The Government of India has officially launched the ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to empower Indian exporters, importers, and other...

The Government of India has officially launched the ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to empower Indian exporters, importers, and other stakeholders in addressing emerging challenges in global trade and tariff regulations.

This strategic initiative is designed to streamline assistance related to international tariffs, import surges, EXIM clearance delays, dumping cases, supply chain disruptions, and other trade-related concerns. It reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to support seamless cross-border trade and strengthen India’s presence in the global marketplace.

Key Features of the DGFT Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk

The Helpdesk will serve as a centralized digital platform to resolve issues such as:

• Import and Export Challenges
• Import Surges and Dumping Complaints
• EXIM (Export-Import) Clearance Delays
• Logistics and Supply Chain Bottlenecks
• Banking and Financial Transaction Issues
• Regulatory or Compliance Concerns
• General Trade Suggestions and Policy Feedback

The Helpdesk will also facilitate inter-departmental coordination, engaging with relevant Ministries, State Governments, and Regulatory Authorities to resolve complex trade issues.

How to Access and Use the DGFT Helpdesk

Exporters, importers, and trade professionals can raise concerns through the following channels:

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced amendments to the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2025, refining compliance requirements under the Extended Producer Res...

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced amendments to the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2025, refining compliance requirements under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. These updates primarily focus on digital labeling, packaging exemptions, and relaxed hazardous substance labeling requirements. 

Key Highlights of the Amendment: 

1. Digital Labeling Option Introduced 

• Producers can now print barcodes or QR codes containing the EPR registration number on: 

• Batteries or battery packs 

• Equipment containing batteries 

• Battery packaging or accompanying product brochures 

• This digital alternative reduces the labeling burden while ensuring compliance. 

2. Exemptions for Certain Packaging 

• Packaging covered under Rule 26 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, is now exempt from some labeling requirements. 

3. Relaxation in Hazardous Substance Marking 

• For batteries with cadmium content ≤0.002% (20 ppm) or lead content is ≤0.004% (40 ppm), marking ‘Cd’ or ‘Pb’ label on the battery is no longer required. 

4. CPCB to Maintain a Centralized Database of Producers 

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will publish a consolidated list of producers opting for digital labeling and update their details every quarter. 

What This Means for the Industry 

These amendments simplify compliance while ensuring better traceability and environmental safety. Battery producers, importers, and recyclers should review these updates and adjust their labeling and documentation processes accordingly. 

The official Battery Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2025, can be accessed here.

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals has extended the enforcement dates of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for several chemicals. The notifications were published in the Gazette of India on 11...

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals has extended the enforcement dates of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for several chemicals. The notifications were published in the Gazette of India on 11 March 2025 and 19 March 2025 respectively, in consultation with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). 

Chemicals and revised enforcement dates  

The notification published on 11 March 2025 includes 6 chemicals: 

The notification published on 19 March 2025 includes the following 2 chemicals: 

The Quality Control Order mandates that the concerned substances carry the certification mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards, ensuring that the existing rules remain in force until the implementation of the new QCOs. 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released the Draft Indian Standard for Chromite for Chemical Industries — Specification (Second Revision), which outlines the updated requirements for chromi...

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released the Draft Indian Standard for Chromite for Chemical Industries — Specification (Second Revision), which outlines the updated requirements for chromite used in various chemical industries. This revised standard aims to ensure uniformity, quality, and consistency in the use of chromite for chemical processes, in line with the latest industry needs and regulatory frameworks. 

Key Features of the Standard: 

1. Scope: 
   The standard specifies the detailed requirements and test methods for chromite used in the chemical industry, ensuring that the material meets the essential quality benchmarks for industrial use. 

2. Updated References: 

          The standard references important established norms such as IS 1070:2023 for reagent-grade water and IS 2109:1982 for sampling methods, ensuring alignment with globally recognized standards. 

