India Regulatory News

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.

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.

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, has issued three Gazette notifications amending the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for specific categories of HD...

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

As per the amendments, the enforcement date of the following QCOs has been extended, with the new effective date set as January 6, 2026:

1. 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)
2. 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)
3. 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)

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

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. 

The Government of India has officially notified the Cosmetics (Amendment) Rules, 2025, amending the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. The new rules aim to improve regulatory clarity, streamline procedures, and s...

The Government of India has officially notified the Cosmetics (Amendment) Rules, 2025, amending the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. The new rules aim to improve regulatory clarity, streamline procedures, and strengthen the oversight of cosmetic products in India. These amendments are effective immediately from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

Highlights of Key Amendments

Clarification of “Use before” and “Expiry Date”

• The term “use before” now means use before the first day of the mentioned month on the label.
• The term “date of expiry” now means the cosmetic product expires on the last day of the month indicated.

Revised Terminology

The term “controlling officer” has been replaced by “Controlling Authority” across relevant rules for consistency.

Appointment of Government Analyst

Only a Government Analyst appointed under section 20 of the Act will be recognized as the Government Analyst under the rules.

Central Cosmetics Laboratory Functions

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

• Testing and analysis.
• Appellate laboratory purposes.
• Any other specific functions 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 for Export

• Labels on cosmetics meant 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 bring enhanced clarity and reinforce regulatory frameworks within the cosmetics industry. 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.