Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a notification regarding the extension of public utility service status to industries involved in manufacturing or producing nuclear fuel, heavy water, allied chemicals, and atomic energy. This decision follows the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. On 17th June 2025, the government confirmed that the services of this industry will continue to be classified as a public utility service for an additional six months. The extension is effective from 28th June 2025. The industry was first declared a public utility service on 11th December 2024 for a six-month period, starting from 28th December 2024. This move aims to ensure uninterrupted service in vital sectors related to nuclear fuel and atomic energy, contributing to national security and energy production. It is in line with the government's efforts to prioritize essential services and maintain stability in critical industries. By extending the public utility service status, the government intends to prevent strikes or disruptions that could impact these industries' operations. The extension of this status ensures that the industry remains regulated under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which provides mechanisms to address industrial disputes effectively. This notification strengthens the government's commitment to safeguarding public interest, especially in sectors crucial for the country’s energy and security needs.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a corrigendum on June 16, 2025, correcting an earlier order from May 5, 2025. The correction changes the reference from the standard “IS 5485:1997” to “IS 5484:1997” in the official government document published in the Gazette of India. This update ensures accurate compliance with industry standards under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Businesses and stakeholders should note this correction for regulatory clarity. The correction supports better industry regulation and promotes proper adherence to Indian Standards (IS), enhancing transparency and legal compliance in trade and commerce.

Subject

Summary: 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.

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Summary: 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.  

Subject

Summary: 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.

Subject

Summary: 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. Table of Contents Key Changes in Definitions Revised Fee Structure for Licenses Simplified Documentation for Eligibility Conclusion 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: S.No. Type of Fee Fees (in Rs.) Fees for micro and small enterprises and startups (in Rs.) Fees for women entrepreneur (in Rs.) 1 Scrutiny fee for prior approval 1000 500 200 2 Licence to manufacture and possess for sale Ammonium Nitrate or convert melt to solid and vice versa and possess for sale [of Ammonium Nitrate] 20000/Year 10000/Year 4000/Year 3 Licence to Possess for sale of Ammonium Nitrate from a store house [or Ammonium Nitrate melt in tank] 2000/year 1000/Year 400/Year 4 Licence to Possess for use of Ammonium Nitrate from a store house [or Ammonium Nitrate melt in tank] 1000/year 500/Year 200/Year 5 Licence to Import Ammonium Nitrate 5000 2500 1000 6 Licence to Export Ammonium Nitrate 5000 2500 1000 7 Licence to bag and store Ammonium Nitrate 20,000/Year 10,000/Year 4000/Year 8 Licence to Transport Ammonium Nitrate 2000/year 1000/Year 400/Year 9 Amendment of licence 1000 500 200 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.