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 Mental Health Authority (CMHA) has amended the Central Mental Health Act and introduced a five-category classification for mental health establishments covering spanning stand-alone mental hospitals to psychosocial rehabilitation centres. All the establishments are mandated to register with the Authority effective immediately.
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2. India’s Central Food authority (FSSAI) has amended the Labelling and Display Regulations, 2025 which requires all “Coffee Blended with Chicory” or “Instant Coffee-Chicory Mixture” packages to clearly declare the percentage of coffee and chicory on the front label starting July 1, 2026.
Source: short-link.me/175Xx

3. The Karnataka High Court held that exporters should not be denied incentives over a technical mistake such as ticking “No” instead of “Yes” for reward claims in a shipping bill especially when the intent to claim was clear elsewhere. Even if submitted via restrictive online systems, procedural inflexibility cannot override principles of natural justice.
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4. India’s Central Food authority (FSSAI) in a recent stakeholder’s meeting stressed on ethical food labelling, advertising and scientific claims, calling for external validation to curb misleading practices. It announced that label changes will be implemented annually, giving businesses predictability while strengthening consumer protection and trust in food safety regulations.
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5. The Ministry of Ayush and India’s Central Food authority (FSSAI) has recently unveiled a curated list of over 90 “Ayurveda Ahar” food products (e.g., khichdi, curds, soups), grounded in classical Ayurvedic texts. These standardized recipes aim to promote preventive health, support Indian manufacturers, and cultivate both domestic and global markets.
Source: short-link.me/1bxwu

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 Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 to identify, assess, and remediate contaminated sites across India. The rules mandate state pollution boards to coordinate sampling, remediation, cost recovery, and risk-based action plans using a centralized online portal for monitoring and enforcement.
Source: bit.ly/3IMIeiU

2. The National Medical Commission released formal guidelines on the ethical conduct and broadcasting of live surgeries. Key provisions include mandatory explicit patient consent, anonymisation protocols, supervision by ethics boards, clear educational intent, and strict limits on commercial elements. The notice responds to Supreme Court scrutiny and aims to safeguard patient welfare in live surgical demonstrations.
Source: bit.ly/3IOGaqH
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3. India’s Drug Controller General has mandated state regulators to instruct manufacturers to closely monitor NDMA levels in ranitidine API and finished formulations, reduce shelf life, and implement risk-based controls. This follows a DTAB recommendation for a broader expert review and an ICMR safety study amid carcinogen concerns.
Source: bit.ly/4of1dTy
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4. Delhi Drug Control Department has issued directive addressed to pharmacies to install CCTV cameras by July 31, 2025, to curb the sale of over-the-counter dual-use drugs without a valid prescription. Pharmacists across Delhi are voicing financial and procedural concerns over the government’s advisory.
Source: bit.ly/4mdEgOD

5. Delhi High Court directed the Centre to establish clear and enforceable guidelines for the collection and transport of medical samples. In response, the government has formed expert panels that have finalized draft standards, which are now under legal review and expected to be officially notified within three months.
Source: bit.ly/41freYK

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 directed all manufacturers, importers, and marketers of non-scheduled drugs and medical devices to cap MRP increases at 10% over the preceding 12 months. Violation of this directive, issued under the Drugs Price Control Order 2013, will invite penal action under relevant laws.
Source: bit.ly/3GIUvEu

2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had issued a notification mandating 100% inspection of all packaged drinking water units in Hyderabad and across state of Maharashtra, deploying RAFT kits and mobile labs. The move classifies bottled water as “high-risk,” requiring annual or bi-annual audits, tighter quality checks to ensure product safety, and enforce immediate corrective actions through intensified inspections and enhanced stakeholder awareness.
Source: bit.ly/4o0HYwZ

3. The Health Ministry has linked the Kayakalp scheme with National Quality Assurance Standards certification. Hospitals must apply for state level NQAS certification within three months of receiving Kayakalp results to get incentives, ensuring a direct shift from cleanliness efforts to comprehensive healthcare quality and patient safety.
Source: bit.ly/4lJv0Sr

4. India’s Union Health Ministry has clarified that states and UTs bear primary responsibility for implementing passive euthanasia and living wills within hospital protocols and, must establish ethical safeguards as per Supreme Court guidelines. States are also tasked with training healthcare professionals to respect patients’ end of life choices and simplify advance directive procedures
Source: bit.ly/44TTG3q

