India Regulatory News

India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a significant policy amendment via Notification No. 28/2025-26, revising the export obligation (EO) period under the Advance Authorizat...

India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a significant policy amendment via Notification No. 28/2025-26, revising the export obligation (EO) period under the Advance Authorization Scheme for imports exempted from mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC).

Key Amendment to Export Obligation Period

·         Previous Provision (FTP 2023 - Para 2.03(A) (1) (g)): EO period was limited to 180 days from the date of import clearance for chemical products exempted from QCOs.

·         Revised Provision: The EO period for such imports is now fully aligned with Para 4.40 of the Handbook of Procedures, i.e., 18 months from the date of clearance.

This change effectively removes the previously reduced 180-day limit for QCO-exempt imports, placing them on the standard 18-month timeline.

Implications for Trade Community

·         Increased Flexibility: Exporters, EOUs, and SEZ units now have a standardized 18-month EO period, improving planning and execution of export orders.

·         Policy Simplification: Removes the special reduced EO timeline for chemical product imports under QCO exemptions.

·         Trade Facilitation: Supports operational ease and compliance consistency across sectors importing regulated inputs under Advance Authorisation.

Effective Date

The amendment took immediate effect from the date of publication (28 August 2025).

On 30 July 2025, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, under the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals officially extended the implementation dates for two key Quality Control Orders (QCOs)....

On 30 July 2025, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, under the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals officially extended the implementation dates for two key Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The following amendments have been notified: 

• H Acid (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2025 – S.O. 3530(E) 
• Vinyl Sulphone (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2025 – S.O. 3531(E)

Both QCOs will now come into effect on 13 May 2026, replacing the previous enforcement date. The amendments were issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016) after consultation with BIS, and in consideration of public interest. 

On 29 July 2025, the Government of India notified the Cosmetics (Amendment) Rules, 2025, through publication in the Official Gazette. The amendments, which revise select provisions of the Cosmetics Ru...

On 29 July 2025, the Government of India notified the Cosmetics (Amendment) Rules, 2025, through publication in the Official Gazette. The amendments, which revise select provisions of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, entered into force immediately on the same date. The updated rules aim to enhace regulatory clarity, streamline procedures, and strengthen oversight of cosmetic products in India.

Highlights of Key Amendments

Clarification of “Use before” and “Expiry Date”

• “Use before” now means the cosmetic must be used before the first day of the month indicated on the label.
• “Date of expiry” means the product expires on the last day of the month mentioned.

Revised Terminology

• The term “controlling officer” has been replaced with “Controlling Authority” for consistency across the rules.

Appointment of Government Analyst

• Only a Government Analyst appointed under Section 20 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act will now be recognized as the Government Analyst for cosmetics-related assessments.

Central Cosmetics Laboratory Functions

The Central Drugs Laboratory will now function as the Central Cosmetics Laboratory for:

• Product testing and analysis.
• Appellate laboratory functions.
• Any additional roles assigned by the Central Government.

Licensing Amendments

• All mentions of the “Central Licensing Authority” in specific sub-clauses have been changed to “State Licensing Authority” for clarity.
• Records and batch data can now be maintained electronically or in hardcopy and must be retained for three years or six months after expiry, whichever is later.
• Requirements for testing and documentation do not apply to the manufacture of soap. Soap manufacturers follow procedures approved by the Licensing Authority.

License Cancellation or Suspension

• The State Licensing Authority can suspend or cancel a license for non-compliance after giving the licensee a chance to be heard.
• An appeal against suspension or cancellation must be made within 90 days to the State Government. The State Government’s decision shall be final.

Labelling Requirements for Export

• Labels on cosmetics intended for export must comply with the importing country's laws.
• If the consignee requests, the manufacturer’s name and address may be omitted on the label, replaced by an approved code number.

Other Notable Changes

• References to “courier” in relation to sample transportation have been omitted.
• Definitions for spurious and adulterated cosmetics are now aligned with Section 17D of the Act.
• The terms “license” and “licensed premises” are changed to “approval” and “approved premises” in licensing and quality control related rules.

These amendments provide greater clarity for industry, streamline regulatory procedures and reinforce consumer protection within the cosmetics sector. All stakeholders are hereby advised to ensure strict compliance with the revised provisions, especially those pertaining to record retention, licensing procedures, labelling standards, and definitions of competent authorities.

On 1 July 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) issued a Gazette Notification (G.S.R. 438(E)), introducing a new chapter under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Manageme...

On 1 July 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) issued a Gazette Notification (G.S.R. 438(E)), introducing a new chapter under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. The amendment establishes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements for non-ferrous metal scrap and will take effect from 1 April 2026.

Key Highlights

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework

The rules apply to producers, manufacturers, recyclers, refurbishers, collection agents, and bulk consumers handling scrap or products made from aluminium, copper, zinc, and their alloys.

Key provisions include:

Mandatory Registration: All stakeholders must register on a Centralised Online Portal maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Recycling Targets: Starting with 10% in 2026–2027, EPR targets will rise to 75% by 2032–2033 (as per Schedule XI).

EPR Certificates: Producers can meet targets by recycling themselves or purchasing EPR Certificates from registered recyclers via the CPCB portal.

Refurbishment Option: Certified refurbishers can defer EPR obligations temporarily.

