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 Kerala High Court ruled that brand ambassadors are not liable for unfair trade practices or deficient services under the Consumer Protection Act unless a direct transactional link with consumers is proven. Endorsers face penalties only for misleading advertisements, and are protected where due diligence to verify claims is demonstrated by law.
Source: h7.cl/1hJqC

2. State Drugs Regulator of Telangana has recently issued a stop-use advisory for a children’s syrup prescribed for allergies, hay fever, and asthma, after a CDSCO lab detected toxic ethylene glycol contamination. The public was advised to stop use immediately, report possession, and authorities ordered freezing of affected stocks to avert health risks.
Source: h7.cl/1mGN8

3. A Parliamentary Standing Committee has urged the Ministry of AYUSH to integrate allopathy and traditional medicine, recommending AYUSH departments in all AIIMS, stronger collaboration with the Health Ministry, and time-bound action to create a pluralistic, integrated healthcare system nationwide.
Source: h7.cl/1mGNc

4. The Bureau of Indian Standards has notified amendments to 22 Indian Standards covering dairy products, infant foods, milk substitutes, and special medical nutrition. Amendments were established from 15 December 2025, and existing standards will remain in force till 14 June 2026, giving business operators a defined transition period for compliance.
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5. The US Food and Drug Administration has relaxed the oversight of general wellness devices, clarifying that low-risk products such as fitness trackers and wellness apps will not be actively regulated as medical devices if they avoid disease-related claims. The move aims to reduce regulatory burden and encourage innovation in consumer and digital health technologies.
Source: h7.cl/1hJqP
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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 Pondicherry Drugs Control Department has mandated 100% batch-wise testing of all medicines sold in Pondicherry using Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation-accredited labs. The directive covers pharmacies, wholesalers, clinics, and public and private hospital stores, requiring immediate quality testing for every drug batch.
Source: h7.cl/1mwLy

2. The Central government told the Delhi High Court that judicial orders reducing GST on air purifiers would breach the Constitution’s separation of powers, asserting that GST rate decisions rest solely with the GST Council. It also labelled the PIL seeking medical-device status and tax cut as a “motivated attempt,” warning against judicial overreach.
Source: h7.cl/1hzJ2

3. The Delhi High Court has sought a response on a plea seeking revocation of a patent covering a widely used diabetes and anti-obesity medicine, ahead of its expiry in March. The petition alleges lack of novelty and attempts to extend exclusivity, amid growing interest from domestic manufacturers nationwide.
Source: h7.cl/1mwLG

4. The Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG) has issued new guidance on post-market surveillance (PMS) for medical devices and IVDs under the EU regulations. The guidance outlines PMS system setup, data collection, analysis, and integration with quality management to ensure ongoing safety, performance, and regulatory compliance across the product lifecycle.
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5. India’s central drug regulator, guided by a high-level DCC report, is reportedly launching the second phase of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) to combat antimicrobial resistance. Measures include banning OTC antibiotic sales, stamping prescriptions, real-time tracking, promoting new antibiotic R&D, stricter Schedule H/H1 controls, and extended producer responsibility for disposal.
Source: As essential antibiotics fail, regulator mulls R&D push, curbs on misuse
Source: h7.cl/1mwLP

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 CDSCO has issued detailed FAQs to enhance public awareness regarding the Drugs and Cosmetics (Compounding of Offences) Rules, 2025. The FAQs clarify the procedure for compounding offences, the stage at which an application may be filed, and the information and documentation required to support such applications.
Source: shorturl.at/Mkg3L

2. India’s Central Drug Authority has notified the Drugs and Cosmetics (Compounding of Offences) Rules, 2025.
Stakeholders intending to apply for compounding of offences under these rules are required to submit the application in the prescribed format as a physical copy, along with an advance copy via email to raj[dot]shree64[at]cghs[dot]nic[dot]in, addressed to the Compounding Authority.
Source: h7.cl/1mrDG

3. India’s Delhi High Court directed the Central Health Ministry to respond by January 20, 2026 to a contempt plea alleging illegal operations of online health service aggregators. The petition claims these platforms violate the Clinical Establishments Act by functioning without mandatory registration, posing risks to public health and regulatory compliance.
Source: h7.cl/1hvu5

4. The Delhi government will declare human rabies a notifiable disease, requiring mandatory reporting of all suspected, probable and confirmed cases by government and private healthcare facilities. The move aims to strengthen disease surveillance, enable timely intervention, and support the capital’s goal of eliminating rabies-related human deaths.
Source: h7.cl/1hvts

5. A major infant nutrition manufacturer has initiated a large-scale recall of select infant formula products across multiple countries after detecting a potential toxin contamination linked to a supplier ingredient. No illnesses have been reported. The company is strengthening supply chains, activating alternate suppliers, and increasing production to ensure uninterrupted availability.
Source: h7.cl/1msn9

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 has launched Market Access Support under the Export Promotion Mission to strengthen global market access for Indian exporters. The initiative offers structured support for trade fairs, buyer seller meets, delegations and digital tools, prioritising small exporters, new markets, predictable planning and outcome driven export growth nationwide.
Source: h7.cl/1m6xR

