India Regulatory News

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).

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.

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.

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

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued a Gazette Notification (G.S.R. 438(E)) dated 1st July 2025, introducing a new chapter under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. These amendments bring Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) provisions for non-ferrous metal scrap and will come into effect from 1st April 2026.

Key Highlights

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework

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

• 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

A central 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 & 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: To update 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 Introduced

• 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.