Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.
1. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, has been amended by introducing phased mandatory recycled plastic content targets, carry-forward provisions for shortfalls, and stronger audit mechanisms. Pharma, FMCG, and packaging companies must reassess packaging strategies and EPR compliance, as regulators expand enforcement and introduce verification through registered environmental auditors and certificate-based compliance mechanisms.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYB5
2. The Government has notified the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, introducing stricter penalties for coercion, forced identity changes, and abuse, while formalising medical board certification and identity updates. The amendment also mandates reporting by medical institutions post-gender surgery, signaling stronger accountability obligations across healthcare providers and institutions.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYB9
3. The Government has notified the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages Quality Control Order, 2026, mandating Bureau of Indian Standards certification for specified products, including stainless steel utensils, sinks, and metal cans, with phased implementation and limited exemptions for exports, existing stock, and research imports.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYBl
4. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lower House of Indian Parliament, which proposes decriminalisation of 717 provisions across 79 central laws, replacing imprisonment with monetary penalties and administrative actions. The reform aims to reduce regulatory burden, promote ease of doing business, and shift toward trust-based governance, significantly impacting compliance frameworks for businesses across sectors
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYBq
5. The Centre has proposed amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to bring social media users sharing news and current affairs under regulatory oversight. The draft expands government advisory compliance, strengthens content monitoring, and empowers authorities to review user-generated news content. Stakeholder comments are invited until April 14, 2026.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYBx