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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 Government of India is considering capping billing margins charged by private hospitals on medical devices to curb overcharging and reduce treatment costs. This is important as excessive markups increase patient expenses and insurance premiums. If implemented, it will limit hospital margins, improving pricing transparency and affordability.
Source: shortlink.uk/1olUB

2. The Central Government has established the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), with effect from May 1, 2026, under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, to regulate the gaming sector. Operating under MeitY, this multi-sectoral authority will oversee licensing, mandate registration for esports, and enforce stringent compliance requirements, with a view to enhancing user safety and strengthening regulatory oversight of online gaming.
Source: shortlink.uk/1tDQe

3. Indias central drug ministry has proposed amendment to Drugs Rules 1945 by expanding the list of licences that may be exempted from requiring a Form 29 licence for manufacturing of drugs for test or analysis. The amendment proposes to include Forms 25A (loan licences), 25F (Schedule X drugs), 28A/28B (Schedule C, C(1), and X drugs), 28D/28DA (vaccines, sera, r-DNA drugs), and 28F (umbilical cord blood stem cells). Objections and suggestions from the industry will be considered for thirty days.
Source: shortlink.uk/1tDQk

4. The Delhi High Court has restrained the use of the trademark “MARQ,” finding it deceptively similar to “MARC” and likely to confuse consumers. This reinforces trademark protection by emphasizing that minor spelling differences, use of house marks, or later registrations do not override prior rights and established goodwill.
Source: shortlink.uk/1tDQs

5. Government of India plans a Health Claims Index to transparency and standardize pricing in India health insurance sector. Using anonymized data from the National Health Claims Exchange, it will benchmark claims timelines, approvals and costs, enabling underwriting, reducing inefficiencies, and supporting informed consumer decisions, subject to scale and execution.
Source: shortlink.uk/1olUW

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. Parliament passes Jan Vishwas Bill 2026, bringing major relief to India’s cosmetics sector. Minor violations in the case of cosmetics (other than spurious or adulterated) which were previously punishable with up to one year’s imprisonment will now be resolved outside courts through a civil penalty framework, with fines of Rs.1 lakh or three times the value of confiscated goods, whichever is higher.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sCvW

2. The Central Government has amended Para 2.62 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to streamline the issuance and verification of Certificates of Origin (CoO). The amendment clarifies that only Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)-authorised agencies can issue CoOs, and mandates exporters to use identical invoice numbers in both CoOs and corresponding shipping bills to enable automated verification.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sCw6

3. India’s leading manufacturer of Paracetamol tablets and active pharmaceutical ingredients plans to digitise manufacturing records, enhance quality oversight, and increase real-time monitoring after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited record-keeping gaps, cleaning lapses, and contamination control failures at its largest Telangana facility. While production continues, the warning may delay approvals for new products targeting the U.S. market.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sCwc

4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) recently issued a warning to Texas medical spa after finding it used more Botox than it had officially bought. Inspectors also discovered an unlabeled vial and poor record-keeping. Authorities said the spa may have sourced products from unauthorized suppliers, raising concerns about safety and possible risks to patients receiving treatments.
Source: shortlink.uk/1nnzV

5. The Government is reportedly considering mandating that vaccines and biological products undergo batch testing exclusively at authorised government institutions such as the National Institute of Biologicals, potentially excluding private labs. The move aims to strengthen quality oversight, standardise testing, and enhance regulatory control over biologics manufacturing and release.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sCwi

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 Delhi High Court ruled that India’s central food authority, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) cannot regulate animal or cattle feed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, holding that the law is limited to food meant for human consumption. The Court quashed FSSAI regulations restricting use of meat and bone meal in feed for milk- and meat-producing animals, citing lack of statutory authority.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sjFt

2. Telangana Health Minister has reportedly declared cancer a notifiable disease and launched a cancer registry to improve surveillance and care. With thousands of new cases, the initiative aims to strengthen data driven planning, expand treatment infrastructure, and introduce artificial intelligence based screening across government hospitals.
Source: shortlink.uk/1n5jM

3. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board has decided not to pursue the proposal to mandate pharmaceutical companies to allocate at least 1 percent of net profits towards free medicines under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The decision follows clarification that CSR obligations fall under the Companies Act, 2013 and not under Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules made thereunder.
Source: shortlink.uk/1n5jP

4. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of India, has permitted export of an additional 5 lakh metric tonnes of wheat flour and related products under HS Code 1101, while maintaining the “prohibited” export status. This quota comes over and above the 5 LMT allowed in January 2026, with detailed export modalities to be notified separately.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sjGG

5. The Court granted an ex parte ad interim injunction restraining the use of the mark “HIMALAYA THE NUTRA HEALTH CARE”, holding it to be deceptively similar to the plaintiff’s registered trademarks and trade dress. The Court noted the plaintiff’s long-standing presence, and global operations, and found that the impugned mark was likely to cause consumer confusion, constituting prima facie infringement
Source: shortlink.uk/1sjFF

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 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

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 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has extended the deadline for registered Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) to file Annual Returns for FY 2024–25 under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 until March 31, 2026. Non-compliance may attract environmental compensation.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rAfG

2. The Central Pollution Control Board has issued show cause notices to PIBOs for failing to meet EPR obligations and not submitting Annual Returns for FY 2022–23 under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Defaulters will face environmental compensation and tighter enforcement from authorities
Source: shortlink.uk/1rAg8
Source: shortlink.uk/1rAga

3. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued show cause notices to producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) for failing to meet Extended Producer Responsibility obligations, fulfil targets, and file annual returns under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 for FY 2022–23. Non-compliant entities may have to pay environmental compensation, face penalties, and higher future targets. Entities must respond latest by 26.03.2026or face further regulatory and legal action.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mol6

4. The Karnataka government has released a draft policy promoting responsible digital use among students, focusing on curbing screen addiction, cyber risks, and mental health impacts. The move aligns with its broader push to restrict social media access for minors and regulate device usage.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mol8

5. Parliamentary panel has reportedly urged the Department of Pharmaceuticals to address administrative delays affecting the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector scheme after significant underutilisation of funds. Despite increased allocations, spending remained low. Revised guidelines and stronger monitoring are expected to improve execution and outcomes.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rAgj

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 RBI’s revised draft for the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2025, mandates repatriation of unutilized advances if imports aren’t completed within the contract period. If outstanding advances exceed Rs 25 crore, future imports must be secured with an irrevocable standby letter of credit or an international bank guarantee.
Source: bit.ly/4jrYGCl

2. Major global pharma companies are reportedly setting up Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, driven by the country’s tech talent amid the global economic slowdown. Experts predict that India’s GCC sector will surpass $100 billion by 2030, with significant growth in the Life Sciences and Healthcare sector.
Source: bit.ly/4j1ZZYO

3. The Gujarat Food and Drug Administration has reportedly assured the Indian medical device manufacturers that the differential pricing order for cardiac stents, implemented under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, will be repealed. Under this scheme, stents approved by the US FDA are priced at Rs 25,000, while those approved by the Indian regulator are priced at Rs 12,000.
Source: bit.ly/42lIV8K

4. India’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has mandated that all poultry farms across the country must register with their respective state animal husbandry departments within a month. This initiative is part of the Centre’s strategy to enforce strict biosecurity measures in response to the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreak affecting multiple states.
Source: bit.ly/4251YFL

5. The Supreme Court of India reportedly rejected a plea to ban children under 13 from social media which was filed over concerns about mental health and addiction. It stated the issue is a policy matter for the government, not the judiciary, and advised approaching relevant authorities or Parliament.
Source: bit.ly/4cqw7Tx

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 amended the definitions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on March 21, raising investment and turnover limits.  This reclassification will move many medium-sized businesses to the small enterprise category, enabling access to benefits like public procurement, the GeM platform, and dispute resolution services.
Source: bit.ly/4iQlc7N

2. The Rajasthan High Court quashed a drug complaint, ruling that failing a dissolution test is a minor defect and not the ground for prosecution if the active pharmaceutical ingredient is within standard limits. The court held that slower dissolution doesn’t affect efficacy or make the drug spurious by itself.
Source: bit.ly/43DZJKO

