Law Updates

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.

The Department of Food and Public Distribution, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has issued a crucial amendment to the Vegetable Oil Products, Production and Availability (Regulation) Order, 2011 (VOPPA Order). The revised VOPPA Order, 2025, strengthens regulatory oversight and transparency across India’s edible oil sector. All manufacturers, processors, blenders, repackers, and other stakeholders in the edible oil supply chain must now register under the amended Order and submit monthly production and stock returns through the official portal. The move aims to enhance data accuracy, real-time monitoring, and informed policy decisions to boost national food security and supply chain resilience. A large number of industry participants have already registered on the National Single Window System and begun filing monthly returns. Non-compliance will attract penalties under the amended Order and the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008. The Department will also conduct inspections and field verification to ensure compliance. This step marks a major stride toward a more transparent, efficient, and accountable edible oil ecosystem in India.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched the Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System (REEIMS) to track the import of renewable energy components. This system follows a recent notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that made registration mandatory for certain items listed under Chapters 70, 73, 84, and 85 of the ITC (HS) 2022 Schedule-I Import Policy.

The REEIMS portal, developed with the help of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), allows importers to register online. Importers must use their Import Export Code (IEC) to register, submit applications, and generate certificates directly from the portal. The final REEIMS certificate can be downloaded and verified online.

The system aims to ensure transparent monitoring, promote organized import of renewable energy equipment, such as solar, and wind components. For technical help, MNRE officials are available for support. This initiative strengthens India's renewable energy policy, improves compliance, and supports sustainable growth in the clean energy sector.