1,000, as long as there is no alteration in the star rating. Label fees for compulsory and voluntary devices are payable quarterly, with penalties for delay in payment. Failure to adhere may result in loss of the security deposit and public notification of defaulters. License holders must also provide verified production data certified by a Chartered Accountant. This draft has been published for public feedback within 30 days of its Gazette notification. All payments will be made electronically.

On July 15, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, issued a new order to boost food safety and regulate poultry farming. This amendment bans the use of antimicrobial medicines to promote growth or increase yield in poultry birds. It also prohibits several antibiotics, antivirals, and antiprotozoals at any stage of poultry farming, meat production, and processing. The banned substances include carbapenems, glycopeptides, oxazolidinones, cephalosporins with beta-lactamase inhibitors, oseltamivir, favipiravir, molnupiravir, and nitazoxanide.

The goal is to stop the misuse of critical drugs in poultry farms and prevent antimicrobial resistance. These rules support safe poultry farming, ensure clean poultry meat, and improve the quality of poultry exports. The move aligns India’s poultry sector with international food safety standards. By enforcing these changes, the government strengthens public health protection and enhances the global reputation of Indian poultry products.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a notification on 8th July 2025 announcing amendments to several Indian Standards. These changes are part of regular updates to ensure better quality, safety, and compliance for various products. The amendments apply to standards like acetone, toluene, diesel fuel, motor gasoline, formic acid, and others. Each amendment was established on 8th July 2025 and will become mandatory from 7th January 2026.

Businesses dealing in these products must ensure their goods comply with the latest BIS certification standards. Obtaining a BIS certificate helps manufacturers and importers meet quality requirements and avoid legal issues. BIS registration is essential for selling products in the Indian market, especially for chemicals, fuels, textiles, and petroleum-related items.

BIS certification assures consumers of product safety, reliability, and performance. It also boosts brand trust and helps in market expansion. Updated standards like IS 170 (acetone) and IS 1460 (automotive diesel fuel) emphasize the need for timely BIS registration and compliance. Adhering to the revised standards will ensure smooth operations, regulatory approval, and enhanced product quality. Businesses must act before the deadline to maintain compliance and stay competitive.

The Director General of Foreign Trade, exercising powers under paragraph 1.03 of the Foreign Trade Policy-2023 (as amended), has implemented three new standard Input Output Norms (SIONs).  The new SIONs, A-3687, A-3688, and A-3689, are introduced under the 'Chemical and Allied Products' category, Product Code 'A'.

The update aims to simplify trade practices and facilitate smooth operations in the chemical and related products sector. The revised standards are now in effect to increase efficiency and support the movement of goods under these product categories.

The Ministry of Textiles has issued an order to amend the Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Order, 2023. According to this amendment, the new rule will come into effect on August 27, 2026. This change follows the powers granted under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, and after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The amendment aims to strengthen quality control in cotton bales. All stakeholders are advised to comply with the updated guidelines to meet BIS certification standards. This amendment is crucial for improving quality and ensuring industry compliance with BIS norms.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a notification on July 3, 2025, announcing the Environment (Protection) Third Amendment Rules, 2025. These rules amend the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, to include a new provision in Schedule I. Under serial number 5A, column 4, a new proviso allows for exemptions from the installation of cooling towers in thermal power plants. The Ministry in consultation with the Central Electricity Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board can grant this exemption. The exemption will be provided only after the Ministry records its reasons in writing. The amendment aims to ensure flexibility for thermal power plants while still considering environmental protection measures. The new rules come into force on July 5, 2025, following their publication in the Official Gazette. This amendment addresses environmental concerns related to thermal power plants and provides a pathway for potential exemptions.