5. Uttar Pradesh Health Department is reportedly set to digitally deliver medical test reports directly to patients’ mobile phones, via WhatsApp, SMS, and the Personal Health Record portal. The system aims to connects district and community health center hospital management information systems with Laboratory information systems under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Source: bit.ly/3TWuvZa

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 added the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to a 2018 PIL enforcing the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. It condemned inhumane practices like chaining mentally ill patients, noted failure to set up mental health authorities and review boards, and directed the Centre to file a detailed affidavit on steps taken to implement the Act nationwide.
Source: bit.ly/4lB9e3f

2. Indian government has initiated a formal investigation into the growing import of medical devices from China, targeting potential cybersecurity and patient data privacy threats. Rising imports across diagnostics, surgical instruments and IoT enabled monitoring systems have raised concerns over malware, or data misuse, prompting scrutiny from commerce and health authorities.
Source: bit.ly/3IFimWg

3. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued an Expression of Interest inviting eligible organisations, companies and manufacturers for transfer of technology for commercial production of recombinant multi stage malaria vaccine, AdFalciVax, by August 17, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/4eWGiAi

4. The Delhi government plans to exempt restaurants and eateries from obtaining the mandatory health trade license from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Currently, obtaining this licence is a prerequisite for opening eateries in the city.
Source: bit.ly/46ld2B6

5. Delhi High Court has temporarily barred pharmaceutical company from manufacturing, selling importing, exporting or dealing a biosimilar of patented cancer immunotherapy drug after finding credible evidence of patent infringement and potential irreparable harm.
Source: bit.ly/46Vlkjh

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 regulator (CDSCO)has issued a Subject Expert Committees (SEC) guidance document 2025, which outlines a structured process for evaluating clinical trial and new drug applications. It covers SEC composition, review timelines, quorum, waiver criteria, applicant obligations, and decision protocols to ensure scientific rigor, transparency, and regulatory consistency.
Source: bit.ly/4f2ICpE

2. The Central Pollution Control Board has extended the timeline for filing quarterly and annual E Waste returns for the financial year 2024–25 from June 30, 2025 to August 15, 2025. All registered entities must submit return via the E Waste EPR Portal to avoid penalties under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Source: bit.ly/44V6tCM

3. India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency has issued the Draft Appliance Labelling Regulations, 2025, alongside a repeal order for thirteen earlier label-display regulations affecting appliances like refrigerators, ACs, TVs, washing machines, transformers, lamps, and fans. Stakeholder feedback is invited until August 10, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/4f7if1F

4. The Government of India is being urged by experts and the Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG) to mandate Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) in all blood banks to detect HIV, Hepatitis B, and C during the early “window period.” The call highlights existing gaps in blood safety, with demands for Ministry of Health action amid rising concerns over patient rights and transfusion-linked infections.
Source: bit.ly/3GXeQpo

5. Advisory panel of US Food and Drug Administration has reportedly recommended removing the strong black box warning from vaginal estrogen products, saying it’s based on outdated data that scares women and doctors. Experts highlighted benefits like heart attack and bone fracture prevention. The FDA has yet to make a final decision.
Source: bit.ly/44DSh2j

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 issued the first amendment to Food Products Standards & Food Additives Regulations, introducing norms for meat sausages, dehydrated tarragon, changes in packaged drinking water specifications, and revisions to food colour and additive rules. The regulations take effect from 1 February 2026.
Source: bit.ly/44C2uMH

2. The Supreme Court of India has recently ruled that stem cell banking including enrolment, collection, processing, and storage of umbilical cord blood qualifies as a healthcare service. It held that such services support preventive and therapeutic care, and are therefore exempt from service tax.
Source: bit.ly/3Ixa7eK

3. India’s Central Drug Authority (CDSCO) has released a guidance document outlining the process for manufacturers to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for exporting unapproved or approved new drugs. Key updates include mandatory online applications, one-time registration valid for a year, detailed reconciliation and a 7-day NOC issuance timeline.
Source: bit.ly/4kLR6CO

4. India’s Women & Child Development Ministry has issued an advisory to states urging them to curb edible oil usage amid rising obesity and non communicable diseases. It also reiterates previous guidance to limit added salt, sugar, and synthetic additives in Anganwadi nutrition provisions.
Source: bit.ly/4m37IH3

5. In India–EU trade negotiations, the EU seeks substantial tariff reductions on medical devices, automobiles, wine, spirits, meat, poultry, and stronger IP protections. Automotive and med tech duties currently up to 10% are in focus. India is pushing for reciprocity, including non tariff barrier reductions under phased FTA talks.
Source: bit.ly/4lZN8Hu

