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. Government extends PLI scheme application deadline
The Government of India has extended the application deadline for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of Critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Eligible entities can now apply until July 4, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/3SXjvKE

2. Draft of ghee fatty acid limits, new cheese powder standards, revised drinking water norms issued by India Food Ministry
India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Key changes include updated ghee fatty acid limits, new cheese powder standards, revised drinking water norms, and additive restrictions. Public comments are invited latest by 4th August, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/4k0CfDP

3. Kerala High Court Bans Single-Use Plastics in Tourist Areas and Public Events
The Kerala High Court has banned single-use plastics in ten major hilly tourist destinations and all public events across the state, effective October 2, 2025. The move aims to curb pollution, mandates water kiosks in tourist spots, and directs strict enforcement by multiple state authorities.
Source: bit.ly/3FY3dhK

4. Essential Drug Prices Surge by Up to 20% Amid Global Conflicts
Essential drug prices in India have increased by 10 – 20% as per a leading drug traders association. Geopolitical conflicts have reportedly disrupted supply chains, leading to shortage of key raw materials like aluminium foil, used in pharmaceutical packaging and has driven up production costs for medicines.
Source: bit.ly/43RDxMM

5. Bombay HC rules treaty can’t override customs law
India’s Bombay High Court has ruled that treaty provisions do not override national customs law unless formally incorporated, affirming the jurisdiction of Indian customs authorities that issued show cause notices for alleged misuse of import exemptions.
Source: bit.ly/4ljpx4t

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. CPCB Mandates Disclosure of Labelling Methods on Plastic Packaging Effective July 2025
India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has notified that, effective from 1st July 2025, all producers, importers, and brand owners of plastic packaging who provide the mandatory information on plastic packaging as required under the labelling and marking rules of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, on plastic packaging, whether through a barcode, QR code, information brochure, or unique number, must mandatorily inform the CPCB using the prescribed format.
Source: bit.ly/3ZfEDzj

2. CPCB Mandates Immediate Registration of Plastic Raw Material Manufacturers and MSMEs on Centralized EPR Portal
India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has notified that many manufacturers, importers, sellers of plastic raw materials, and MSME producers have not registered on the Centralized EPR Portal for plastic packaging, despite the mandatory requirement. The CPCB urges all concerned entities to complete their registration immediately to ensure compliance. Failure to do so may result in actions for non compliance under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Source: bit.ly/43ZznCo

3. AYUSH Ministry launches Ayush Suraksha portal to monitor misleading ads and ensure safety in traditional medicine
The Ministry of Ayush has launched the ‘Ayush Suraksha’ portal to monitor and address misleading advertisements and adverse drug reactions in traditional medicine. The platform was launched on May 30, 2025 and it enables real-time reporting and regulatory coordination to safeguard public health.
Source: bit.ly/4kFxQam

4. BIS Notifies New Terminology Standard for Meat Products Other Than Poultry
The Bureau of Indian Standards has introduced IS 8539 (Part 2): 2025, establishing standardized terminology for meat products and meat animals other than poultry. This new standard, effective from 22 May 2025, aims to promote uniformity and clarity in meat industry terminology, enhancing regulatory compliance and product communication.
Source: bit.ly/43oRWQn

5. IMA Warns Government Against Mixopathy, Citing Risks to Patient Safety and Medical Standards Integrity
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) cautions against the Indian government’s push to integrate traditional and modern medicine, termed “mixopathy.” It warns this move may compromise patient safety, dilute medical standards, and result in inadequately trained practitioners, urging authorities to reconsider such unscientific and potentially harmful healthcare initiatives.
Source: bit.ly/43VRxoB

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 issued an advisory directing food businesses to stop using “100%” claims on labels and promotional materials, citing them as misleading and undefined under current regulations. The move aims to protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices.
Source: bit.ly/3FidCVc

2. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has released guidelines for safe disposal of expired and unused medicines. It mandates flushing 17 high-risk drugs like fentanyl and diazepam to prevent harm. The guidance urges states to establish Drug Take Back programs under biomedical waste rules to curb misuse, environmental risks, and promote responsible pharmaceutical waste management.
Source: bit.ly/4jqNO70

3. The Bureau of Indian Standards has issued Amendment on 22 May, 2025 to IS 17349:2020, the medical textile standard for shoe covers. The revised standard enhances quality and safety. The old standard will remain in force till November 21, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/4dDEuf3

4. The International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) has released new guidelines to aid in developing medicines for pregnant populations. These guidelines emphasize the need for robust clinical data to assess drug safety and efficacy during pregnancy. Additionally, they provide updated recommendations for presenting quality information in the Common Technical Document (CTD).
Source: bit.ly/43jxTmn

5. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is promoting faster global timelines for post-approval changes (PACs) through regulatory reliance, allowing non-EU countries to use EMA’s assessments. This reduces duplication, speeds up approvals, and improves patient access. Companies must clearly communicate PAC submissions and inform EMA when sharing data with other regulators to ensure smooth coordination.
Source: bit.ly/4jv8rzh

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 proposed prohibiting the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of certain specified antimicrobial medicinal products for animal use. It has invited public suggestions and objections from stakeholders by 22nd June 2025. The move aims to curb antimicrobial resistance and protect human health.
Source: bit.ly/4dvRgfj

