Law Updates

The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 (49 of 2019) is an important legislative framework designed to regulate and encourage safe, environmentally sound recycling of ships in India. A substantial update has been made under Section 4 of the Act, which focuses on the proper appointment of skilled authorities to oversee the process of recycling of ships in each State or Union Territory.

As per the revised guidelines, the Maritime Board of each concerned State or Union Territory will be appointed as the Competent Authority responsible for supervising the ship recycling activities within its jurisdiction. In the absence of the Maritime Board, the relevant department accountable for ship recycling matters shall take on this role. These authorities will be tasked with ensuring compliance with the provisions specified in Rule 4 of the Recycling of Ships Rules, 2021. This rule controls the administrative and regulatory processes related with ship recycling, including compliance to safety and environmental standards.

The designated authorities will be responsible for ensuring that ship recycling methods meet regulatory requirements, safeguarding both environmental protection and worker safety.

This amendment represents a significant step towards decentralizing the governance over ship recycling activities, empowering each State or Union Territory with a designated body to regulate and oversee these operations within their boundaries. It improves local responsiveness and strengthens India’s ability to manage ship recycling in a sustainable and compliant manner. By engaging regional authorities, the law aims to simplify administrative processes, mitigate delays, and ensure that ship recycling methods comply with environmental and safety standards.

In accordance with the powers conferred under paragraph 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued an amendment regarding the authorized agencies listed under Appendix 2E of the policy. This amendment specifically relates to the agency authorized to issue a certificate of origin (Non-Preferential), which is an important document in international trade that ensures the country of origin of exported goods.

As per the update, the name of the previously listed agency, 'The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council', has duly been changed to 'Sports Goods & Toys Export Promotion Council'. Along with the name change, the agency address and contact details have also been revised. These changes will be effective immediately and will be reflected in the official records and proceedings concerning the issuance of non-preferential certificates of origin.

This amendment ensures that the updated name and contact information of the relevant agency correctly appears in the Foreign Trade Policy documentation. The revision develops the clarity and aligns the agency’s position with its broader mandate, which now includes both sports equipment and toys. It also facilitates a smooth trade documentation process for exporters, ensuring that stakeholders are referencing to the correct authority for the issuance of Certificates of Origin (Non-Preferential). Timely updates support the consistent performance and credibility of India’s export certification system.
 

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued amendments to the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, which was promulgated on June 12, 2025. The amendments modify key provisions relating to timeframes for compliance and the scope of the regulation. It aims to streamline safety standards for machinery and electrical equipment across industries, ensuring greater clarity for manufacturers and suppliers.

The main change in the amendment is the revision of the compliance deadline. The original timeline of "one year from publication date" has been replaced with September 1, 2026. This will give industries more time to meet safety standards, especially regarding machinery and electrical equipment listed in the first schedule of the order. The revised date gives manufacturers enough time to comply with updated safety regulations.

Furthermore, the amendment specifies that the rules shall apply to the assemblies, sub-assemblies and constituents listed in the schedule before September 1, 2026. However, the Central Government has the right to notify additional dates for compliance regarding these components. This update reflects the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety protocols across the machinery and electrical sectors, as well as providing a clear framework for businesses to ensure compliance.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued an important update regarding the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012. The Ammonium Nitrate (Amendment) Rules, 2025, published on June 9, 2025, introduces major changes aimed at easing the process for micro and small enterprises, startups and women entrepreneurs. These amendments focus on the definition of key terms, an updated fee structure for licences, simplified documentation for eligibility, and the overall impact of these changes on ammonium nitrate-related businesses. The updated rules will take effect immediately, intended to provide a supportive regulatory environment.

Key Changes in Definitions

The amendment introduces several important definitions in Rule 2 of the Ammonium Nitrate Regulations, 2012:

• Micro and Small Enterprises: “Micro and Small Enterprises” means an enterprise defined in clause (h) and clause (m) of section 2 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.
• Startup: “Startup” means an entity registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and as defined in clause (a) of Paragraph 1 of the Notification number G.S.R. 127(E), dated 19 February 2019, and as amended from time to time.
• Women Entrepreneur: “women entrepreneur” means an enterprise owned and controlled by a woman having a minimum financial interest of 26 percent of the capital.

Revised Fee Structure for Licenses

One of the most significant changes in the revised regulations is the revision of the fee structure for the various licenses related to ammonium nitrate activities. The updated fee structure benefits micro and small enterprises, startups and women entrepreneurs, making it more affordable for them to comply with regulations.

The following are the major updates to the fee structure:

Simplified Documentation for Eligibility

The revised regulations also introduce simplified documentation requirements for businesses to qualify for reduced fees.

The following documents are required for eligibility:

• Micro and Small Enterprises: A certificate issued by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
• Micro and Small Startups: Proof of registration with the Department of Industry and Internal Business Promotion.
• Women Entrepreneurs: Documentary evidence that proves that women are owners or directors of the firm.

Conclusion

The Ammonium Nitrate (Amendment) Rules, 2025, mark a significant step towards modernizing and making the regulatory environment more accessible for smaller businesses and women entrepreneurs. With clearer definitions, a revised fee structure, and simplified eligibility documentation, the updated rules offer increased support for Micro and Small Enterprises and startups. These changes are poised to drive innovation and growth, providing a more inclusive platform for businesses in the ammonium nitrate sector. 

Common Effluent Treatment Plant Rules 2022 pdf Document Released in MOEF Site on 20th January 2023

Was introduced for collective treatment of ealuents from small & medium scale enterprises (SMEs) located in industrial clusters in order to reduce cost of pollution abatement of individual industries, address the lack of space issue in the individual industry, homogenize wastewater from member industries, etc.; and

Whereas, under section 6 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (Act No. 29 of 1986) hereinaRer referred to as the said Act, emuent quality standards for CETPs were noti£ed bY MoEF&CC in 19911 and subsequently revised vide Gazette NotiBcation dated 01.01.2016; and

Whereas, the Central Pollution Control Board (hereinafter referred to as CPCB) interacts with State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees (hereinaRer referred to as SPCBs/PCCs) regarding e£fectlve monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance of effluent standards by CETPs; and

Guidelines for Application Form from Seeking One-Time Grant/Capital for Setting up of Paddy Straw-Based Palletisation and Torrefaction Plant

CTE (Pellet/Torrefied Pellet Manufacturing Facility Setup Plant) Is The Mandatory Document For The Same.

Checklist for applications submitted for availing financial support under the guidelines

• The guidelines are applicable to Individuals/entrepreneurs/companies, who set up new Units set up after the release of guidelines, i.e. after 13.10.2022.
• Applicants whose CTE for setting up a paddy straw-based torrefaction/pelletization unit was submitted before 13.10.2022, but is still pending are also eligible for availing financial support under the guidelines.
• The proposed units should use only paddy straw generated in the NCT of Delhi, States of Punjab & Haryana, and NCR districts of Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh
• The following documents need to be submitted (through the portal) for availing of financial support under the guidelines:

1. Duly filled application form (applicant particulars & technical and financial details about the proposed unit, including invoice/quotation for plant machinery.
2. Copy of the application submitted to SPCB/PCC for obtaining Consent to Establish.
3. Land possession letter/lease agreement.
4. Undertaking for non-receipt of financial assistance for pelletization plant from other Govt. funds