2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an office order mandating a standardized format for food businesses operators, industry bodies, and other stakeholders to submit representations seeking food safety risk assessment. The move aims to ensure complete data submission, improve evaluation, enhance transparency, and speed up regulatory decision-making.
Source: h7.cl/1hakR

3. The Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining a manufacturer from selling biscuits bearing an identical name, shape and packaging to a registered trademark holder’s product. The court cited prima facie trademark infringement and passing off on triple identity and directed removal of infringing products from the market and e-commerce platforms.
Source: h7.cl/1m6y3

4. The Gujarat High Court has upheld a ruling by the Customs Authority for Advance Rulings allowing duty free import of inshell walnuts by treating the product as “dietary fibre.” The decision confirms that inshell walnuts qualify for exemption from Basic Customs Duty under the Transferable Duty-Free Import Authorization (DFIA) scheme.
Source: h7.cl/1m6y8

5. India’s major pharmaceutical company has signed an exclusive agreement with the other giant to introduce needle-free injection systems for IVF and gynaecology therapies across India. The high-pressure jet delivery tech aims to reduce pain, anxiety and improve patient compliance, with a targeted all-India rollout in FY 2026, addressing millions of injections in the growing fertility market.
Source: h7.cl/1hakq

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. A leading food products manufacturer has moved the Bombay High Court against a YouTube channel alleging that an online video falsely questioned the safety of its product despite regulatory approval. The company contends the content contradicts findings of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and seeks removal and restraint to prevent consumer misinformation.
Source: h7.cl/1lpNb

2. India’s Health Ministry has reportedly clarified that failing to prescribe medicines by their generic names constitutes professional misconduct and may attract disciplinary action under National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations. Doctors are required to prescribe drugs legibly and rationally, with State Medical Councils and the NMC empowered to act against violations.
Source: h7.cl/1lpNg

3. European Medicines Agency (EMA) released Revision 3 of its stability testing guideline for marketing authorisation variations. The update clarifies stability data expectations for post-approval changes, aligns with lifecycle management principles, and strengthens requirements for Type I and II variations, supporting quality, safety, and efficacy of medicinal products across the EU.
Source: h7.cl/1lpNi

4. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued two guidance documents clarifying safety reporting responsibilities for sponsors and investigators in investigational drug and device studies, including IND, bioavailability (BA), and bioequivalence (BE) trials. The guidance provides detailed recommendations on adverse event reporting and safety data assessment in clinical research.
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5. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order instructing federal agencies to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, thereby easing its regulatory status to support medical research. He has also approved a pilot program enabling Medicare reimbursement for products containing CBD, a widely used non-psychoactive cannabis compound.
Source: h7.cl/1lpNy

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 published a draft amendment to the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, proposing changes to labelling requirements for non-sterile and non-measuring medical devices, along with other regulatory updates. Stakeholders’ comments are invited within 30 days of publication of the draft Rules.
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2. India’s Bureau of Indian Standards has notified IS 19493:2025 on hospital bill formats, effective 8 December 2025. The standard specifies mandatory and optional billing elements for hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, and outpatient clinics, aiming to ensure uniformity, transparency, prevent overcharging, and improve clarity for patients and insurers nationwide.
Source: h7.cl/1ghFQ

3. The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to the Centre and all states on a PIL seeking to declare cancer a notifiable disease nationwide. The move aims to ensure uniform reporting, strengthen surveillance, and improve early detection and patient care through a centralized digital registry amid fragmented state-level data.
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4. A pharmaceutical innovator has appealed a Delhi High Court order permitting an Indian manufacturer to produce and export semaglutide to markets where patent protection has lapsed. The court declined interim relief, allowing exports to continue.
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5. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the Information Technology Rules 2021 safeguard free speech while curbing fake and misleading digital content. Publishers of news must follow a Code of Ethics, intermediaries must prevent false information, and a grievance mechanism and fact checking by Press Information Bureau ensure accountability nationally.
Source: h7.cl/1ghGa

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 Finance Ministry has amended the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules, 1985 to replace Form 4A and revise Form 5, tightening procedures for import and export of narcotic drugs. The new rules mandate stricter documentation, separate accounting, monthly returns, transport permits, export-only restrictions, and compulsory surrender of unused morphine, codeine, thebaine and their salts to government facilities.
Source: h7.cl/1l0Dd

2. The Finance Ministry has authorized 15 pharma companies to import morphine, codeine, thebaine and their salts solely for producing export-bound formulations under strict conditions including use within 180 days, limits on waste, and surrender of unused material. The order is valid until December 31, 2027, with import certificates valid for 180 days.
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3. The Delhi High Court recorded an undertaking that a major Indian pharmaceutical company will not sell its semaglutide-based drug in India until March 20, 2026 when the secondary patent on the medicine is set to expire of another pharma company, while permitting it to manufacture and export the product to markets where no patent rights exist. The company’s assurance was noted by the court amid ongoing patent disputes, with similar relief previously granted to another domestic manufacturer in related proceedings.
Source: h7.cl/1g7xa

