India Regulatory News

On March 21, 2025, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) of the Government of India, issued a notification announcing amendments to an earlier notification published on June 26, ...

On March 21, 2025, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) of the Government of India, issued a notification announcing amendments to an earlier notification published on June 26, 2020, under the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.  

The updated guidelines, which came into force on April 1, 2025, introduce significant changes to the investment and turnover criteria for classifying Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).  

Key Changes:  

1. Increased Threshold for Classification:  

• The maximum investment limits for different categories have been substantially increased:  

• Micro Enterprises: The investment limit has been raised from ₹1 crore to ₹2.5 crore.  

• Small Enterprises: The investment limit has been raised from ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore.  

• Medium Enterprises: The investment limit has been revised from ₹50 crore to ₹125 crore.  

2. Turnover Limits Revised:  

• The turnover limits for these enterprises have also been adjusted:  

• Micro Enterprises: From ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore.  

• Small Enterprises: From ₹50 crore to ₹100 crore.  

• Medium Enterprises: From ₹250 crore to ₹500 crore.  

3. Overall Growth Potential  

• The updated notification is expected to provide MSMEs with greater opportunities to expand, access more benefits and receive more government support. This will boost the overall growth of the sector.  

Impact of MSME Sector Growth  

The new thresholds align with the evolving economic landscape and the government's commitment to strengthening the MSME sector. This change is anticipated to allow more businesses to qualify as MSMEs, thereby increasing their access to various schemes and financial support.  

Implementation and Further Information  

The notification follows the recommendations of the Advisory Committee and took effect on April 1, 2025. For further details, the full notification is available here.  

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced significant amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2025 to allow the use of specific categories of...

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced significant amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2025 to allow the use of specific categories of recycled plastics in food packaging. The amendments were published in the Official Gazette on 28 March 2025 and came into effect from the date of publication. They support the move towards sustainable packaging while ensuring consumer safety. 

Key Highlights of the Amendment 

• Use of Recycled Plastics: Certain categories of recycled plastics are now permitted in food packaging, subject to strict quality and safety standards. 

• Safety Compliance: All recycled plastics must meet specific migration limits to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. 

• Approved Recycling Methods: Only plastics processed through FSSAI-approved recycling technologies can be used. 

• Traceability and Labeling: Packaging must be clearly labeled to indicate the use of recycled materials and ensure traceability. 

Stakeholder Impacts 

For Manufacturers: 

• Compliance with new testing and certification requirements is mandatory. 

• Recycled plastics must be sourced from authorized suppliers using approved recycling processes. 

For Food Businesses and Brands: 

• Packaging materials must be sourced from FSSAI-compliant suppliers. 

• Internal quality checks must be updated to align with the new material standards. 

For Consumers: 

• The amendment ensures safer food packaging with greater transparency. 

• Consumers will have access to more sustainable packaging options. 

Compliance Requirements and Next Steps 

• Testing and Certification: Businesses must get their packaging materials certified under FSSAI guidelines. 

• Implementation Timeline: The regulation is already in force as of 28 March 2025. 

• Regulatory Audits: Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with the revised standards. 

Call to Action 

To avoid penalties and ensure regulatory compliance, businesses need to review their packaging materials and align with the new FSSAI standards. Detailed guidelines can be found in the official FSSAI document here. 

The Indian Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals has extended the enforcement dates of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for vinyl acetate monomer and methyl/ethyl acrylate. The notification was ...

The Indian Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals has extended the enforcement dates of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for vinyl acetate monomer and methyl/ethyl acrylate. The notification was published in the Gazette of India on 1 April 2025, in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The QCOs were originally published on 22 December 2021.  

Chemicals and revised enforcement dates   

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.  

On 11 April 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, launched the 'Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk'. This initiative aims to assist I...

On 11 April 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, launched the 'Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk'. This initiative aims to assist Indian exporters and importers in navigating the complexities of international trade, including identifying and addressing key challenges and opportunities.

The helpdesk offers guidance on a wide range of issues, including global tariffs, import surges, export-related hurdles, and other trade challenges crucial for the business community.

As global trade continues to evolve, with changes in tariffs and the introduction of counter-tariff measures, the helpdesk will facilitate the resolution of trade-related issues for stakeholders. The initiative focuses on tackling import surges, dumping, EXIM clearance delays, logistics and supply chain challenges, and regulatory and compliance concerns.

Key Areas of Focus

The 'Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk' will provide assistance on a broad spectrum of trade-related concerns, including:

• Import and export challenges

• Import surges and dumping

• EXIM clearance issues

• Logistics and supply chain challenges

• Financial or banking issues

• Regulatory and compliance issues

• General trade suggestions and concerns

The helpdesk will also coordinate with relevant ministries, departments, and government agencies at the central and state levels to resolve issues requiring multi-stakeholder involvement.

How to Use the Helpdesk

Exporters, importers, and other stakeholders facing trade-related challenges can access the helpdesk through the DGFT website:

1. Visit the DGFT website at www.dgft.gov.in

2. Navigate to the 'DGFT Helpdesk' section under 'Services.'

3. Create a new request by selecting 'Global Tariff and Trade Issues' and specifying the appropriate sub-category (such as Import Challenges, Export Challenges, etc.).

4. Enter the relevant details and submit the request.

Alternatively, issues can be emailed to dgftedi@nic.in with the subject line ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’, or stakeholders can call the Toll-Free number at 1800-111-550 for assistance.

Tracking and Resolution

Users can track the status of their issues via the status tracker under DGFT Helpdesk Services. Users will receive updates via email and SMS.

These measures aim to empower the Indian trade community by providing them with a platform to proactively manage challenges in a dynamic global trading environment. The DGFT encourages all stakeholders to take full advantage of these resources to streamline trade operations and resolve critical issues.

For more information, stakeholders should visit the official DGFT website or contact the helpdesk with any queries.

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.