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. Indian Government has notified Extended Producer Responsibility Rules for non-ferrous metal waste, effective April 2026. Applicable to pharma, food, and consumer goods sectors, these rules mandate registration, traceability, annual returns, and recycling targets to boost circular economy efforts and environmental compliance.
Source: bit.ly/4loNjMw

2. The Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), New Delhi, recently ruled that HIV viral load (HIV VL) test kits constitute “life saving diagnostic kits,” making them eligible for customs duty exemption. This landmark decision is poised to reduce import costs, boost accessibility, and support public health initiatives within India.
Source: bit.ly/3GmAVxA

3. The panel set by the Drugs Controller General of India has reportedly recommended a complete ban on cosmetics containing more than 1 part per million (ppm) of mercury, aligning with the Minamata Convention. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation will enforce self declarations and random lab testing to protect public health.
Source: bit.ly/401j99Q

4. The Delhi High court has directed the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to review the approval and sale of weight loss drugs like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide. Responding to a PIL citing safety concerns and lack of India specific trials the court ordered expert consultations and a detailed report within three months.
Source: bit.ly/3IaT69X

5. The Madras High Court of India has held that the Customs Department is legally bound by the Director General of Foreign Trade’s classification of capital goods under the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme. This ruling provides clarity for exporters and importers by ensuring uniform interpretation of capital goods classification under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Source: bit.ly/4ldsFyZ

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 Food authority (FSSAI) has extended the validity of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) granted to imported alcoholic beverages bottled at origin or in bulk with over 10% alcohol content and with no expiry date to 365 days. If consignments remain in Customs premises beyond this period, re-validation can be done through visual inspection upon payment of a prescribed fee.
Source: bit.ly/44Lgsvu

2. India’s Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) has reportedly proposed enabling the licensing of Bedaquiline, Delamanid, Pretomanid, and Rifapentine only through India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), with strict label warnings. This move aims to prevent misuse, preserve drug effectiveness, and combat rising cases of drug resistant tuberculosis.
Source: bit.ly/4km2dC7

3. The National for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has recommended replacing the term “Paramedical” with “Allied and Healthcare” across all government and institutional communications (verbal, written or electronic). States, UTs, and relevant bodies must implement and enforce this updated terminology in all official usage.
Source: bit.ly/4ltTcYA

4. A popular U.S. snack brand will remove “100% natural” claims from its packaging after lawsuits highlighted trace herbicide residues in its ingredients. Although levels were within legal limits, consumer groups argued the label was misleading.
Source: bit.ly/3TlDeE4

5. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to four entities, including an Indian drug manufacturer, citing violations such as non-compliance to clinical trial protocol, insanitary conditions, contamination risks, and inadequate donor screening. The FDA has directed them to implement corrective actions to ensure compliance and safeguard product quality.
Source: bit.ly/44aoWw8
Source: bit.ly/45S8eD4
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Source: bit.ly/45Sv11E

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

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 (MoHFW) is reportedly planning to integrate India’s Rare Donor Registry (RDRI) with the e-Rakt Kosh portal to streamline access to rare blood types like Bombay and Rh-null. This move connects over 4,000 rare blood donors with hospitals nationwide, improving response time and ensuring safer transfusions for patients with conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
Source: bit.ly/3HS9IDi

2. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has flagged 128 drug batches as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) in its May 2025 alert. The list includes common medicines like paracetamol, dapagliflozin, dexamethasone, and others. Issues cited include assay failures, content non-uniformity, sterility, and misbranding. The alert aims to safeguard public health by informing stakeholders and enabling swift regulatory action.
Source: bit.ly/45wqAt3

3. Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Immunohaematology has developed a low-cost, rapid test kit for Hemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease. it will reduce the healthcare cost significantly and could become a worldwide solution for early diagnosis and treatment.
Source: bit.ly/4k5H4vR

4. A major eyewear company admitted before the Delhi High Court that it mistakenly used another company’s registered trademarks but had no intention of infringing them. The company removed all references. The court accepted this, recorded the admission, and issued a binding decree, formally closing the trademark-infringement case.
Source: bit.ly/43X8tvh

5. India’s Health Ministry has proposed including liver and heart transplants under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY insurance scheme, following recommendations from NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization). Currently, only kidney transplants are covered, making life-saving procedures more accessible and affordable.
Source: bit.ly/4eePwYt