TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 Central Drugs Standard Control Organization has lifted the suspension on an eye drop for presbyopia and approved its phase IV clinical trial but by restricting false media publicity. The suspension was imposed for violating marketing norms by promoting the product as a replacement for reading glasses.
Source: bit.ly/4cXhGpW

2. Indian food regulator, FSSAI, has released a consultation paper proposing clear labelling norms for synthetic paneer, including terms like “non-dairy” or “contains no milk” on packaging and restaurant menus. Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments within 60 days.
Source: bit.ly/42w1ZBl

3. The Central Consumer Protection Authority has taken suo-moto action against five restaurants for violating guidelines and failing to refund mandatory service charges. Acting on consumer complaints, the authority issued notices, reinforcing that service charges must be voluntary and cannot be added to bills without consent.
Source: bit.ly/43coUTK

4. The Belgian Competition Authority has fined three pharmaceutical companies for entering into anti-competitive agreements with pharmacies to secure preferential shelf placement for their products. The authority found that such practices distorted fair competition and limited consumer choice in the over-the-counter (OTC) medicine market.
Source: bit.ly/4cTwLc6

5. India and the United States are set to begin in-person sectoral trade negotiations in late May, with a goal to finalize the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall 2025. The talks will address key areas, including tariffs, services, and supply chains, with sectors such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices likely to be part of the broader discussions.
Source: bit.ly/42XoMXe

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 Delhi High Court declined to grant an interim injunction against four influencers who criticized a popular protein brand’s product in YouTube videos. The Court ruled that their comments, based on lab reports, constituted fair comment in public interest and not defamation.
Source: bit.ly/3GxgRIw

2. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the limitation period for filing appeals under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, begins from the date the judgment is pronounced, not when the party receives the judgment copy. The Court held that delay in seeking a certified copy doesn’t justify condoning limitation period.
Source: bit.ly/432T5fc

3. An Indian District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled against an insurance company for unfair trade practices after it denied a valid accident claim. The complainant signed the discharge voucher but added the words “with protest” to express his disagreement, which led to its denial.
Source: bit.ly/4jtaZi1

4. India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has reportedly requested export data from Pharmexcil, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, amid ongoing trade restrictions with Pakistan. The move is aimed at assessing the flow of pharmaceutical products between the two countries.
Source: bit.ly/42Osz96

5. Swissmedic has invited feedback on the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Guideline M13B, which aims to harmonize bioequivalence study designs and data analysis methods for immediate-release solid oral dosage forms like tablets, capsules, and granules/powders for oral suspension. Stakeholders may submit feedback until July 9, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/44bvFq2

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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. India’s Drugs Technical Advisory Board is reportedly reviewing a proposal to limit the sale of over-the-counter drugs. Only 27 essential medicines, including painkillers, antacids, and oral contraceptives, may be allowed without a prescription, with strict controls on dosage and pack size.
Source: bit.ly/4jqjkD0

2. Delhi High Court has upheld the Government’s move to restrict the sale of an anti-cold drug without warning labels against use in children below 4 years after April 15, 2025. For earlier batches, companies must publish notices in two national newspapers, which won’t count as advertisements or violations of license conditions.
Source: bit.ly/3SaUOK0

3. India’s drug regulator has reportedly approved eye drops aimed at controlling myopia progression in children. This pediatric formulation, the first of its kind to be approved in India, has successfully completed Phase III trials and will be available as a prescription drug.
Source: bit.ly/444JxCp

4. A group of doctors with disabilities has urged the World Health Organisation to include sunscreen in its Essential Medicines List, citing its importance for people with albinism who are highly susceptible to UV radiation. They argued that sunscreen is a vital medical need and not a cosmetic.
Source: bit.ly/44KmxJ9

5. The U.S. FDA reportedly plans to phase out several synthetic food dyes linked to health concerns like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. Two dyes will be banned soon, with six more to be removed by 2026, and new natural color additives will be approved.
Source: bit.ly/3EFTFXQ

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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. India’s Delhi High Court to hear a Public Interest Litigation filed against major e-commerce platforms, accusing them of failing to make their apps accessible to people with disabilities, which constitutes a violation of fundamental rights. The plea also urged that return and refund processes be made more accessible for visually impaired users.
Source: bit.ly/4jK5X0b

2. India’s Kerala High Court has ruled that clubs and associations cannot be taxed for services or welfare schemes provided to their own members, calling it unconstitutional. These transactions involve only one entity, violating tax principle that a person cannot be taxed for “self-supply” of services.
Source: bit.ly/4isU4e4

