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 licensing authority, CDSCO has issued an alert on the theft of Lantus® SoloStar® insulin (Batch No. 5F0347B) belonging to Sanofi India during transit in Odisha. As the product requires cold-chain storage at 2–8°C, quality risks exist. CDSCO has issued an advisory to healthcare professionals, patients and regulators.
Source: short-url.org/1qgYH

2. India’s central drug regulator reportedly circulated a proposal from the Ministry of Cooperation that would allow Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate Jan Aushadhi Kendras without registered pharmacists through restricted drug licences, aiming to expand access in underserved areas. The pharmacist community has raised serious concerns, arguing this move could weaken professional standards and patient safety.
Source: short-url.org/1qgYM

3. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued draft amendments to the Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulations, 2011 proposing several changes. Stakeholders may submit objections or suggestions within sixty days from publication of the notification. The authority will consider all representations before finalising the proposed regulatory amendments.
Source: short-url.org/1qgYz

4. A court has granted interim relief in a trademark dispute involving the shape of a toilet cleaner bottle. It held that product shape can receive trademark protection even after design registration expires. Observing strong similarity between competing bottles, the court restrained sale of the allegedly infringing product pending further proceedings.
Source: short-url.org/1qgZN

5. The Madras High Court has stayed a single judge’s observation declaring the term “Vapo” as public property in a trademark dispute concerning vapour-based medicinal rubs. The Division Bench held that the finding requires further examination, while allowing continued use of the contested registered mark pending adjudication of the appeals.
Source: short-url.org/1l8DX

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 Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 has been amended to introduce mandatory metrological and technical standards for continuous clinical electrical thermometers used in human and veterinary care. The rules prescribe accuracy thresholds, testing protocols, labelling norms, environmental tolerance, and type-approval requirements impacting manufacturers, importers, and hospital-grade device suppliers.
Source: short-url.org/1k3IL

2. The Delhi High Court is examining a challenge to mandatory vegetarian/non-vegetarian dot labelling on toothpaste and toiletry products. Noting conflicting regulatory positions, the Court has directed Legal Metrology authorities and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to hold a joint meeting to determine whether such labelling should remain compulsory or voluntary. The matter is listed for further hearing on April 27.
Source: short-url.org/1p8RE

3. The Union Health Ministry will unveil SAHI (Strategy for AI in Healthcare for India) and BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI) at the India AI Summit 2026, under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the initiatives institutionalise AI governance, validation and privacy-preserving benchmarking nationwide.
Source: short-url.org/1k3Iu

4. India’s Delhi High Court has reportedly urged authorities to ensure real-time hospital bed and emergency service data through the NextGen e-Hospital digital platform. It ordered full implementation across government hospitals, including linkage to a mobile app for public access, and called for technical support and broader adoption to improve emergency care and patient treatment.
Source: short-url.org/1p8Ry

5. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has reportedly warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi that AI-generated fake medical prescriptions are enabling illegal online drug sales by unregulated e-pharmacies. The group wants government to action to withdraw certain regulations, close illegal platforms, and ban AI-generated prescriptions to protect public health.
Source: short-url.org/1p8Rs

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 has recently amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, mandating all e-commerce entities selling imported products to display country-of-origin details through searchable and sortable filters. The amendment, will take effect from July 1, 2026 to ensure transparency.
Source: short-url.org/1p5FU

2. The Central Consumer Protection Authority has imposed a penalty on an e-commerce platform for listing a toy for sale that failed to meet mandatory quality control order for toys and Bureau of Indian Standards requirements. The Authority held the platform liable for unfair trade practices and directed strict compliance and improved consumer grievance disclosures.
Source: short-url.org/1k0GC

3. The Supreme Court of India has expressed dissatisfaction with FSSAI’s affidavit and urged it to seriously consider introducing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats, citing global norms and public-health concerns. The bench has asked FSSAI to report back within weeks, signalling heightened regulatory scrutiny on nutritional transparency.
Source: short-url.org/1k0CS

