Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has notified revised Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) standards for specific telecommunication equipment under the two major statutes, i.e., the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025.  As per Notification dated 29 May, 2026, the revised standards apply to: TEC 37942606: Essential Requirements for LAN Switch  TEC 40182606: Essential Requirements for 5G Core  The revised standards become effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. To facilitate a smooth transition, the existing standards and the newly revised standards will remain concurrently valid for the period of 90 days from the publication date. After the expiry of the transition period, only the revised standards will be applicable for compliance and certification purposes.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released multiple revisions to ALMM List-II for Solar PV Cells, introducing new entries, model additions, and manufacturing capacity updates for solar photovoltaic cell manufacturers. The revisions, issued between September 2025 and April 2026, expand the list of approved solar cell models eligible for deployment in projects requiring ALMM compliance. Mono PERC, TOPCon, HJT, and bifacial solar cell technologies with different efficiency ranges and manufacturing capacities have also been added to the updated list. New manufacturing sites, capacity improvements, and more approved models under current entries are also included in the modifications. The update mainly aims to strengthen the domestic solar manufacturing capabilities, enhance transparency in approved solar cell procurement, and support the growing demand for high-efficiency solar technologies in India. Stakeholders involved in solar project development, procurement, and compliance should review the latest ALMM List-II revisions to ensure that only approved solar cell models are sourced for applicable projects. The revised entries are valid for specified periods, generally extending up to 2030, subject to continued compliance with applicable requirements.

Subject

Summary: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued a notification dated 25 May, 2026 announcing the amendments to four existing Indian Standards (IS) under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Rules, 2018. The amendments, which were officially established on 21 May, 2026, are intended to update all the technical specifications for the specific hardware and structural steel-related goods. The revised standards also include: IS 4992:2024: Door Handles for Mortice Locks (Specification), Amendment No. 1. IS 17740:2022: Isolated Towers, Masts and Poles Using Structural Steel (Code of Practice), Amendment No. 1. IS 17954:2023: Telescopic Ball Bearing Drawer Slide (Specification), Amendment No. 3. IS 18297:2023: Cabinet Hinges (Specification), Amendment No. 2. The amended standards came into effect on 21 May 2026, while the existing versions without these amendments will remain valid until 20 November 2026, allowing all the manufacturers and stakeholders a transition period for compliance. Organizations involved in the manufacture, testing, and certification of the affected products should review the amended standards and ensure timely compliance before the transition period ends.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, has issued a notification dated 30 May, 2026, granting a complete exemption from the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) and the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) on the import of cotton falling under the Heading 5201 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. The exemption has also been introduced in the public interest under Section 25(1) of the Customs Act, 1962, and Section 124 of the Finance Act, 2021. The measure is also aimed at facilitating the availability of cotton for domestic industries, particularly in the textile and apparel sector, and also helping to stabilize input costs. The notification will also come into effect from 1 June 2026 and will remain valid up to and including 31 October 2026. During this period, eligible cotton imports will be exempt from the entire customs duty as well as the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess otherwise applicable on such imports. Businesses that are also engaged in cotton import and textile manufacturing should review their procurement and supply chain strategies to take advantage of this temporary duty relief.

Subject

Summary: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified the amendments to several Indian Standards under Rule 15(1) of the BIS Rules, 2018. The notification was published in the Gazette of India on 30 May, 2026 and establishes Amendment No.1 to five important standards covering electrical switches and battery safety requirements. The amended standards also include: IS 3854:2023 for switches used in domestic and similar applications. IS 6303 (Part 3):2025 relating to watch batteries. IS 6303 (Part 4):2023 concerning the safety of lithium batteries.  IS 6303 (Part 5):2023 covering batteries with aqueous electrolytes, and  IS 14257:2019 for lead-acid storage batteries used in motor vehicles. The amendments came into effect on 21 May 2026. BIS has also provided a transition period, allowing the existing versions of these standards to remain in force until 20 November 2026. After this date, manufacturers and stakeholders will be required to comply with the amended standards. The notification is also expected to strengthen the product quality, safety, and performance requirements across the electrical and battery manufacturing sectors while ensuring alignment with the updated technical specifications.

Subject

Summary: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Auditing) Regulations, 2018. The notification was published on 21 May, 2026 and also invites objections or suggestions from the stakeholders within 60 days.  Under the proposed amendments, FSSAI has also expanded the list of educational qualifications eligible for food safety auditors. The revised list also includes degrees related to:  Food Technology  Food Engineering Biotechnology Agriculture Veterinary Science Public Health Microbiology  Medicine and other related disciplines from recognized universities or institutions.  The draft also mandates successful completion of an accredited Lead Auditor course in Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000). Additionally, auditors must possess at least two years of work experience in the food sector and should have conducted a minimum of ten audits, including internal or third-party audits.  These amendments aim to strengthen food safety auditing standards and ensure better compliance within the food industry.