Law Updates

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a new DGFT notification on 15 October 2025 to align the ITC (HS) 2022 Schedule-I (Import Policy) with the Finance Act 2025. This update ensures that all import classifications and policy conditions match the latest legal and financial framework. The notification introduces a new Policy Condition No. 07 in Chapters 29 and 38, stating that the import of pesticides will now require a valid Certificate of Registration from the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Imports must also comply with the Insecticides Act, 1968.

The notification also includes amendments such as inserting, deleting, splitting, merging, and revising ITC (HS) codes, along with updates to section notes, chapter notes, and product descriptions. These changes aim to simplify trade, ensure regulatory harmony, and enhance import compliance. The revised ITC (HS) 2022 Import Policy is now available on the DGFT website and is effective immediately.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a Public Notice to amend Para 4.84(b) of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023. This amendment aligns the HBP with Para 4.36(a) of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.

As per the new rule, exporters must complete their Export Obligation within 120 days from the date of import for each consignment under Advance Authorisation. For imports of gold, platinum, or silver used in findings, mountings, and jewellery exports, the Export Obligation period is 180 days from the import date. No further extension will be allowed. The amendment also enables Advance Authorisation holders to import gold as replenishment after completing exports.

This update ensures uniformity between the Handbook and the FTP, promoting smooth trade operations and timely export compliance. The change supports exporters in managing their obligations more efficiently while maintaining transparency and alignment in foreign trade procedures.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a Public Notice amending Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which lists the agencies authorised to issue Certificates of Origin (Preferential). Exercising powers under the FTP, the DGFT has officially added the authorised agencies permitted to issue Certificates of Origin (CoO) for the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

This amendment ensures that exporters seeking special tariff benefits under the India-EFTA TEPA can obtain CoOs from the designated agencies listed in the updated Appendix 2 B. The move aims to simplify certification processes, boost trade facilitation, and encourage smoother implementation of the newly effective India-EFTA TEPA framework.

The Public Notice formally notifies and operationalises the inclusion of authorised agencies allowed to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin under the India-EFTA TEPA, ensuring clarity and compliance for stakeholders.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued a new public notice on 28 October 2025. This notice updates Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 by adding a list of agencies authorised to issue Certificates of Origin (Preferential) for exports under the India-European Free Trade Agreement (India-EFTA TEPA).

Under this amendment, several key organisations are now authorised to issue certificates for different product categories. These include DGFT and its regional offices, the Export Inspection Council, APEDA, MPEDA, Textile Committee, Tobacco Board, Spices Board, Central Silk Board, Coir Board, and the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). In addition, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) such as Cochin, Falta, Kandla, MEPZ, NOIDA, SEEPZ, and Vishakhapatnam are authorised to issue certificates for all units within their jurisdiction.

This update helps exporters trade under the India-EFTA TEPA with ease and ensures faster certification for all eligible products. It also strengthens India’s export system under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.

The Central Government has introduced a partial amendment to the import policy regulating synthetic knitted fabrics under Chapter 60 of the ITC (HS), 2022. Exercising powers under Sections 3 and 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and in alignment with paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, the amendment amends Notification No. 05/2025-26 dated 23.04.2025. The import policy for ITC (HS) Code 60053600 has been revised to maintain its status as “Restricted,” subject to a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of USD 3.5 per kg, except for fabrics ranging between 28 to 48 GSM. All other HS Codes under the previous notification stay unchanged. In addition, Advance Authorisation holders, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and SEZ units will remain exempt from the MIP condition, provided that imported inputs are not sold in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). This step focuses on balancing import regulation with support for domestic textile manufacturing.

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has introduced a new auto-renewal procedure for “Consent to Establish/Operate” applications effective 1 November 2025, as part of the Ease of Doing Business initiative. As per the news scheme, renewal will be issued automatically on the basis of the self-declaration submitted by the occupier, provided the unit complies with all earlier consent conditions, faces no court cases or complaints, has submitted an undertaking to abide by all the Board standards, and has not altered its individual activity. Auto-renewal applies to all consent renewal applications irrespective of capital investment, except for: Red category industries, any activity requiring a valid Environment Clearance, Units operating under temporary consent (for example, brick-kilns, temporary crushers, hot-mix plants).

KSPCB will modify its online consent management portal to promote the auto-renewal process. The consent is liable to cancellation and the occupier to penalties if any information is found false/ incorrect/ forged/ partial, or misleading.