India Regulatory News

On September 17, 2024, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued a notification regarding the Polycarbonate (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 20...

On September 17, 2024, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued a notification regarding the Polycarbonate (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This decision comes after consultations with the Bureau, emphasizing the government's commitment to public interest and safety.

Key Changes in the Amendment

The order, officially titled the Polycarbonate (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024, will take effect on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. A significant change in this amendment is the revision of the commencement date in the original Polycarbonate (Quality Control) Order, 2021. The updated provision now states that the Order will come into force on March 12, 2025.

This amendment aims to strengthen the quality control measures for polycarbonate products and ensure that industry standards are maintained for the benefit of consumers and stakeholders alike.

Previous Amendments and Publication

The principal Order was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), vide notification number S.O. 3930(E), dated September 13, 2021, and was subsequently amended via notification numbers S.O. 1071(E), dated March 10, 2022; S.O. 4138(E), dated September 2, 2022; S.O. 1122(E), dated March 9, 2023; and S.O. 1109(E), dated March 6, 2024.

On September 13, 2024, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued two important notifications amending the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) related to cement packaging. These amendments are aimed a...

On September 13, 2024, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued two important notifications amending the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) related to cement packaging. These amendments are aimed at ensuring safety and quality standards of packaging materials in the industry.

1. Amendment to the HDPE/PP Woven Sacks Order

The Textiles - High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024 (S.O. 3938(E)) has been enacted under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

• Short Title and Commencement:

  • This Order may be cited as the Textiles - HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024.

  • It will come into force on the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

• Key Change:
  The commencement date in the original Order has been revised to commence on December 6, 2024.

Note: The Principal Order was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), as S.O. 5178(E) on December 6, 2023, and subsequently amended by S.O. 2181(E) on June 4, 2024.

2. Amendment to the PP Woven, Laminated Sacks Order

The Textiles - Polypropylene (PP) Woven, Laminated, Block Bottom Valve Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024 (S.O. 3939(E)) has also been introduced.

• Short Title and Commencement:

  • This Order may be cited as the Textiles - Polypropylene (PP) Woven, Laminated, Block Bottom Valve Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024.

  • It will take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.

• Key Change:
  Similar to the HDPE/PP sacks, the commencement date in the original order has been revised to take effect on December 6, 2024.

Note: The principal order was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), as S.O. 5179(E) on December 6, 2023, and subsequently amended by S.O. 2182(E) on June 4, 2024.

These amendments reflect the government's commitment to maintaining high standards in cement packaging and ensuring the protection of public interest. Stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official publications for further details.

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has extended the enforcement date of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for two polymer products. The notifications were published in the Gaz...

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has extended the enforcement date of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for two polymer products. The notifications were published in the Gazette of India on 23 August 2024 in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and extend the enforcement dates of the QCOs for Polypropylene (PP) Materials for Moulding and Extrusion and Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Homopolymers. The QCOs were originally published on 26 February 2024 and were due to come into force on 23 August 2024.   

The implementation dates and corresponding standards for the polymer products are as follows:  

The Quality Control Order mandates that the substances concerned to 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.  

In India, the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed a draft Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2024 in a not...

In India, the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed a draft Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2024 in a notification dated August 14, 2024. The proposal mandates that all producers of non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, and zinc must register with the Central Pollution Board (CPCB) and fulfill their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations.

Consultation Period

The public and stakeholders will have 60 days from the date of publication of the draft rules the Gazette of India to provide feedback. After this period, the Central Government will consider any objections or suggestions before finalizing the notification.

Key Provisions of the Draft Rules

Obligation to Register: The CPCB has made registration mandatory for all manufacturers, producers, collection agents, refurbishers, and recyclers of non-ferrous metals. Annual maintenance charges and registration fees may be charged by the CPCB.

Online Registration portal: The CPCB shall establish a functional online portal for registration, filing of annual returns, EPR Certificate and tracing of materials within six months from the date of implementation of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2024.

The issuance of EPR certificates:  The recycling efforts of the registrants will be acknowledged by the CPCB through the issuance of EPR certificates. The certificates will have a validity of two years from the end of the financial year in which they are issued.

Obligation for refurbishers: Products manufactured from non-ferrous metals can be refurbished. Refurbishers who have registered with the CPCB shall be issued with refurbishing certificates.

Obligations of Bulk Consumers: All entities that use at least one thousand tonnes of non-ferrous metal products shall be considered as bulk consumers. Bulk consumers will have to set up collection points and ensure that the scrap is handed over to the registered entities.

Conclusion

The new rules aim to encourage responsible waste management. Producers are encouraged to take responsibility for the end-of-life of their products. Through this initiative the government expects to reduce industrial waste, promote recycling and create new avenues in the recycling sector.

Recent notifications published in the Gazette of India by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution have announced the adoption of new standards for a  number of substances with ...

Recent notifications published in the Gazette of India by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution have announced the adoption of new standards for a  number of substances with specific transition periods for implementation. 

Adoption of Standards for Seven Substances 

Two notifications were issued on 15 July 2024, detailing the adoption of new standards for eleven substances on 11 July 2024. The existing standards for these substances will continue to apply until 11 October 2024. 

Standards Introduced for Eleven Additional Substances 

In addition, a notification published on 6 August 2024 confirms that new standards for seven substances were adopted on 22 July 2024. To ensure a smooth transition, the current standards for these substances will remain in force until 22 January 2025. 

Transition Periods to Facilitate Compliance 

These phased transitions are designed to give industry and stakeholders sufficient time to adapt to the new regulations, ensure compliance and minimize potential disruptions. 

List of Covered Substances 

The substances covered are: 

India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) announced a major improvement to the registration and import procedure for cosmetics on August 9, 2024. Companies submitting applications ...

India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) announced a major improvement to the registration and import procedure for cosmetics on August 9, 2024. Companies submitting applications through the online portal SUGAM will be restricted to 50 products per application under the new policy, but numerous applications can be submitted. This policy was developed in order to handle and dispose of applications within the timeframe specified by the Cosmetic Regulations of 2020.

The proposed restriction took effect on August 16, 2024. All stakeholders are asked to take note of this change when submitting applications via the SUGAM online site.

For further details, please refer to the official CDSCO announcement.

On 26 July 2024, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) of India has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft Quality Control Order (QCO) for K Acid used in wastewater tre...

On 26 July 2024, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) of India has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft Quality Control Order (QCO) for K Acid used in wastewater treatment. The draft was issued in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and is now open for public comment. The final date for comments is 60 days from the date of notification. 

K Acid: Properties and Uses 

K Acid, with the systematic name 2-Naphthylamine-3:6:8-trisulfonic acid, is a stable, water-soluble compound resulting from ammonolysis and has a sulfonic acid functional group. It is a highly effective diazonium salt precursor that can be used in the manufacture of dyes. It is also used as a catalyst for the removal of chlorides and sulphates from wastewater.  

Regulatory and Certification Requirements 

As per the requirement of the order, K Acid must conform to the Indian Standard (IS 11557:1986) and must bear the standard mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards as per Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 governs the use of Standard Marks, with the Bureau of Indian Standards as the certifying and enforcing authority.  

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