Law Updates

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has issued a new order on November 4, 2025, revising the ceiling prices of several key medicines under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO 2013). The updated list includes Riboflavin tablets (10mg), Peritoneal dialysis solution, Ethyl alcohol (70%), and Human Normal Immunoglobulin in various strengths. 

The revised ceiling prices range from 0.22 to 478.57 rupees per unit, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST). Manufacturers selling these scheduled formulations must ensure that their prices do not exceed the fixed ceiling price plus applicable GST. If a manufacturer’s existing price is lower than the new ceiling, it must remain unchanged. Manufacturers are also required to submit updated price lists in Form-V through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS) and share copies with the State Drug Controllers and dealers. Retailers must display the price lists prominently for public access. 

The order also mandates quarterly production and sales returns in Form-III and prior intimation for any discontinuation of products. Non-compliance with these provisions will result in the recovery of overcharged amounts, along with interest, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The revised prices replace previous price orders to maintain uniformity, affordability, and transparency in pharmaceutical pricing across India. This move by NPPA ensures fair pricing of essential medicines, strengthens consumer protection, and reinforces government efforts to make vital drugs accessible and affordable for all citizens.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has issued an important update to its earlier orders dated 27th March 2025 and 3976(E) dated 29th August 2025, regarding the ceiling price fixation of scheduled formulation packs for I.V. fluids (non-glass with special features).

The latest change introduces two new entries in Table ‘B’. Sl. No. 12 now includes M/s IV Tech Healthcare with its Twin Port Euro Head Bottles, while Sl. No.13 adds M/s Life Infusion Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. for Dual Port Plastic (PP) Bottles.

Furthermore, two new clauses, (e3) and (e4), have been inserted after clause (e2). For IV Tech Healthcare, ceiling prices will apply only to formulations listed at Sl. No. 1, 2, and 4 of Table A. For Life Infusion Pharmaceuticals, prices apply to formulations at Sl. No. 1, 2, 4, and 6.

This update ensures consistent pricing for I.V. fluid formulations and maintains fair trade practices within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially notified the Food Safety and Standards (Import) First Amendment Regulations, 2025. These amendments, approved by the Central Government, will take effect from May 1, 2026. The update follows the draft notification released on October 3, 2024, which invited public feedback and was later finalized after considering the suggestions received.

The amendment introduces significant changes to Regulation 10 of the 2017 Import Regulations. It specifies that the manuals of methods of analysis, updated or adopted by FSSAI, must be used for testing imported food samples. If a particular method is unavailable in these manuals, laboratories may follow validated methods from recognized international standards such as AOAC, ISO, BIS, Codex Alimentarius, or other equivalent agencies.

Additionally, laboratories are now required to issue analysis reports in Form 2 within five days of receiving the samples, ensuring faster and more transparent reporting for import compliance.

The Ministry of Power has officially notified a new power transmission scheme under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mode, exercising powers under the Electricity Act, 2003. Based on the recommendations of the 33rd National Committee on Transmission meeting, this initiative aims to strengthen India’s electricity network and support the rapid development of renewable energy integration across states.

The Central Government has appointed a Bid Process Coordinator (BPC) to oversee the bidding process in line with the Ministry’s updated guidelines. The BPCs must also ensure Right of Way (RoW) optimization as suggested in the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Committee report dated 24 September 2024, which focuses on reducing corridor width through advanced technological options.

In addition, every transmission route must undergo validation on the PM Gati Shakti portal and be confirmed through a detailed physical survey. This framework promotes transparency, minimizes land use, and ensures smoother renewable energy evacuation through efficient grid expansion and coordinated infrastructure planning.

The Telangana Government has released a draft notification to update the Telangana Factories Rules, 1950, to improve worker safety during medical emergencies. The amendment makes it mandatory to include Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in every Ambulance Room and Occupational Health Centre (OHC) within factories. 

This change ensures a quick response to heart-related emergencies and enhances the overall health support system for factory employees. The proposal came from the Director of Factories, Telangana, who highlighted the importance of AEDs in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrests. After careful examination, the government approved this proposal and issued a preliminary notification under Section 115 of the Factories Act, 1948, inviting the public to share objections or suggestions within 45 days of its publication in the Telangana Gazette. 

The amendment adds AEDs to Rule 61 and Rule 64 of the Telangana Factories Rules, 1950. These rules cover the medical equipment list required in factory health centres and ambulance rooms. The notification also directs the Commissioner of Printing and Stationery to inform the public when the draft notification is available. This step strengthens workplace health and safety standards across Telangana, ensuring timely medical aid for workers and aligning factory health facilities with modern safety practices.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a new public notice on 29th October 2025, changing the procedure for Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation of gold imports under the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). As per the new amendment, applicants must now have Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration for hallmarking and GST registration to qualify for importing gold under HS Code 7108. 

The earlier rule only stated that the import of Gold Dore under TRQ was not allowed. The updated rule adds mandatory BIS and GST requirements to ensure quality and tax compliance. DGFT has also introduced a competitive online bidding or tender system for TRQ allocation to make the process more transparent and efficient. 

This change aims to improve the management of gold import quotas under the India–UAE CEPA framework. Eligible applicants for FY 2025–26 can apply online through the DGFT Import Management System on its official website. Details about the application timeline and bidding process will be issued every year through a Trade Notice. This step strengthens India’s gold import policy, ensures fair allocation, and supports trusted trade relations between India and the UAE under the CEPA agreement.