4. The Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes to expand the definition of unfair trade practices to include nondisclosure of key terms and dynamic pricing, algorithmic manipulation of consumer behaviour, and the use of complex barriers that impede cancellations, returns, or opting out of services, thereby strengthening India’s legal framework against dark patterns.
Source: h7.cl/1l0Ca

5. India will reportedly invite the World Health Organization to audit and rate its drug regulatory system, aiming to strengthen quality oversight and restore global confidence in its pharmaceutical sector. The initiative follows recent safety concerns and seeks to align national processes with international regulatory maturity standards.
Source: h7.cl/1l0Ce

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. A multinational pharmaceutical company has approached the Delhi High Court to restrain the domestic pharma giant from launching its generic version of semaglutide, a widely prescribed drug for diabetes and weight loss. This is the second suit by the plaintiff innovator against local firms wanting to launch copies of the drug
Source: h7.cl/1g6X3

2. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued a draft framework mandating blanket licence for legally accessible content for AI-training, but deferring royalty payments until commercialisation. The plan sets up a centralised royalty-collection mechanism, replacing “zero-price licence” proposals.
Source: h7.cl/1g6X7

3. The Delhi High Court has temporarily barred a local supplier from using a mark found deceptively similar to a well-known ayurvedic brand, holding that the adoption appeared misleading and capable of confusing consumers. The Court restrained manufacture, sale, promotion, and any creation of third-party rights during the proceedings.
Source: h7.cl/1l00x

4. The Drug Consultative Committee has noted that some State Licensing Authorities (SLA) are issuing manufacturing licenses for new drugs without prior written approval from the Central Licensing Authority (CLA), as required under The New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019. Members unanimously agreed that SLAs must obtain CLA approval before granting any such manufacturing permission.
Source: h7.cl/1g6Xk

5. The United States Food and Drug Administration has reportedly finalized guidance on promotional labeling and advertising for biologics and biosimilars, outlining standards to ensure accurate and non-misleading communications. The document clarifies expectations for data presentation, comparative claims, and identification of products, with specific caution against comparisons that imply reduced safety or effectiveness.
Source: h7.cl/1l00M

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) is considering a separate wholesale licence for bulk drugs and excipients to distinguish them from APIs and finished formulations. The proposal includes capturing details of wholesalers handling NDPS substances and requiring competent persons to be either science graduates with relevant experience or registered pharmacists, strengthening oversight and regulatory compliance.
Source: h7.cl/1fZHk

2. India’s Drugs Consultative Committee addressed non-compliance issues in hospital blood centres and directed states to strengthen oversight. Key actions include regular inspections with focus on viral marker testing, adherence to NBTC licensing procedures for charitable and voluntary centres, and timely licence renewals. States were urged to ensure strict compliance to maintain a safe blood supply.
Source: h7.cl/1fZHk

3. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission will release the tenth edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia on January 2, 2026, with standards effective from July 1, 2026. The new edition adds 121 monographs, five general chapters, and expanded harmonization to strengthen drug quality and regulatory alignment in India.
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4. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a penalty on e-commerce platform for allowing the sale of walkie-talkies without mandatory disclosures on regulatory approvals. This suo motu action stemmed from listings that omitted details on spectrum compliance, frequency usage, potentially misleading consumers about the devices’ legality and exposing them to risks.
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5. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released a comprehensive guide on ticket creation to help producers navigate the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portal for battery and e-waste management. The guide aims to streamline communication between producers and the regulator for all EPR-related queries.
Source: h7.cl/1fZK0

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 Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has launched a new online Risk Classification Module for medical devices, excluding IVDs. Effective 27 November 2025, applicants can seek classification for devices not listed in CDSCO’s published list via the portal, simplifying regulatory approvals for Medical Devices.
Source: h7.cl/1kNrH

2. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and India’s Central Drug authority CDSCO (IVD Division) has jointly developed the MedTech Mitra IVD Innovators Handbook to guide developers through clinical validation. It outlines key milestones, regulatory and ethical expectations, and evidence requirements, helping innovators plan effectively and generate strong clinical data to support the safety and efficacy of their diagnostic products.
Source: h7.cl/1kNrK

3. Rajya Sabha members urged the government to ban misleading surrogate ads promoting tobacco and liquor, citing rising cancer and heart disease cases. During debate on the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, they sought stricter controls, awareness campaigns and higher taxes to curb tobacco use and protect public health.
Source: h7.cl/1fVMQ

4. The Delhi High Court has declined to grant injunctive relief against an Semaglutide manufacturer, thereby permitting the manufacture and export of semaglutide to jurisdictions where no valid patent protection subsists. The Court clarified that while export to non-patent markets is permissible, the sale or distribution of the drug within India remains prohibited until expiry of the relevant patent.
Source: h7.cl/1kNrT

5. The Indian government has introduced the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, proposing a new cess on the installed machinery or processes used for the manufacture of goods such as pan masala, with scope to include other products in future. The cess will apply across all production methods, machine-based, manual, or hybrid.
Source: h7.cl/1kNrW