3. Material Specifications: 

          The chromite material, whether in lump or concentrate form, must be free from dirt and other foreign matter. The standard details specific limits for key components: 

• Chromic oxide (Cr2O3): Minimum 44% 

• Total iron (FeO): Maximum 20% 

• Alumina (Al2O3): Maximum 14% 

• Silica (SiO2): Maximum 7% 

• Lime (CaO): Maximum 3% 

• Magnesia (MgO): Maximum 14% 

4. Packing and Marking: 

The material must be packaged and marked in a manner that ensures clear identification and traceability. Packaging can include open wagons, and labels should feature essential details such as the material's name, its mass, lot number, and manufacturer's information. 

5. BIS Certification: 

Products that conform to the standard may be eligible for BIS certification, further assuring consumers and industries of their quality and adherence to the prescribed criteria. 

6. Sampling and Testing Procedures: 

The standard emphasizes rigorous sampling methods and a structured approach to testing, with specific criteria for individual and composite sample testing. For example, the chromic oxide test involves calculating the mean and range of test results to determine conformity. 

Call for Public Comments 

This Draft Indian Standard is now open for public comments and feedback until 26 March 2025. Stakeholders in the chemical industry are encouraged to review the document and provide suggestions to help refine the specifications. 

By establishing clearer guidelines for chromite quality and testing methods, BIS is ensuring that the chemical industry maintains high standards of safety, consistency, and efficiency, ultimately supporting better industrial practices and products. 

Industry stakeholders can download the full official Draft Indian Standard Doc. CHD 01 (27436) WC here. 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released a draft of the updated Indian Standard for Sulphuric Acid - Specification (Fifth Revision) for public comments. This draft standard, identified as CHD...

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released a draft of the updated Indian Standard for Sulphuric Acid - Specification (Fifth Revision) for public comments. This draft standard, identified as CHD 01 (27028) WC, December 2024, aims to update the existing guidelines for quality and testing requirements of sulphuric acid in India. The revised standard was open for review and feedback from all relevant stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and industry experts until 1 February 2025. 

Key Features of the Draft Standard: 

1. Scope: The new draft standard provides comprehensive requirements for sulphuric acid, including methods of sampling and testing to ensure product quality and safety. 

2. Grades of Sulphuric Acid: Four distinct grades are outlined in the draft: 

• Technical grade (Tech) 

• Battery grade (further divided into two sub-grades: concentrated and diluted) 

• Chemically Pure (CP) grade 

• Analytical Reagent (AR) grade  

3.  Grade-Specific Requirements:  Each grade has specific requirements regarding appearance, composition, and impurities. For instance: 

• Technical grade: The acid should be a brownish liquid. 

• Battery grade: Must be a colorless liquid, free of visible impurities. 

• CP and AR grades: These must be clear, colorless, and free from suspended matter. 

4. Optional Requirements: The draft also includes provisions for optional variation of certain chemical properties, such as total acidity and impurities, subject to mutual agreement between suppliers and purchasers. 

5. Packaging and Marking: The draft details packaging guidelines, with specific requirements for containers based on the grade of sulphuric acid. These include the use of polyethylene containers, glass bottles, and steel drums, all fitted with leak-tight stoppers. 

The containers must also bear detailed marking, including information on the material’s grade, manufacturer, expiry date, and handling instructions. In the case of Analytical Reagent grade, the chemical analysis details will be clearly marked. 

6. BIS Certification Mark: Products conforming to the final standard may be eligible for certification under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and may carry the BIS certification mark. 

7. Sampling Method: The draft specifies the method for drawing representative samples for testing to ensure accurate and consistent quality control. 

Feedback and Review Process:  

This draft standard was open for public comments and review until 1 February 2025. Industry participants, including chemical manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and quality assurance experts, were encouraged to submit feedback and suggestions. This collaborative review will ensure that the standard is comprehensive, accurate, and reflective of industry needs. After the review process, the final version of the standard will be released. 

Requirements for Sulphuric Acid: 

Conclusion:  

This update to the Sulphuric Acid - Specification standard reflects ongoing efforts to ensure that the production, handling, and use of sulphuric acid in India meets the highest standards of quality and safety. By opening the draft for public review, BIS aims to incorporate industry insights and improve the document before finalization. 