4. The Indian government is reportedly set to introduce stringent blood centre regulations to curb ‘professional donor’ rackets and unsafe practices by restricting licences to registered voluntary/charitable organisations, barring family-run entities, and mandating ethical, operational and social accountability standards. The overhaul prioritises voluntary donations, audited infrastructure, and rigorous screening to reduce transfusion infection risks and enhance public health outcomes.
Source: short-url.org/1k0GD

5. The Indian government has granted a transitional exemption under the Electrical Appliances (Skin or Hair Care) Quality Control Order, 2023. The exemption applies to goods ordered before 6 March 2025 and the Bill of the Landing and the Bill of Entry are dated on or before 180 days from the QCO came into force. The importers will be exempted from the requirement provided they submit specified import documents to BIS within seven days of clearance.
Source: short-url.org/1p5FD

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 Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has extended the Annual Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Returns filing deadline for FY 2023-24 from November 30, 2025 to March 31, 2026, with a ₹15,000 composition fee. Missing the extended deadline may lead to denial of RoDTEP benefits or scrip cancellations.
Source: h7.cl/1p1E2

2. The National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) has directed manufacturers and marketing companies to revise the Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of 17 life-saving cancer drugs following their exemption from Customs Duty. Downward change in Duties/taxes should be passed on to consumers at the retail level, Form V must be submitted along with issue of to dealers and NPPA.
Source: h7.cl/1jXJ8

3. The Tea Board of India has issued updated guidelines for tea warehouse licence applications and renewals. The specifications that a warehouse must meet have been specified in the guidelines. Modifications of warehouse license is allowed only for floor area changes, and renewals can be auto-processed. Non-submission of requisite documents may lead to rejection without fee refund.
Source: h7.cl/1p1DR

4. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has reportedly directed that clinical trials in India focus on local genetics, diets, and lifestyles rather than rely on Western research. The move addresses rising lifestyle diseases and aims to produce more relevant evidence. Multicentre trials with government funding will study therapies suited for Indian patients, potentially improving effectiveness and access.
Source: h7.cl/1p1Ef

5. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has reportedly invited stakeholder comments on the amended list of 354 medical devices exempted from restrictions on global tender enquiries. The exemption, valid until March 31, 2027, allows public procurement agencies to source these devices internationally, subject to review of adequate domestic manufacturing capacity.
Source: h7.cl/1jXJk

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 Supreme Court has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to consider mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods. This move aims to inform consumers about high levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fats, addressing rising health concerns like obesity and diabetes. The court emphasized prioritizing public health over industry resistance.
Source: h7.cl/1jEhc

2. The Indian government has tightened the IT intermediary law, by an amendment that defines synthetic media, and require social media platforms to remove flagged harmful content within three hours, enhancing accountability and curbing misuse of AI online. The amendment also obliges intermediaries offering AI tools to deploy technical (including automated) measures blocking unlawful deepfake and synthetic content.
Source: h7.cl/1jEgT

3. India’s Supreme Court has issued notices to the Central Government and National Medical Commission on a PIL seeking exemption of medical professionals from the Consumer Protection Act. The petition argues consumer law undermines doctor-patient trust and promotes defensive medicine. The Court’s decision remains pending.
Source: h7.cl/1jEhX

4. The Supreme Court reportedly directed the Gujarat Pollution Control Board to decide within a week on Pharma company’s plea to reopen its Dahej plant, producing hexafluoro-methoxypropane, a key sevoflurane intermediate. It was shut over alleged hazardous waste discharge into the Narmada River. The court denied interim relief, advising remedies via statutory authorities and the National Green Tribunal.
Source: h7.cl/1jEh-

5. United States Food and Drug Administration reportedly issued a warning that a major pharma company’s Television advertisement for its obesity pill is false or misleading as it suggested unproven superiority and benefits over other GLP one medicines. The regulator directed corrective action to ensure accuracy and protect patients.
Source: h7.cl/1oHAn

