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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 extended the provisional enrolment of 63 Non-Food Production (NFP) Units for collection used cooking oil from Food Business Operators (FBOs) until 31st July 2026. FSSAI may cancel enrolment for non-compliance of SOPs, order, guidelines or submission of false information or based on findings of inspections.
Source: bit.ly/45sysu7

2. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has withdrawn the Quality Control Orders for Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline, which were originally issued in 2019 and set to take effect from August 3, 2025. The immediate removal of mandatory BIS certification is expected to ease sourcing and compliance for the pharmaceutical sector.
Source: bit.ly/4kYKjpl

3. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has notified an Amendment to the Environment Protection Rules, 2025, introducing stricter emission and effluent standards for pesticide manufacturing units. New limits on pollutants such as COD, BOD, heavy metals, HCl, benzene, and methanol will enforce tighter pollution control compliance effective immediately.
Source: bit.ly/4odOlNx

4. A recent Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study reveals that just 28.5 % of cancer patients in India receive radiotherapy, while the ideal rate should be around 58.4 %. India currently has 794 radiotherapy machines, but needs between 1,585 and 2,545 to meet demand. The council recommended urgent expansion.
Source: bit.ly/46sqsv3

5. Bihar’s Health Minister has inaugurated a state-level Anti-Fraud Unit Dashboard to monitor claims under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana to curb fraudulent hospital billing and establish a robust framework for transparency, accountability, and monitoring.
Source: bit.ly/3TTo5tQ

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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 drug authority has launched a new CT 04 application module on its SUGAM online portal, streamlining the issuance of import licences for cell & gene therapeutic products to simplify and accelerate regulatory compliance and imports.
Source: bit.ly/3TGuNmR

2. A Central Drugs Consultative Committee panel has noted consumer complaints over unreadable expiry dates, tiny fonts, glossy packaging, and generic-brand confusion on medicinal products. It recommends forming a DCGI-led sub committee including a packaging expert to overhaul labelling norms and evaluate regulatory requirements for packaging suppliers under Drugs Rules, 1945.
Source: bit.ly/3IpVF8h

3. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently directed licensing authorities to audit annual returns filed by food business operators on the FoSCoS platform. Authorities have been directed to flag inconsistencies, permit revisions via updated portal features, and enforce penalties for false declarations.
Source: bit.ly/4lpGH0p

4. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has mandated that customs officers verify the registration of plastic raw material importers on the Centralized Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal before clearing consignments. This directive aligns with the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
Source: bit.ly/3TYREu9

5. The Government of India has reportedly planned to transfer the National Health Claims Exchange (Insurance claims platform) from the health ministry to the finance ministry under Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority’s oversight to combat inflated hospital bills for insured patients.
Source: bit.ly/40hID2M

Posted on

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. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has mandated complete inspection of all packaged drinking water facilities in Maharashtra amid hygiene scare. The move entails bi-annual compliance checks across production units to ensure that all such facilities comply with food safety norms.
Source: bit.ly/4lA3LcQ

2. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has extended the deadline for filing annual returns by Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) of plastic packaging for 2024–2025 to July 31, 2025 from June 30, 2025 as a special case. This aims to ease compliance and ensure effective plastic waste management.
Source: bit.ly/4nrkbG3

3. India’s Mumbai District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has held a leading biscuit manufacturer and its retailer liable for selling fungus-contaminated biscuit packets, despite the products being within their expiry date. They were directed to compensate the consumer and cover legal costs, reinforcing accountability in food safety and consumer rights.
Source: bit.ly/3GkOPjH

4. A conflict has emerged between Telangana’s Medical and Dental Councils over dentists performing hair transplants and aesthetic surgeries. The Indian Medical Council cites National Medical Commission guidelines limiting such procedures to trained dermatologists or plastic surgeons, while the Dental Council asserts that qualified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are permitted and qualified under existing dental regulations to perform such procedures.
Source: bit.ly/3I9HO5L

5. India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is working to set clear guidelines for genetically modified (GM) foods. This move has raised concerns among some organizations about food safety and environmental impact. At the same time, the US is urging India to ease rules on GM crop imports, creating debate over consumer health, agricultural practices, and international trade standards.
Source: bit.ly/4l6Nlsk

Posted on

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 government is reportedly preparing to ramp up oversight of quick commerce platforms following a series of hygiene and food safety lapses at their dark store facilities. FSSAI plans to conduct unscheduled surprise inspections nationwide to enforce stricter compliance, particularly concerning hygiene and the sale of near-expiry products.
Source: bit.ly/43QmomR

2. The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has revised its 2024 guidelines for its Capacity Building and Skill Development sub scheme under the Strengthening of Medical Device Industry initiative. New criteria include minimum admission thresholds at least 30% in the first year and 50% in subsequent years failure of which results in withdrawal of funding.
Source: bit.ly/4dW0OR2

3. The Supreme Court of India ruled that the right to shut down a business is part of Article 19(1)(g), subject to reasonable restrictions like protecting workers and following legal procedures. It emphasized that authorities cannot delay valid closure requests or overstep their powers.
Source: bit.ly/4e2FABh

4. The Indian Pharmaceutical Association has reportedly urged reforms in e-prescription rules to prevent misuse through repeated use of digital prescriptions. It recommends a mandatory ‘dispensed’ stamp, encrypted prescriptions or direct doctor-to-pharmacy transmission, but experts warn this could restrict patient rights, access, and create pharmacy monopolies.
Source: bit.ly/4ejdfa1

5. FSSAI has released the Draft Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2025, proposing new standards for cheese powder, removing “fish” from the animal definition, and banning additives in atta, rice, millet, and mixed millet flours. Public feedback is invited until August 8, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/4e8UW7i