3. The Indian Government reportedly plans to introduce Quality Control Orders for cosmetics to ensure product quality and curb imports of substandard items. However, industry leaders have raised concerns about overlapping regulations, as existing Cosmetic Rules, 2020 already align with the guidelines of Bureau of Indian Standards.
Source: bit.ly/4jm0PiZ

4. India has reportedly blocked imports of US dairy products like butter and cheese due to concerns over US cattle feeding practices involving animal-based proteins. India demands changes to these practices or adherence to its vegetarian certification norms. The issue could affect ongoing trade negotiations.
Source: bit.ly/3EoJveh

5. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has reportedly ruled that leading food delivery platform’s platform fees, food prices, and delivery charges are not unfair or discriminatory. This decision came after a complaint was filed accusing the company of abusing its dominant position in the food delivery market.
Source: bit.ly/3S1JkZo

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 Madras High Court has imposed a ban on the manufacture, sale, transport, and use of 28 types of single-use plastic items across the areas like the Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, and the Agathiyar Biosphere. Banned items include plastic bottles, food wrapping films, thermocol plates and cups, plastic-coated tableware, straws, carry bags, etc.
Source: bit.ly/3RmpHuX

2. Indian food regulator FSSAI, in response to an RTI, has stated that it lacks authority to regulate baby milk products under the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, which regulates baby food marketing, placing enforcement responsibility on the Women and Child Development Ministry.
Source: bit.ly/4lDCPts

3. India’s Health Ministry has released a notification restricting the manufacture and sale of a popular anti cold drug until there is a warning on labels stating they should not be used in children below four years. The notification will take effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Source: bit.ly/3Y54v08

4. Private hospitals in Nagaland have reportedly suspended admitting patients under Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana and Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme from April 17, 2025, due to unpaid dues. The Nagaland Private Doctors Association urged authorities to resolve the issue so services can resume without further delay.
Source: bit.ly/4cAsslY

5. The UK Government has enacted significant reforms to clinical trials regulation. Effective from April 11, 2025, with full implementation by April 2026, the new rules aim to streamline trial approvals, enhance patient safety, enable innovation, and help more people benefit from participating in vital research.
Source: bit.ly/4jDT5ZC

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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. India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released guidelines for the establishment and operation of Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facilities (CBWTFs). These guidelines cover site selection, treatment technologies, infrastructure, record-keeping, and compliance monitoring to standardize practices across India.
Source: bit.ly/4jos50r

2. India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued show cause notices to 11 Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) for allegedly selling recycled plastic at unreasonably low prices. CPCB has ordered the cancellation of their registrations and imposed environmental compensation. The PWPs are required to respond or take appropriate action within 10 days from the date of issuance of the notice.
Source: bit.ly/42Jrbom

3. India’s Central Government has notified an amendment to the list of psychotropic substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Pursuant to this amendment, the following substances have been included in the list of psychotropic substances: 3-Chloromethcathinone (3-CMC), Dipentylone, 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine, and Bromazolam.
Source: bit.ly/4jFxhwM

4. A sunscreen brand has agreed to take down and modify its advertisement campaign disparaging a competitor brand by claiming that it is ineffective, causes skin pigmentation and makes misleading claims. The modification will include removing the term “online bestseller” and other references.
Source: bit.ly/4jmLrDm

5. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released a consultation on compliance with provisions of ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ and is inviting public comments from the stakeholders. The authority aims clearly bifurcate ‘Dairy Analogues’ from regular dairy products. Stakeholders can send their suggestions by 15th June 2025.
Source: bit.ly/42w1ZBl

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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. Several global pharmaceutical companies have approached the European Commission demanding assistance in maintaining operations in the EU and to help Europe keep the pharma industry including measures to compensate them for the cost of pharmaceutical innovations. This move comes in the face of threatened U.S. tariffs on imports.
Source: bit.ly/3RgXrK6

2. A pharma giant has allegedly breached the UK’s Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) for its cancer drug’s misleading prescribing information, which failed to clearly state that women using hormonal contraceptives needed to take additional measures to prevent pregnancy while on the drug.
Source: bit.ly/4lzu3MO

3. India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has invited expression of interest for selecting an agency to conduct a comprehensive study of India’s pharmaceutical and medical device supply chains, in order to identify regulatory hurdle.
Source: bit.ly/42zIx6O

4. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has directed States and Union Territories to urgently stop the manufacture, sale, and distribution of 35 unapproved Fixed Dose Combinations licensed without safety and efficacy evaluation under New Drug and Clinical Trials rules, 2019. Authorities must investigate, take action, and report compliance to ensure public health and regulatory consistency.
Source: bit.ly/4cw43hg