3. The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has rejected in vitro studies conducted by an India-based contract research organization due to significant data integrity issues. Certain generics relying on bioequivalence data from the affected studies are marked with a “BX,” indicating insufficient evidence for therapeutic equivalence, thereby impacting their market status and sale.
Source: bit.ly/3FPn9mB

4. The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMED) has reportedly criticized Gujarat Government’s new pricing for drug-eluting stents, which sets USFDA-approved stents at double the price of domestic-approved ones. The association urged the state to reverse the decision, noting that such price disparities are not observed globally.
Source: bit.ly/4hXrfWM

5. According to a fact sheet issued by the White House after the US President’s announcement, pharmaceutical products are not yet subject to reciprocal taxes, providing relief to Indian pharmaceutical companies that earn significant revenues from exports to the United States.
Source: bit.ly/3YdSJAy

 

 

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 Competition Commission of India (CCI) has reportedly raided offices of big advertisement and broadcasting firms as well as industry associations, on suspicion of fixing ad rates and undertaking price collusion. It is uncommon for CCI to raid industry associations, indicating possibility of cartelization.
The raid may affect advertisement by top brands.
Source: bit.ly/4iYMx7r

2. Pharmaceutical exporters have raised concerns about requirement to submit legal undertaking from API manufacturers in order to secure Export NOC from the Central Drug Regulator (CDSCO), on grounds that the APIs are procured from traders and not manufacturers, and manufacturers won’t readily agree to give legal undertaking. A new Export NOC system was introduced in March 2025 to expedite issuance of export NOC
Source: bit.ly/4iZDqTY

3. Representatives of leading cosmetics brands are reportedly demanding a separate law for regulation of cosmetics. The demand stems from the fact that cosmetics are regulated together with drugs under the current law i.e. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, because of which cosmetics are under system of significant licensing and inspection. The industry expects the law to require post-market notification as opposed to pre-market licensing.
Source: bit.ly/3DSCT7B

4. Google has recently announced a new health care update to its Search platform called the “What People Suggest” Feature, currently available only in the US. This new feature allows individuals with specific health conditions to compare their experiences with others. It utilizes artificial intelligence to collate online feedback from patients sharing similar diagnoses, enabling users to find insights on managing their conditions.
Source: bit.ly/421sKgK

5. The West Bengal Drug Control Administration is reportedly taking steps to closely monitoring discount pharmacies in order to eliminate counterfeit drugs. As part of the drive, inspectors will verifying purchase sources, inspect medicines, and enforce strict measures to ensure drug quality and public safety.
Source: bit.ly/4hIBxKk

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 inspectors from Bureau of Indian Standards found illegal stock of consumer products at warehouses of e-commerce companies. The consumer products required BIS license to be placed on market for sale but did not carry them. E-commerce entities are required to exercise due diligence prior to stocking and listing items for sale, or face liability
Source: bit.ly/428WxW2

2. India’s Bombay High Court has ruled that an arbitration clause in invoices can be binding if the parties act on the invoices and do not raise objections. The court held that by accepting and paying the invoices, the parties implicitly agreed to the arbitration clause, making it enforceable.
Source: bit.ly/4ibuivJ

3. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has recommended creating a single independent drug controller for AYUSH medicines, uniform licensing processes across states and strengthening of pharmacovigilance. It also urged stricter action against misleading advertisements and improving drug safety and quality.
Source: bit.ly/3DxmFRi

4. India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has highlighted delays and lack of transparency in medical device licensing by CDSCO, pushing medical device companies to shift manufacturing abroad.
The Committee has recommended a streamlined, digitized system, faster approvals for internationally certified products, and the establishment of an advisory board to address regulatory challenges in the industry.
Source:  bit.ly/41pF6PC

5. The Insurance Regulator is reportedly gearing up for passage of The Insurance Amendment Bill 2024. Key features of the bill aim to enhance operational flexibility and attract more investment into the insurance industry by allowing 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) and by allowing insurance companies to merge with non-insurance entities for strategic partnerships and increased synergies.
Source: bit.ly/4iaOLRk