Posted on

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 has released new guidelines permitting the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate in food packaging. Only recycling technologies that effectively remove contaminants are approved. Manufacturers must conduct safety tests, follow labelling norms, maintain traceability, and undergo audits to ensure food-grade quality and compliance.
Source: bit.ly/43NdGFB

2. The Government of India has reportedly removed port restrictions and Central Leather Research Institute testing for leather exports, helping MSMEs cut costs and delays. Exporters can now ship from any port, boosting efficiency and competitiveness, especially in key markets like the US.
Source: bit.ly/43LV20N

3. Neurologists have reportedly urged for the inclusion of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the National Health Mission, Rare Disease Policy, and Ayushman Bharat. They seek better access to treatment, insurance coverage, updated disability laws, and mental health support for patients.
Source: bit.ly/3Z273N2

4. The Consumer Affairs Ministry to meet key E-commerce companies to combat dark patterns that mislead consumers on May 28, 2025 in Delhi. Major platforms, law universities, and consumer groups to participate, the meeting will also focus on compliance measures and feature discussions on consumer rights protection and industry best practices.
Source: bit.ly/4kI24cR

5. India is urging the U.S. to ease import rules and speed up Phytosanitary approvals for its fruits and vegetables, aiming for broader market access. This move seeks to boost Indian agricultural exports and balance bilateral trade relations.
Source: bit.ly/43CSNM9

Posted on

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 proposed halting new registrations and the renewal of existing registrations for the manufacturing of certain high-risk foods, such as dairy products and infant nutrition. They have also proposed permitting only state or central licenses and implementing pre-license inspections for manufacturers in these categories. They have sought public feedback on these proposed changes by 30th May, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/3RRy4Po

2. The Bombay High Court directed the state government to consider a separate registration facility for patients who are not yet on dialysis but will soon need an organ transplant. This came after a CKD Stage-V patient was denied registration. The Court said such denial violates the right to life.
Source: bit.ly/3RM4xqh

3. India’s ministry of commerce and industry has prohibited the use of specified antibiotics, antivirals, and antimicrobial medicinal products in fish, shrimp, hatchery operations or any manufacturing, pre-processing and processing unit to prevent antimicrobial resistance and safeguard export quality.
Source: bit.ly/44ZamIz

4. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has released the guidelines for the safe disposal of expired and unused medicines by hospitals and the general public. The initiative is aimed at addressing the growing concerns of antimicrobial resistance and minimizing environmental hazards. 
Source: bit.ly/4iOmj7d
Source: bit.ly/4d3ywnf

5. Under the Stockholm Convention, 40 nations worldwide have agreed to phase out the use of chlorpyrifos, a hazardous pesticide on food crops. However, India secured a five-year exemption for its use on 12 essential crops to manage certain pests and termites, as well as the lack of immediate alternatives.
Source: bit.ly/4iL0q8M

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Posted on

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 National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved the upward increase of (+) 1.74028% in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for all scheduled formulations. Importers and manufacturers of scheduled drugs and medical devices may increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) based on this WPI without prior approval from the government.
Source : bit.ly/3DWXVC8
Source : bit.ly/42jXgUs

2. The Central Board of Direct Taxes has raised the threshold of safe harbour provisions for Service Providers who provide R&D services relating to generic pharmaceutical drugs, from INR 200 crore to INR 300 crore.
Safe harbour provisions protect group companies who undertake international related party transactions from transfer pricing scrutiny.
Source: bit.ly/3Rpk3YK

3. A leading beverage brand has moved to Delhi High Court against Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s ban on using “100% Fruit Juice” claim on label and advertisements of reconstituted fruit juices. The court denied an interim stay and set next hearing on April 1, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/3DUIZnX

4. The Supreme Court of India has ordered all states to set up a grievance redressal mechanism for misleading advertisements of medicines and cures within two months. It has directed all the authorities to take quick action, file cases if needed, and raise public awareness. The central government is also directed to finalize the complaint dashboard within three months.
Source: bit.ly/3FKNjXq

5. European Union has reportedly proposed to update the cosmetic ingredient glossary in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, replacing Commission Implementing Decision. This aims to standardize ingredient labeling and improve ingredient identification. The proposal, announced on March 13, 2025, is expected to be approved by second quarter of 2025.
Source: bit.ly/4c60PRH

Posted on

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 National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) absolved a major Super Specialty Hospital from charges of medical negligence, and stated that the absence of specific specialists doesn’t imply improper treatment or breach of medical duty when a patient is under the care of a multi-disciplinary ICU team.
Source: bit.ly/4kGd0sh

2. The Karnataka government has reportedly proposed the establishment of a special court to handle cases related to the supply of fake and spurious drugs. This proposal aims to tackle drug-related frauds, speed up trials, reduce delays and impose stricter penalties on offenders.
Source: bit.ly/4bPYme3

3. As of March 12, 2025, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed ceiling prices for 928 scheduled formulations and retail prices for over 3,200 new drugs, reducing average prices by approximately 17% leading to estimated annual savings of about ₹3,788 crore for patients.
Source: bit.ly/4bRQF7a

4. India’s Delhi High Court to examine the scope of Customs jurisdiction under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, following the seizure of “empty atomizer devices” which are not claimed to be licensed medical devices. Currently, the definition of electronic cigarette exempts products licensed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Source: bit.ly/4iIVRwb

5. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reportedly set an expert panel for reviewing the regulations for baby food, specifically focusing on prescribed limit of sugar in packaged food products for babies. This follows a report revealing Nestlé adds sugar to Indian baby food but not in high income countries.
Source: bit.ly/4hwdxdv