Audits and Verifications: CPCB or its authorised agencies may audit transactions and compliance regularly.

Mandatory Registration and Digital Compliance

The CPCB-operated online portal will:

• Manage registrations
• Track EPR certificates and transactions
• Monitor compliance through returns and reports
• Act as a marketplace for EPR certificate trading

Stakeholder Responsibilities

Producers and Manufacturers:

• Ensure collection, recycling, or refurbishing of their products.
• Meet minimum recycled content use (as per Schedule XIII).
• Submit half-yearly and annual returns.

Recyclers:

• Recycle scrap in an environmentally sound manner.
• Maintain transaction records and file returns.

Refurbishers:

• Extend product life through safe refurbishing.
• Manage and dispose of generated waste responsibly.

Collection Agents:

• Collect and transfer scrap to registered recyclers or refurbishers.
• File periodic compliance reports.

Bulk Consumers:

• Set up collection points and hand over scrap only to registered entities.

Institutional and Stakeholder Roles

• CPCB: Administers portal, enforces compliance, issues SOPs, and conducts audits
• State Governments & SPCBs: Facilitate space for recycling units, conduct inspections, and promote awareness
• BIS: Revise relevant standards within six months
• Steering Committee: Formed for oversight, dispute resolution, and target review

Penalties & Environmental Compensation

Non-compliance may lead to:

• Revocation of registration
• Environmental compensation
• Legal action under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Partial refunds of compensation are allowed for late compliance (within 1–3 years)

Important Timelines

Milestones

Schedules Notified

• Schedule X – List of covered non-ferrous metal products
• Schedule XI – EPR recycling targets timeline
• Schedule XII – Products allowed for refurbishing
• Schedule XIII – Minimum recycled content requirements

For More Information: Please visit the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change or the CPCB website.

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals) officially withdrew three Quality Control Orders (QCOs. The decision was notified by the Ministry of Chemicals an...

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals) officially withdrew three Quality Control Orders (QCOs. The decision was notified by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers through Gazette notifications issued on July 23, 2025.

The following Quality Control Orders have been officially withdrawn with immediate effect:

•  Acetic Acid (QCO) Order, 2019 – Notification No. S.O. 2791(E)
•  Methanol (QCO) Order, 2019 – Notification No. S.O. 2793(E)
•  Aniline (QCO) Order, 2019 – Notification No. S.O. 2792(E)

These QCOs, which previously mandated BIS certification for import, manufacture, and sale of the above chemicals, have been withdrawn in the public interest, under Section 16 read with Section 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016, following consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Effective Date:
The withdrawal is applicable from July 23, 2025, the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare) has officially notified the inclusion of six new insecticides in the Schedule of the Insecticides Act, 1...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare) has officially notified the inclusion of six new insecticides in the Schedule of the Insecticides Act, 1968 through Notification S.O. 2703(E), dated June 13, 2025. 

The Insecticides Act, 1968 regulates the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution, and use of insecticides in India to ensure the safe and effective use of insecticides while minimizing risk to human health, animal welfare, and the environment. The Act also aims to support effective pest control in agriculture and public health through structured regulation and periodic review of permitted substances. 

Newly Notified Insecticides 

In exercise of powers under sub-clause (ii) of clause (e) of section 3 of the Insecticides Act, and following consultation with the Central Insecticides Board, the Central Government amended the Schedule to include the following six insecticides: 

These additions reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the pest management ecosystem, respond to evolving agricultural challenges, and regulate the use of new chemical compounds entering the market. The inclusion of these substances is expected to enhance farmers’ access to modern crop protection tools while ensuring environmental and public safety. 

About the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare  

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is the nodal body responsible for formulating and implementing policies and programs that enhance agricultural productivity and safeguard farmers’ interests. Its mandate includes oversight of crop production, plant protection, agricultural mechanization, crop insurance, and the distribution of essential agricultural inputs. The department works in close coordination with state governments, research institutions, and international organizations to ensure sustainable and farmer-centric agricultural growth throughout India. 

Conclusion

The amendment is a significant regulatory update to the Insecticides Act, 1968, which reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe and effective use of agrochemicals in India. Stakeholders in the agriculture and chemical sectors, including manufacturers, importers, and regulatory bodies, are advised to take note of these additions for compliance and implementation. 

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has issued the Polyethylene Material for Moulding and Extrusion (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, further amending the original 2022 ...

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has issued the Polyethylene Material for Moulding and Extrusion (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, further amending the original 2022 Quality Control Order. The latest amendment was published in the Official Gazette on 11 June 2025 and came into force on that date.

Key Changes Introduced by the 2025 Amendment

The 2025 amendment introduces two modifications to the exemption list introduced by the 2024 amendment:

• Deletion of Item (c): The previous exemption for Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Butene Grades has now been removed, meaning this material will become subject to the mandatory BIS certification requirements under the Quality Control Order.

• Addition of a New Exemption: A new exemption has been introduced for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for pharmaceutical moulding (EP/USP grade, CAS No. 25087-34-7), specifically for the manufacture of disposable hypodermic syringe plungers and IV catheter/cannula components.

These changes continue the government’s phased tightening of quality control requirements for polyethylene materials, while maintaining targeted exemptions for critical medical and industrial applications.

The full text of the amendment is available here.