Law Updates

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, issued an amendment to the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymers Quality Control Order, 2022. This new order, named Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, delays enforcement to 3rd October 2026. BIS ensures that all EVA copolymers comply with updated quality standards to protect public interest. Manufacturers and suppliers of EVA copolymers must follow these BIS standards to meet quality requirements. The amendment strengthens product compliance, improves market safety, and aligns India's BIS regulations with international quality standards.

On 26th September 2025, the MoEFCC issued a draft notification, which was published in the Gazette on 1st October 2025, for standalone cement grinding units. These units, without captive power plants, are exempted from prior Environmental Clearance (EC) if all raw materials and finished products are transported via Railways or EVs.

These cement units have lower pollution compared to regular integrated plants. They produce fewer carbon emissions, reduce energy consumption, and generate minimal waste by skipping the clinkerization and calcination processes. The Expert Appraisal Committee recommended this exemption, and the Expert Advisory Committee approved it, subject to strict environmental safeguards.

The exemption promotes green logistics in the cement industry, reducing regulatory compliance burdens without compromising environmental safety. By promoting rail and electric vehicle transport, the notification supports low-carbon, eco-friendly operations. Cement units that meet these criteria now enjoy simplified EC procedures under the EIA Notification 2006. This step strengthens environmental governance, reduces administrative burden, and promotes sustainable practices in the cement sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Ninth Amendment Order, 2025, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This amendment updates the provisions in Clause 29 of the original 1985 Order concerning the analysis of biostimulant samples.

As per the reviewed sub-clause (1C), samples collected by inspectors must now be tested according to procedures listed in Part C of Schedule VI. The analysis will be carried out at the Central Fertiliser Quality Control and Training Institute in Faridabad or its regional labs in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kalyani. Further authorized testing facilities comprise the National Institute of Plant Health Management in Hyderabad, the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute in Bhavnagar, the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology in Gurugram, and the National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms in Mau.

In addition, state governments may elect additional laboratories for biostimulant testing, subject to prior approval by the Central Government. This move aims to simplify and fortify quality control in fertiliser regulation.

The Government of India has notified an amendment regarding the export policy for Second Generation (2G) Ethanol. Using powers under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, a new policy condition has been added under Schedule-II (Export Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022 for ITC (HS) Code 22072000.

Under the revised policy, the export of 2G ethanol, produced from cellulosic materials such as bagasse, wood waste, agricultural residues like rice straw, wheat straw, corn Stover, forestry waste, woody biomass, grasses, algae, and other renewable resources, will now be constrained. This ethanol is known for having low CO2 emissions and high greenhouse gas reduction potential while not competing with food crops for land use.

Exports are permitted only for fuel and non-fuel purposes and will need a valid Export Authorisation along with feedstock certification from the competent authority.

Effect of the Notification: With immediate effect, exporters must comply with this additional condition to ship 2G ethanol.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued draft rules on September 23, 2025, to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The notification invites objections and suggestions from the public within thirty days before final consideration.

The amendment introduces a new provision under Rule 120. From October 1, 2026, for new models, and October 1, 2027, for existing models, all electrified vehicles in categories M and N must be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). This system will follow the audibility requirements specified in AIS-173, which may be updated from time to time. The purpose of AVAS is to ensure road safety by making silent electric vehicles more audible to pedestrians and other road users.

The amendment also updates Rule 138. It replaces the words “M1” with “M1, L5, L7, E-rickshaw and E-cart.” This expansion ensures better traffic regulation for various vehicle categories, including electric rickshaws and carts. These draft rules will come into effect once published in the Official Gazette.

The Central Government has issued an amendment to the Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025. This step has been taken under the powers conferred by Sections 16, 17, and 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards. This amendment is considered essential in the public interest to ensure proper regulation and quality control of refined zinc.

Under the new amendment, the Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, will now formally come into force from April 17, 2026, replacing the earlier provisions. The modification was published in the Official Gazette and ensures that all stakeholders, including manufacturers and traders, adhere to the updated timelines and quality standards.

This amendment strengthens the government's commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the zinc industry, ensuring safety, consistency, and compliance in production and trade. All units dealing with refined zinc are expected to follow the revised order from the above date.