India Regulatory News

BackgroundOn 15 October 2025, India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification revising the import policy conditions for certain chemicals and pesticides listed under Chapte...

Background

On 15 October 2025, India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification revising the import policy conditions for certain chemicals and pesticides listed under Chapters 29 and 38 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC (HS), 2022 – Schedule I]. The changes were made under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 and align with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.

The amendments update the import requirements for several chemical substances, introducing new permit obligations and clarifying existing rules for specific ITC (HS) codes related to organic chemicals and miscellaneous chemical products.

Key Amendments:

Introduction of Import Permit Requirement

• For certain chemicals and pesticides such as Bifenthrin (ISO), Prallethrin, and other specified insecticides and herbicides, import will now be subject to an Import Permit issued by the Central Insecticide Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Revised Policy Conditions for Select ITC (HS) Codes

• ITC HS 29162020 (Bifenthrin, Prallethrin):
  • Import now subject to Policy Condition No. 07 of the chapter.
• ITC HS 29314930 (Glyphosate, Fosetyl-al, Glufosinate Ammonium, Glyphosate Potassium Salt):
  • Import requires a CIB&RC import permit as per Policy Condition No. 04.
• ITC HS 38089361 (Goods under Supplementary Note 7):
  • Import subject to an import permit from CIB&RC under Ministry of Agriculture as per Policy Condition No. 04.

Special Conditions for Import of Glufosinate and Its Salts

• Import allowed only with a valid Certificate of Registration from CIB&RC and confirmation of non-prohibition under the Insecticides Act, 1968.
• Restricted: For Cost, Insurance and Frieght (CIF) value below ($14.61) per kg.
• Free: For CIF value ($14.61) per kg or above.
• The policy condition will be reviewed after one year from the date of publication of Notification No. 54/2024.

Clarification for Other Chemical and Pesticide Entries

• Multiple other HS codes under Chapters 29 and 38 have been aligned to ensure consistency with the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the CIB&RC regulatory framework.
• Import of registered and non-prohibited formulations remains free, subject to compliance with the above conditions.
• Effective Date: Immediate upon publication in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary)

Key Takeaways for Importers:

• Verify CIB&RC Registration and Import Permit before import.
• Ensure compliance with updated Import Policy Conditions for relevant HS codes.
• Note pricing restrictions for Glufosinate and its salts.
• Review contracts and documentation for conformity with new regulations.

Effect of the Notification:

The import policy conditions for several specific ITC (HS) codes under Chapters 29 and 38 have been amended with immediate effect to ensure regulatory oversight and alignment with domestic agricultural safety laws.

On 22 October 2025, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, officially rescinded six Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for various fatty acids and their deri...

On 6 October 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released a draft notification proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. The dr...

On 6 October 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released a draft notification proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. The draft aims to prohibit the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, thereby strengthening India’s food packaging safety framework further.

First notified in December 2018, the packaging regulations set out clear standards to ensure that packaging materials used for food are safe and suitable, and do not contaminate the food product. The regulations cover aspects such as the type of packaging materials used, migration limits, and labeling requirements, with periodic updates to reflect new scientific evidence and global best practices.

Key Highlights of the Draft Notification

The FSSAI has proposed the following amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018:

Ban on PFAS in Food Contact Materials:

• New sub-regulation (15) under General Requirements states that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be used in the manufacture of food contact materials.
• PFAS are persistent chemicals associated with potential health risks and environmental concerns.

Elimination of BPA in Packaging:

• New sub-regulation (16) mandates that packaging made from polycarbonate and epoxy resins must be free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives.
• BPA is widely recognized as an endocrine disruptor, and its restriction aligns India’s standards with international best practices. 

Significance of the Amendment

• Enhanced Consumer Protection: It minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals through food packaging.
• Global Alignment: Brings Indian standards closer to those in developed markets, thereby supporting exports and compliance.
• Sustainability Focus: Encourages the use of safer and more environmentally friendly packaging materials.

Public Consultation Period

Objections or suggestions may be submitted within 60 days of the Gazette notification being made public. Stakeholders, including food businesses, packaging manufacturers, and consumer groups, are encouraged to review the draft notification carefully and submit their inputs within the consultation period.

In a significant move to enhance workplace safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a draft revision on 25 September 2025 titled ‘Caustic Potash - Code of Safety (First Revision of IS 695...

The Government of India, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has introduced an additional policy condition governing the export of s...

The Government of India, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has introduced an additional policy condition governing the export of second-generation (2G) ethanol. The new provision, which is effective immediately, aims to regulate exports while promoting the use of environmentally sustainable biofuels.

Key Details of the Notification

Issued on 24 September 2025 via Notification No. 32/2025-26, the amendment falls under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. It modifies the export policy of ethanol listed under the Indian Trade Classification of the Harmonized System (ITC (HS) Code) 22072000 - Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength.

What Is Second-Generation (2G) Ethanol?

Second-generation ethanol is produced from non-food biomass and waste-based feedstocks, such as:

Cellulosic materials, such as bagasse, wood waste, and industrial waste. 

• Agricultural and forestry residues, including rice straw, wheat straw, and corn stover
• Non-food crops such as grasses and algae

This category of bioethanol is recognized for its low CO₂ emissions, and high potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without competing with food crops for arable land.

Export Conditions

Under the revised policy, the export of 2G ethanol is permitted for both fuel and non-fuel purposes, provided that exporters fulfil the following specific regulatory requirements:

• Obtain a valid Export Authorization.
• Secure feedstock certification from the relevant competent authority.

All consignments will be subject to verification checks by designated authorities to ensure compliance with the new standards. Additionally, exported ethanol must meet IS 15464 specifications, as amended over time.

Effect of the Notification

The inclusion of this additional policy condition for the export of second-generation ethanol has been notified with immediate effect, aligning with India’s goals for environmental sustainability and green energy transition.

On 4 September 2025, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, issued three Gazette notifications amending the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for specific...

On 4 September 2025, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, issued three Gazette notifications amending the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for specific categories of HDPE and PP woven sacks.

According to the amendments, the enforcement date of the following QCOs has been extended to 6 January 2026:

• Textiles - High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2023. Amendment Notification: S.O. 4066(E)
• Textiles - Polypropylene (PP) Woven, Laminated, Block Bottom Valve Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Order, 2023.  Amendment Notification: S.O. 4067(E)
• Textiles - Polypropylene (PP)/High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Laminated Woven Sacks for Mail Sorting, Storage, Transport and Distribution (Quality Control) Order, 2023. Amendment Notification: S.O. 4068(E)

Extension Made in Public Interest

The Ministry noted that the extension was made in the public interest after consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals) has issued three Gazette notifications amending the timelines for the enforcement of the Quality Control Orders...

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals) has issued three Gazette notifications amending the timelines for the enforcement of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for Ethylene Dichloride, Polycarbonate, and Vinyl Chloride Monomer under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

The amendments, notified on 16 September 2025, extended the enforcement date of these QCOs to 12 September 2026.

Notifications Issued

• Ethylene Dichloride (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025
  S.O. 4177(E)
• Polycarbonate (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025
  S.O. 4176(E)
• Vinyl Chloride Monomer (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025
  S.O. 4175(E)

Impact on Industry

These QCOs mandate that the notified chemicals must conform to Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance for domestic use as well as imports.

By extending the deadlines, the government provides additional time for industries and stakeholders to align with the mandatory certification requirements, facilitating a smoother transition into full compliance.