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 (CDSCO) reportedly flagged 35 drugs manufactured in Telangana as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ), including painkillers, antacids and antibiotics. These medicines, failed quality or labelling standards, resulting in regulatory and manufacturing oversight gaps. Affected batches are reportedly recalled, and show-cause notices are issued.
Source: h7.cl/1oCiU

2. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has entered into three strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Goa State Pharmacy Council (GSPC), Quality Council of India (QCI), and HLL Infra Tech Services Limited. These collaborations aim to strengthen pharmacovigilance systems, enhance professional competencies, and promote uniform standards for medicine quality and patient safety across India.
Source: h7.cl/1oCj1

3. India and United States has agreed under an interim trade framework to address long-standing barriers for US medical devices, eliminate restrictive import licensing procedures, and review adoption of US or international standards within six months to boost market access. The move is part of broader efforts to improve MedTech trade and bilateral economic cooperation
Source: h7.cl/1jzb3

4. Delhi High Court disposed of a trademark infringement suit after parties reached an amicable settlement. The defendant acknowledged superior trademark rights of the plaintiff in trademark “Blue Heaven”, agreed to permanent injunction, withdrew trademark applications, paid damages and costs, removed online listings, and enabled refund of court fees as ordered.
Source: h7.cl/1oCj9

5. Indian Council of Medical Research is reportedly rolling out an AI-based surveillance system under the National One Health Mission to detect zoonotic diseases early. By integrating human, animal, and environmental data, it will identify unusual patterns, provide real-time decision support, and help prevent local outbreaks from escalating into pandemics.
Source: h7.cl/1jzeb

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 has reportedly agreed to reduce tariffs on a broad range of U.S. exports, including medical devices, manufactured goods and chemicals from about 13.5% to zero. Lower tariffs on medical devices from the US would help hospitals and clinics in India to procure advanced equipment more cheaply, improving healthcare delivery and access.
Source: h7.cl/1ow26

2. US FDA has shut down over 200 illegal online pharmacy websites linked to an India-based criminal network. The sites allegedly sold unapproved and counterfeit medicines to U.S. consumers, raising serious public health concerns and highlighting the need for stronger regulation and cross-border cooperation.
Source: h7.cl/1ow29

3. The Indian government is reportedly examining a proposal to mandate pharmaceutical companies to allocate at least 1% of their net profits for free medicines during health emergencies by amending the Drugs Rules, 1945. However, the move faces legal constraints, as CSR spending is governed by the Companies Act, 2013. The central drugs regulator, CDSCO, is reassessing the proposal’s feasibility.
Source: h7.cl/1ow2c

4. The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMEd) has reportedly opposed any reconsideration or easing of policy restrictions on importing refurbished or pre-owned medical equipment. Association has urged the government to uphold the ban on imports, enforce stricter regulations by emphasizing the strengthening of indigenous innovation like Make in India.
Source: h7.cl/1ow2i

5. A leading fast moving consumer goods manufacturer has filed a suit in the Calcutta High Court, alleging deceptive imitation of its biscuit packaging and trade dress by a rival. The suit seeks injunction against sale and distribution, claiming consumer confusion and unfair competition. The court has taken the matter on record and scheduled further hearing shortly.
Source: h7.cl/1jt71

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 Ministry of Health has issued draft amendments to the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, proposing to remove the provision dealing with the provisional registration of Ethics Committees. The designated authority will now directly grant final registration in Form CT-03 after scrutiny of Form CT-01, or reject with written reasons.
Source: h7.cl/1oifC

2. Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association of India has launched a marketing portal enabling Indian pharmaceutical companies to promote and source active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, pallets, and contract development and manufacturing services, supporting both domestic and international markets through an integrated vendor management system with no cost registration for buyers.
Source: h7.cl/1oifJ

3. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has extended the deadline for submitting applications under the Common Facilities for Medical Device Clusters (CFMDC) sub-scheme to 15 February 2026. The scheme supports shared testing infrastructure for medical devices, including cardiac and orthopaedic implants, infusion pumps, imaging equipment, and Class B, C, and D IVDs.
Source: h7.cl/1jfLz

4. The Maharashtra government has issued a resolution by introducing a new fee structure at state-run hospitals from effective from January 16, 2026. ₹5 for OPD registration, ₹10/day for inpatient admission, and up to ₹40,000 for major surgeries like joint replacements. Diagnostic services, ICU care, and ambulance services also have updated charges. Implementation across hospitals is pending.
Source: h7.cl/1oiwW

5. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission is reportedly taking efforts to develop more biosimilar in alignment with governments Biopharma Shakti initiative. This move aims to align Indian quality standards with global benchmarks and strengthen the country’s biologics and biosimilars ecosystem.
Source: h7.cl/1jfLU

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 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has constituted a committee to develop a policy governing refurbished medical devices. The committee will examine the scope of refurbished medical devices, methodology to evaluate the safety, performance, and remaining useful life of refurbished medical devices & suggest guidance for waste disposal of such refurbished devices.
Source: h7.cl/1o8qd

2. Indian government has announced a tax holiday until 2047 for foreign companies that provide cloud services globally using data centres located in India. Further, there will be no risk of foreign firms’ global income being taxed in India solely because they use Indian data centres. This move is aimed at attracting long-term investment into India’s digital infrastructure.
Source: h7.cl/1o8qp

3. Indian Government has released first national evidence-based lung cancer treatment and palliation guidelines. It offers 15 recommendations to standardise diagnosis, treatment and palliative care, improve early detection, reduce treatment disparities and ensure consistent, patient-centred care across the country.
Source: h7.cl/1o8qA

4. India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs issued show-cause notices to major edible oil companies for violating the amended Vegetable Oils Products, Production and Availability (VOPPA) Order, 2025. Companies failed to submit monthly production data and register on official portals. Authorities have warned that continued non-compliance could lead to inspections and confiscation under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Source: h7.cl/1o8qN

5. The United States Food and Drug Administration has launched the PreCheck pilot program to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. The initiative offers early regulatory engagement for new manufacturing facilities, improving predictability, streamlining facility assessments and accelerating readiness to supply medicines for the United States market.
Source: h7.cl/1o8qS

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 Government has amended the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 to streamline manufacture of new and investigational drugs for testing purposes. The amendment permits limited manufacturing for analytical and non-clinical testing based on prior intimation, except for specified high-risk categories, and reduce timelines from ninety to forty-five working days.
Source: h7.cl/1iiiB

2. India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has proposed amendments to its licensing regulations to tighten compliance. Delayed filing of the annual Food Safety Compliance Return beyond 31 May will attract graded penalties, and non-filing beyond 180 days will lead to deemed licence suspension. The draft also clarifies storage practice and record-keeping requirements for manufacturers, with exemptions for non-manufacturers and retailers. Public comments are invited latest by 19th March 2026.
Source: h7.cl/1nhPE

3. India’s Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee has decided that pesticides highly sensitive to acidic or alkaline water must carry specific label and leaflet instructions on optimal water pH. Applicants and registrants have been advised to ensure compliance while seeking registration and finalising labels.
Source: h7.cl/1iiiN

4. India’s Health Ministry has asked the National Medical Commission (NMC) to examine and take appropriate action regarding appeals filed by individuals who are not registered medical practitioners against decisions made by State Medical Councils. This could affect rights of patients and the public to seek redress against decisions affecting healthcare practice and professionals.
Source: h7.cl/1iiiS

5. The Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) has issued a structured inspection schedule and standard operating procedures for animal facilities of Clinical Research Organisations and research and development laboratories. It mandates three inspections over a year, clarifies roles of IAEC nominees, and introduces standard feedback and confidentiality requirements.
Source: h7.cl/1nhPP