The full text of the draft Standard can be accessed here- 

On 6 January 2025, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) published the Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025, under the powers granted by the Enviro...

On 6 January 2025, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) published the Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025, under the powers granted by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules apply to entities involved in the production, ownership, testing, and scrapping of vehicles, including electric and battery powered vehicles. However, the rules do not apply to waste batteries, plastic packaging, waste tyres, used oil, and e-waste, which are covered by other regulations. The rules also do not apply to agricultural machinery such as tractors, trailers, harvesters, and power tillers as defined in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. 

Centralised Online Portal 

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is required to establish a centralized online portal within six months of the publication of the rules. This portal will:  

• Handle registration and return filing of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) for producers, bulk consumers, and Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSF).  

• Track the receipt of ELVs and waste materials generated by RVSFs, ensuring real-time data availability.  

• Enable the exchange of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates between producers and RVSFs to meet EPR obligations.  

The State Board will use this portal to register RVSFs and bulk consumers, as well as for return filing. It will serve as a centralized data repository for all related activities, including issued orders. Producers may assist in the development of the portal. 

Implementation  

The Central Government may form a committee, chaired by the Chairman of the Central Board, to ensure effective implementation of specific rules. The committee will monitor implementation, take necessary actions, and guide the development and operation of a centralized online portal. It must meet at least once every six months and report to the Central Government. The Committee will consist of representatives from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Ministry of Steel, the Bureau of Indian Standards, State Boards, the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, and stakeholders such as producers, recyclers, and scrapping facilities, along with any other nominated individuals or organizations. The Committee chairperson can invite additional individuals or organizations to attend meetings if their input is deemed valuable to the discussions. 

Extended Producer Responsibility Targets for ELVs 

The new EPR framework sets out specific obligations for vehicle manufacturers: 

1. EPR targets apply to vehicles based on their category and average lifespan. 

2. Targets include scrapping of steel from End-of-Life vehicles. 

3. EPR for batteries follows the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. 

4. EPR for waste tyres and used oil follows the Hazardous Waste Rules, 2016. 

5. EPR targets are specific to the type of vehicle (transport or non-transport). 

6. Producers fulfil their EPR obligations through certificates from Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities through a centralized portal. 

7. If certificates are unavailable, producers are responsible for the collection of vehicles. 

Entry into Force 

The Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025 will come into force on 1 April 2025. 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated a public consultation on a revised standard for potassium iodide which is used as a reagent in analytical chemistry, photography for precipitating si...

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated a public consultation on a revised standard for potassium iodide which is used as a reagent in analytical chemistry, photography for precipitating silver and for medicinal purposes. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments until 26 March 2025.  

Main changes in the revised standard 

The revised standard outlines the requirements, sampling methods, and tests procedures for potassium iodide, in both pure and analytical reagent forms. Main revisions include: 

• Instrumental test methods are added as alternative test methods for the determination of iron, lead, arsenic, chloride, and sulphate. 

• Requirements are added for potassium iodide, pure and analytical reagent, specifying the essential characteristics and their corresponding limits to ensure compliance with the quality standards. 

Detailed Specifications 

The revised standard specifies the following characteristics for pure and analytical reagent grades of potassium iodide: 

Packaging and Labelling Requirements 

• The material shall be in the form of colourless crystals, granules or powder. 

• The material shall be packaged in bottles or drums as agreed to between the purchaser and the supplier. 

• Each container shall be securely closed and legibly and indelibly marked with the following information:  

a) Name and grade of the material;  

b) Name of the manufacturer and recognized trade-mark, if any;  

c) Net mass of the material; and  

d) Lot or batch number, in code or otherwise. 

• In the case of analytical reagent grade, the maximum limits for the characteristics given in the table shall also be given on the label. 

Conformity Assessment 

The product(s) conforming to the requirements of this standard may be certified under the conformity assessment schemes under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder, and the products may be marked with the standard mark. 

Further details of the requirements, sampling and tests methods can be found here.