Law Updates

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.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended the import policy for Sulfadiazine API under Chapter 29 of ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule-I. The notification takes effect immediately under powers granted by the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.

Under the new rule, imports of Sulfadiazine API with a CIF value below Rs. 1,774 per kg are now classified as ‘Restricted’ until 30th September 2026. The Modified Import Policy (MIP) applies unless specific exemptions exist.

Exemptions cover Advance Authorization holders, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), provided the API is not sold in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).

This amendment balances domestic supply control while supporting export-focused and SEZ operations. The notification has been issued with approval from the Minister of Commerce & Industry.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has issued a new notification updating the export policy for meat and meat products. Starting from 29th October 2025, all exports of chilled and frozen meat of bovine animals, including boneless meat and edible offal like tongues and livers, will require proof of remittance to the Meat Export Development Fund (MEDF) managed by APEDA.

This amendment ensures that exporters contribute to the development of the meat industry in India while complying with regulatory norms. The specific HS Codes affected are 02013000, 02023000, 02061000, 02062100, 02062200, and 02062900. Exports of these goods will be permitted only after submission of MEDF remittance proof.

The update provides a transition period for exporters to comply with the new conditions. This step strengthens India’s meat export framework, promotes industry growth, and aligns with international trade standards. Exporters must follow these rules to avoid shipment delays or regulatory penalties.

India’s digital growth is gaining momentum, powered by mobile connectivity and the evolution of 5G. In a key move to support this expansion, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Consultation Paper on the Auction of IMT Spectrum Bands. This paper focuses on the auction of radio frequency spectrum across various bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) by the ITU.

The consultation addresses a wide range of frequency bands from 600 MHz for rural coverage to mm Wave bands like 26 GHz for ultra-fast urban connectivity. TRAI is also revisiting previously auctioned bands such as 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, and others for reassessment, and is considering E band and V band for backhaul support.

Key objectives include recommending reserve prices, auction formats, block sizes, and spectrum caps, while promoting efficient use and harmonization.

TRAI has invited feedback from all stakeholders to help build a fair, future-ready spectrum policy. This initiative is set to directly impact 5G rollout, digital inclusion, and the overall telecom landscape of India.

The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has issued new safety directions for inspecting the Internal Excess Flow Check Valve (IEFCV) and IEFCV coupling in non-cryogenic mobile pressure vessels. These inspections are mandatory during the annual inspection for Rule 18 certification and periodic inspection for Rule 19 certification under the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016.

The step follows several road accidents where IEFCV dislodgment led to fire and explosions. Competent persons and Third Party Inspection Agencies (TPIA) must now verify the IEFCV and its coupling using calibrated ring and plug gauges. If threads of the valve or coupling are damaged, they must be replaced immediately.

Oil marketing companies must visually check the IEFCV before filling compressed gas into mobile tankers. Any loose or insecure joint must result in halting the filling process, as required under Condition 7 of the LS-2 licence. These actions ensure compliance with PESO safety norms and prevent potential fire hazards in gas transport operations.

The Ministry of Textiles has issued amendments to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles to ease implementation challenges and support industry growth. The revised scheme introduces additional MMF apparel and fabric products eligible for incentives, as listed in new annexures. Existing applicants can reapply with a fresh investment of at least 15% of the prescribed minimum threshold for their segment.

For new applicants, the minimum investment requirement remains Rs 150 crore under Part I and Rs 50 crore under Part II of the scheme. The earlier condition mandating company formation before investment has been replaced, companies can now set up distinct project units with distinct accounts.

From FY 2025-26 onwards, the minimum incremental turnover requirement is reduced from 25% to 10% from the second performance year onward. In addition, new applications will be accepted up to FY 2025-26, while incentives will continue until FY 2028-29. The amendments aim to boost flexibility and promote sustained textile sector investments.