5. China has amended its GB 9685 standard for additives in food contact materials. The changes include expanded use in silicone rubber, revised usage limits, updated additive names, and new safety calculations. These updates, effective March 2025, aim to improve consumer safety and industry compliance.
Source: bit.ly/4cGqBfE

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 Supreme Court of India has given Central government three months to enforce new food labelling rules which require Front-of-Pack-Warning Labels (FoPWL) for Packaged foods containing high level of sugar, salt, and saturated fat content, along with their recommended daily intake (RDA), in bold and prominent font on the front of packaging.
Source: bit.ly/3Eigy3s

2. Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration has reportedly found fake QR codes on a top pharma brand’s medicine. Over 900 strips were seized in this counterfeit drug racket. A full-scale investigation, raids, forensic checks, and officer training are underway to trace sources and stop illegal supply chains.
Source: bit.ly/4lsuJna

3. A survey across 303 Indian districts reportedly reveals that most side effects among medicines are caused by antibiotics. One in two people reported side effects from allopathy or AYUSH medicines. Experts warn that misuse of antibiotics without prescriptions is rising antimicrobial resistance, posing serious public health concerns
Source: bit.ly/3YsVr5f

4. India’s Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has launched India’s first mobile app for licensing allopathic, cosmetic, and Ayurvedic products, issuing over 900 licenses online. The FDCA-mDMLA mobile app boosts efficiency, transparency, and ease of doing business allowing real-time access and digital services.
Source: bit.ly/4i9yvz6

5. China has reportedly approved an amendment to General Requirements for Labels and Instructions of Disinfection Products, which mandates clearer warnings, font size requirements, and restrictions on misleading branding to enhance safety, transparency, and compliance in the disinfection product industry. The amendment is effective from May 1, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/3Ehsx1f

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has revised its inspection checklist for food businesses operators in General manufacturing, Milk & milk products, Meat processing, Fish products processing, and Catering, and has reclassified food-grade packaging materials from ‘Non-Critical’ to ‘Critical.’ It has also mandated that food-grade packaging materials used in these food businesses must have a Certificate of Conformity issued by an NABL-accredited laboratory.
Source: bit.ly/4jmTFei

2. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has clarified that the brand name of the medical device must be included in the Free Sale Certificate (FSC) issued to the legal manufacturer when filing an import licence application form. If not specified in the FSC, “Not Applicable” should be mentioned.
Source: bit.ly/3YhBEWi

3. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has clarified the packaging and labelling requirements of non-sterile medical devices intended to be sterilized before use. The finished product package must include Instructions For Use (IFU) which specify the method of sterilization to be used for the device prior to its end-use.
Source: bit.ly/3YhBEWi

4. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has clarified that domestic manufacturers of medical devices need not obtain ISO 13485:2016 certificate to obtain a manufacturing license under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017.
Source: bit.ly/3YhBEWi

5. The state government of Kerala has started taking action against online purchase of unauthorised medicines, including anabolic steroids. Kerala state drug control department is inspecting gyms across the state to identify unauthorised medicines and their misuse.
Source: bit.ly/41XmHLv

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 Indian Council of Medical Research-led national health consortium raises concern over rising adolescent obesity and recommends stricter advertising rules on high-fat, -salt, and -sugar (HFSS) foods. It also proposes a 32% health tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and 20-30% tax on other HFSS foods to curb obesity.
Source: bit.ly/42dvtUq

2. The Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India has raised concerns with the health ministry as foreign drugmakers face delays in launching essential drugs. Despite a provision for waivers on clinical trials for drugs approved in select countries, the Drug Controller General of India has not approved any.
Source: bit.ly/3RtXxhr

3. India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), is reportedly preparing to launch a new digital portal designed to provide real-time tracking of rabies vaccine and anti-snake venom stocks. which are not easily accessible owing to manufacturing shortage. The portal will initially be rolled out as a pilot project in five states: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Puducherry.
Source: bit.ly/3R186bH

4. The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SDRC) of Chandigarh, India has set aside an order against a plastic surgeon for medical negligence allegation for unsatisfactory results under a liposuction procedure. SDRC ruled that unsuccessful treatment does not amount to negligence unless there is clear proof of deviation from clinical standards.
Source: bit.ly/4hTidKv

5. Reimbursements to private hospitals under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) reportedly increased significantly from 24% in 2019-20 to 60% in 2023-24, driven by a rise in beneficiaries. This surge has raised concerns about fraudulent billing, overcharging, and inadequate oversight of spending.
Source: bit.ly/4jdwjYn