2. The Supreme Court of India recently upheld dual taxation on broadcasting services, allowing both the Centre to levy service tax and states to impose entertainment tax. It ruled broadcasting as communication and entertainment as a luxury, confirming constitutional authority for concurrent taxation on cable TV, digital streaming, and OTT platforms.
Source: bit.ly/4mDyR4G

3. Under the free trade agreement (FTA), the United Kingdom reportedly will provide non-discriminatory access to Indian companies in its public procurement, while India grants UK firms limited access to high-value tenders in return. The deal ensures mutual market access while protecting India’s strategic interests, including ‘Make in India’ and SME support.
Source: bit.ly/3Sm7s9m

4. India and World Health Organisation (WHO) has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to include AYUSH therapies in WHO’s global health classification system. This will give traditional medicine scientific recognition, enable insurance coverage, and improve global access to India’s ancient healing systems.
Source: bit.ly/3FuRgQ8

5. India’s Uttar Pradesh government, following a recent hospital fire has mandated comprehensive fire safety upgrades across all hospitals which includes installing fire-fighting systems, conducting regular mock drills, improving ventilation, and ensuring unobstructed evacuation routes. Staff training and adherence to fire safety guidelines to prevent future incidents
Source: bit.ly/45qkb2j

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 Allahabad High Court recently ruled that insurance payouts must follow succession laws. It clarified that a nominee is not the actual heir but only holds the money on behalf of the legal heirs. So, the nominee cannot keep the insurance amount for themselves if there are rightful successors.
Source: bit.ly/4jMr2Yu

2. The Indian government has issued a Quality Control Order (QCO) mandating that all aluminum and aluminum alloy foil used for pharmaceutical packaging, along with other specified aluminum and aluminum alloy products to bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards. The order will take effect on 1st October 2025 and does not apply to products manufactured in India for export purposes.
Source:  bit.ly/3Sno9B4

3. India’s National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed separate retail prices for new drug formulations manufactured by a pharmaceutical company. The company requested the separate pricing by highlighting the unique features of packaging like self-collapsibility and self-seal ability, not having air-vent and no chance of contamination during manufacture/ infusion/ admixing levels.
Source: bit.ly/4k7f3nR

4. The Government of India is reportedly planning to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent hoarding and ensure uninterrupted access to essential commodities. This move comes in response to potential supply chain disruptions and as part of anti-profiteering measures following Operation Sindoor.
Source: bit.ly/3GKcXvV

5. The United States government has issued an executive order aimed at boosting domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. The order directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the approval process for new domestic production facilities. Additionally, the government plans to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports to encourage domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
Source: bit.ly/3EVqyA8

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

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 Health Ministry has notified the Drugs and Cosmetics (Compounding of Offences) Rules, 2025, enabling compounding of minor offences related to the manufacture, import, sale, or distribution of drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices. The move aims to simplify compliance and reduce the burden on the judiciary.
Source: bit.ly/3YVqxTl

2. India’s Central Drug Regulator has exempted orphan drugs from mandatory port testing. Importers must submit a legal undertaking to provide test results within 15 days of receipt from labs. This decision aims to address challenges like small volumes, high costs, and lack of specialized testing infrastructure.
Source: bit.ly/3S8NM8K

3. The Orissa High Court has held that doctors cannot be criminally liable for prescribing an expensive drug unless it is hazardous, sub-standard, or restricted. The Court also stated that government cannot compel patients to use cheaper, less effective drugs, especially if they are paying for treatment themselves.
Source: bit.ly/4jR6Eoq

4. The Supreme Court of India will examine whether excluding divorced and single men from availing surrogacy violates constitutional rights. A divorced man has challenged this exclusion, arguing it discriminates based on gender and marital status, infringing on fundamental rights.
Source: bit.ly/4jLJtMm

5. The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) have reportedly filed a chargesheet against six individuals involved in a ₹550 crore medical procurement scam. The accused inflated prices for medical supplies and used to procure medical supplies without verifying the actual requirements of health centers, causing major losses to the state exchequer.
Source: bit.ly/4iHo5XR

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

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

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 Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has introduced the Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025, effective from April 1, 2026. These Rules apply to construction, demolition, remodeling, renovation, and repair activities, with key provisions on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and waste management plans.
Source: bit.ly/42AOQIu

2. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued a Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline the transfer of drugs manufactured in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to domestic markets (Domestic Tariff Area) for sale and distribution. SEZ units are exempted from mandatory import and registration requirements, provided these drugs are not diverted for domestic sale and are used exclusively for export purposes.
Source: bit.ly/44ftUYL

3. Pune Municipal Corporation has issued notices to private hospitals instructing to not demand any advance deposit from patients seeking emergency medical care and to strictly follow the Bombay Nursing Home Registration Act, 1949, which forbids demanding any advance deposit from “emergency” patients.
Source: bit.ly/4j52xp2

4. A content creator agreed to remove part of a podcast after a company objected to a guest’s remarks about an antiseptic product. The guest’s claims were considered disparaging. The court-approved settlement also required related social media posts to be deleted to protect the product’s reputation.
Source: bit.ly/42sBOeV

5. A global agricultural company is helping Indian rice farmers adopt eco-friendly farming methods. These practices reduce harmful greenhouse gases. In return, the company will issue its first carbon credits, certified by Gold Standard, which environmentally conscious companies can purchase to offset their emissions.
Source: bit.ly/4iavSgm