Law Updates

The Government of India has notified an amendment regarding the export policy for Second Generation (2G) Ethanol. Using powers under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, a new policy condition has been added under Schedule-II (Export Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022 for ITC (HS) Code 22072000.

Under the revised policy, the export of 2G ethanol, produced from cellulosic materials such as bagasse, wood waste, agricultural residues like rice straw, wheat straw, corn Stover, forestry waste, woody biomass, grasses, algae, and other renewable resources, will now be constrained. This ethanol is known for having low CO2 emissions and high greenhouse gas reduction potential while not competing with food crops for land use.

Exports are permitted only for fuel and non-fuel purposes and will need a valid Export Authorisation along with feedstock certification from the competent authority.

Effect of the Notification: With immediate effect, exporters must comply with this additional condition to ship 2G ethanol.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued draft rules on September 23, 2025, to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The notification invites objections and suggestions from the public within thirty days before final consideration.

The amendment introduces a new provision under Rule 120. From October 1, 2026, for new models, and October 1, 2027, for existing models, all electrified vehicles in categories M and N must be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). This system will follow the audibility requirements specified in AIS-173, which may be updated from time to time. The purpose of AVAS is to ensure road safety by making silent electric vehicles more audible to pedestrians and other road users.

The amendment also updates Rule 138. It replaces the words “M1” with “M1, L5, L7, E-rickshaw and E-cart.” This expansion ensures better traffic regulation for various vehicle categories, including electric rickshaws and carts. These draft rules will come into effect once published in the Official Gazette.

The Central Government has issued an amendment to the Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025. This step has been taken under the powers conferred by Sections 16, 17, and 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards. This amendment is considered essential in the public interest to ensure proper regulation and quality control of refined zinc.

Under the new amendment, the Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, will now formally come into force from April 17, 2026, replacing the earlier provisions. The modification was published in the Official Gazette and ensures that all stakeholders, including manufacturers and traders, adhere to the updated timelines and quality standards.

This amendment strengthens the government's commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the zinc industry, ensuring safety, consistency, and compliance in production and trade. All units dealing with refined zinc are expected to follow the revised order from the above date.

The Central Government has issued an amendment to the Tin Ingot (Quality Control) Order, 2025 under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This step has been taken after due discussion with the Bureau of Indian Standards to serve public interest and ensure better regulatory clarity.

The amendment has amended the commencement clause of the earlier order. Originally, the order was to come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. However, the updated provision now states that the Tin Ingot (Quality Control) Order, 2025, will formally come into force from April 17, 2026.

This change provides a clear timeline for industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and importers, to comply with the mandatory standards. By permitting additional time before implementation, the government aims to facilitate implementation and ensure compliance without disruption to trade and the supply chain.

The amendment shows the government’s approach of balancing regulatory enforcement with practical considerations for industry readiness.

The Government of India has notified an amendment to the export policy for Non-Basmati Rice under Chapter 10 of Schedule II of the ITC (HS) 2022. 

According to the amendment, Non-Basmati Rice under ITC (HS) codes 1006 3011, 1006 3019, 1006 3091, 1006 3099, and 1006 4000 will continue to have a free export policy. However, a new condition has been added: exports will now be permitted only if the contracts are registered with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The move is aimed at ensuring better monitoring of non-basmati rice exports and encouraging systematized trade. All exporters should adhere to the registration requirement immediately. This amendment is effective from the date of notification, and failure to register the contract may result in restrictions on export clearance.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Environment (Protection) Seventh Amendment Rules, 2025 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The revised framework introduces strict limits on waste discharge, freshwater use, and discharge levels for the pulp and paper industry.

For mills using chemical pulp, standards now control pH, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour, absorbable organic halogens, and sodium absorption ratio. Mills based on recycled fiber face similar limitations with slight relaxations. Additionally, chemical pulp manufacturing will only be allowed where mills operate chemical recovery systems to ensure zero black-liquor discharge.

Freshwater use and discharge standards are product-specific. Bleached grades of chemical pulp are capped at 50 m3 of water per ton of product with 40 m3 effluent discharge. Mills based on recycled fibre are subject to stricter limits.

Emission standards for particulate matter and odorous gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) have been introduced. Rayon-grade pulp industries are excluded from the scope of the amendment.