Law Updates

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.

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.

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.

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.

On 26th September 2025, the MoEFCC issued a draft notification, which was published in the Gazette on 1st October 2025, for standalone cement grinding units. These units, without captive power plants, are exempted from prior Environmental Clearance (EC) if all raw materials and finished products are transported via Railways or EVs.

These cement units have lower pollution compared to regular integrated plants. They produce fewer carbon emissions, reduce energy consumption, and generate minimal waste by skipping the clinkerization and calcination processes. The Expert Appraisal Committee recommended this exemption, and the Expert Advisory Committee approved it, subject to strict environmental safeguards.

The exemption promotes green logistics in the cement industry, reducing regulatory compliance burdens without compromising environmental safety. By promoting rail and electric vehicle transport, the notification supports low-carbon, eco-friendly operations. Cement units that meet these criteria now enjoy simplified EC procedures under the EIA Notification 2006. This step strengthens environmental governance, reduces administrative burden, and promotes sustainable practices in the cement sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Ninth Amendment Order, 2025, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This amendment updates the provisions in Clause 29 of the original 1985 Order concerning the analysis of biostimulant samples.

As per the reviewed sub-clause (1C), samples collected by inspectors must now be tested according to procedures listed in Part C of Schedule VI. The analysis will be carried out at the Central Fertiliser Quality Control and Training Institute in Faridabad or its regional labs in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kalyani. Further authorized testing facilities comprise the National Institute of Plant Health Management in Hyderabad, the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute in Bhavnagar, the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology in Gurugram, and the National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms in Mau.

In addition, state governments may elect additional laboratories for biostimulant testing, subject to prior approval by the Central Government. This move aims to simplify and fortify quality control in fertiliser regulation.