Law Updates

The Central Government has officially issued an amendment to the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, specifically under the powers issued by the proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 21. This update was made in consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and directly amends the existing notification published on November 12, 2024, by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

As per the latest revision, the earlier issued Schedule has been completely substituted with a new version. The revised Schedule aims to simplify environmental compliance and enhance regulatory clarity for industries and other stakeholders. These modifications are intended to boost the effectiveness of air quality management and align enforcement standards with current environmental needs.

This move marks a continued effort by the government to curb air pollution by updating statutory frameworks in line with expert recommendations and evolving environmental challenges.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced a key amendment to India’s import policy regarding areca nuts. As per the Notification, roasted areca nuts classified under ITC (HS) Code 20081991 will now face a strict import restriction. Specifically, any consignment of roasted areca nuts with a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of less than INR 351 per kilogram is now classified as “Prohibited” for import into India.

This amendment falls under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and aligns with Paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. The policy change also applies to ITC (HS) Code 08028090, updating the conditions under Schedule-I (Import Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022.

The decision, approved by the Commerce and Industry Minister, aims to regulate low-cost imports that may undermine domestic producers or bypass quality standards. Importers dealing in areca nut products should carefully assess CIF values and documentation to ensure compliance with the new regulation.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released a draft notification proposing significant changes to Schedule H2 of the Drugs Rules, 1945. This amendment aims to include more medicines under a category that mandates strict prescription and monitoring protocols. The Drugs (Amendment) Rules, 2025, the draft has been issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and is open for public consultation.

The proposal introduces a new Table under Schedule H2, identifying specific therapeutic categories of drugs that are considered high-risk, critical, or vulnerable to misuse. These additions are meant to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure safer use of potent medications.

Stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and the public have 30 days from the Gazette publication date (October 16, 2025) to submit feedback or objections. The Ministry will review all suggestions before finalizing the amendment.

This move underscores the government’s focus on public health and the responsible distribution of sensitive drug formulations through tighter legal controls.

The Central Government has issued the Sugarcane (Control) Amendment Order, 2025, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, updating the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966. A significant addition is Clause 6F, which lays out the framework for reinstating derecognised Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandums (IEMs).

Under the new rules, reinstatement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Conditions include submission of fresh or additional bank guarantees INR 50 lakh per year for regularising expired periods or seeking extensions. A one-time relaxation is still applicable for the COVID-19 period (March 2020 - February 2022).

The reinstated IEM’s validity can be extended up to two years, not exceeding one year at a time, for completing the necessary steps. An additional extension of up to two more years is allowed strictly for starting commercial production. However, failure to meet deadlines will result in forfeiture of bank guarantees.

All reinstated IEMs must follow the minimum distance standards and adhere to other existing provisions, unless specified otherwise in the reinstatement order and after consultation with the State Government and the Ministry of Law and Justice.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in accordance with Sub-rule (1) of Rule 15 of the BIS Rules, 2018, has officially informed the establishment of new Indian Standards. These newly known standards are listed in the second column of the accompanying schedule and come into effect from the dates mentioned in the third column.

Moreover, the notification gives information about any existing standards that will continue to remain valid alongside the new ones. These parallel standards are stated in the fourth column and will be valid until the dates mentioned in the fifth column, after which they will be officially withdrawn.

This move by the BIS aims to ensure a smooth transition and maintain regulatory clarity for manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders. The simultaneous operation of old and new standards allows businesses ample time to adapt their systems and comply with updated norms without disruption.

Stakeholders are advised to refer to the official schedule for detailed information on each standard and its effective or withdrawal date.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended import policy conditions for specific items under Chapters 70, 73, 84, and 85 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule I. These changes apply to items used in solar and wind energy projects. From 01.11.2025, certain products like tempered safety glass, towers, bearing housings, gears, electric motors, photovoltaic cells, and generators must be registered on the Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System (REEIMS) of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy before import.

The REEIMS registration is mandatory for all imports via air, sea, or land routes. Applications must be submitted two days in advance for air cargo and five days for sea or land shipments. Registrations are valid for three months, free of charge, and can cover multiple consignments for a specific port. Importers must declare the intended end-use of products during registration.

This amendment ensures better monitoring of renewable energy equipment imports and aligns trade practices with India’s renewable energy goals. The revised import policy imposes specific conditions for HS Codes 70071900, 73082019, 84833000, 84834000, 85016420, 85016430, 85023100, 85030090, 85414200, and 85414300. Compliance with REEIMS registration is mandatory to clear customs and maintain smooth import operations.