Law Updates

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued the Draft Environment Audit Rules, 2025 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These draft rules propose a proper system for environment audits to check if projects, industries, and activities are following environmental laws like the Air Act, Water Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and Forest Conservation rules.

The draft notification states that Registered Environment Auditors will conduct audits, collect samples, check pollution control systems, and prepare reports. They will also verify compliance for Green Credit Rules 2023, Ecomark Rules 2024, waste management rules, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects.

A proposed body called the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA) will certify, register, and monitor auditors. Auditors must remain independent, follow a strict code of conduct, and avoid conflicts of interest. Registration will be valid for five years, with renewal possible.

The draft rules also provide for a Steering Committee under MoEFCC and CPCB to monitor implementation. In case of disputes, government officers’ reports will have final authority. The aim is to promote compliance, reduce pollution, support climate action, ESG goals, green credit, and sustainable development.

The Central Government has issued a significant update related to the export of Natural Honey under ITC (HS) Code 04090000. Exercising its powers under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and linked with Foreign Trade Policy 2023 the government has reviewed the Minimum Export Price (MEP).

According to the latest notification, the MEP for Natural Honey has been reduced from USD 2,000 per metric ton to USD 1,400/metric ton. This change is active immediately and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.

This amendment substitutes the previous notification no. 45/ 2024-25 dated 30/12/2024. The drop in MEP aims to promote honey exports so that Indian honey has a more competitive price in global markets.

Exporters should ensure compliance with the revised prices to prevent any regulatory issues. The latest policy will directly impact honey exporters, trading companies and relevant stakeholders across the country.

For smooth operations, businesses are advised to update their pricing and documentation accordingly.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has issued notification on 22nd August 2025, amending the import policy conditions for specific items under Chapter 48 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule I. The amendment primarily targets Virgin Multi-layer Paper Board (VPB) under HS Codes 48059100, 48059200, 48059300, 48109200, and 48109900.
Under the revised policy, all imports of these paper items continue to remain free but are now subject to compulsory registration under the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) as per policy condition 04 of the chapter. Additionally, a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of INR 67,220 per MT on CIF value is imposed for VPB imports with a CIF value below this threshold, and such imports are classified as “Restricted” until 31st March 2026. Stock lot imports remain prohibited as per earlier notifications.
This policy change aims to regulate the import of VPB, ensuring fair trade practices and protecting domestic paper manufacturers. The notification is effective immediately and has been issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has informed the Cross Recessed Screws Quality Control Order, under Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This order swaps the 2024 version and comes into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Under this directive, all stated cross-recessed screws must adhere with relevant Indian standards and carry BIS standard mark, which is secured through a license under Scheme I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

However, some categories are exempt. These consist of manufactured goods for export, imports used in finished products or sub-assemblies, and imports by domestic producers for export manufacturing. Micro and Small Enterprises, as defined under the MSME Act, 2006, are exempted on the basis of the timelines stated in the Order. Udyam registered enterprises have an investment not exceeding Rs 25 lakh and turnover less than Rs 2 crore are also excluded. In addition, imports of up to 200 kg per year for R&D purposes by OEMs are permitted, with restrictions on commercial use and the need to maintain records.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2025 under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This order supersedes the 2024 notification and ensures mandatory quality compliance for cookware, utensils, and cans used in food and beverage packaging.
As per the order, goods listed in the official Table of Standards - including stainless steel utensils (IS 14756:2024), wrought aluminium utensils (IS 1660:2024), stainless steel sinks (IS 13983:1994), three-piece round open-top metal cans (IS 18427:2024), and aluminium beverage cans (IS 14407:2023) - must conform to Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a valid license.
The order comes into effect from 1st October 2025 for general manufacturers, with extended deadlines for small enterprises (1st January 2026) and micro enterprises (1st April 2026). Exemptions apply to export goods, R&D imports, and small-scale manufacturers registered under Udyam with limited investment and turnover.
The BIS will act as the certifying and enforcement authority, and any violation will attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016, ensuring consumer safety, standardization, and quality compliance across the cookware and packaging sector.

The Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, has issued a notification on 18th August 2025 under the Customs Act, 1962 and the Finance Act, 2021. Through this notification, the Central Government has granted full exemption from customs duty and Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess on the import of cotton, classified under heading 5201 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. The decision has been taken in public interest to support domestic industries and ensure adequate raw material availability. This exemption will apply to all imports of cotton into India during the specified period. The notification clearly states that the exemption shall come into effect from 19th August 2025 and remain valid till 30th September 2025. By temporarily removing these duties, the government aims to ease pressure on the textile sector, stabilize raw material costs, and promote smooth supply chain operations in the cotton and allied industries during this period.