Government Proposes Amendments to Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has published a draft notification proposing amendments to the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012. These amendments aim to streamline the licensing process and reduce regulatory burden for certain categories of businesses. The draft proposes significantly reduced fees for obtaining licenses and approvals related to ammonium nitrate for businesses categorized as MSEs, Micro & Small Startups, and Women Entrepreneurs.
Jute Commissioner Sets Maximum Ex-Factory Prices for Jute Bags in December 2024
Jute Commissioner has announced the final maximum ex-factory prices for 580gm “Type-A” and “Type-B” jute bags for December 2024. The prices fixed in this notification are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The purchaser is responsible for paying GST in addition to the stated ex-factory price. This price regulation aims to provide price stability and transparency in the jute bag market for December 2024.
India Streamlines Environmental Clearances to Boost Ease of Doing Business
To reduce redundancy and streamline approvals, the Central Government has amended Section 21 of the Air Act, 1981, and Section 25 of the Water Act, 1974. Notifications dated November 12, 2024 have been issued to exempt certain categories of industries from obtaining consents. Specifically, “white” category industries are completely exempted from the consent mechanism, while other categories are exempted from CTE if the project has already received environmental clearance under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
India Strengthens E-Waste Management with New Action Plan
The rules introduced an improved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime, requiring manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers to register on a dedicated portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This move seeks to formalize the e-waste recycling sector, bringing informal operators into a regulated framework and ensuring environmentally sound recycling practices.
Environmental Labs Gear Up for 37th Quality Control Exercise
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has announced the organization of the 37th Analytical Quality Control (AQC) Exercise for environmental laboratories across India. This program, scheduled for January 2025, aims to ensure the accuracy and reliability of environmental data by testing laboratories’ ability to analyze water and soil samples for various chemical and physical parameters.
Deadline Extended for Comments on Carbon Credit Trading Regulations
Previously scheduled for December 15, 2024, the new deadline for submitting feedback is now December 31, 2024. This extension allows stakeholders additional time to review the draft regulations and provide input.
Revised List Of FSSAI Notified Laboratories For Fortified Rice Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has updated its list of approved laboratories capable of testing fortificants in Fortified Rice (FR), Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK), and Vitamin-Mineral Premix for FRK. This order dated December 18, 2024, supersedes the previous order dated November 18, 2024.
Government and Industry Collaborate to Boost India’s Bakery and Confectionery Sector
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) held a roundtable discussion with leading figures from the bakery and confectionery industry on December 18, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi. Led by the Secretary the meeting aimed to identify challenges and explore solutions to propel the sector’s growth and enhance its global competitiveness.
India Boosts Consumer Protection with Stringent Enforcement
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), established in July 2020, plays a crucial role in enforcing consumer rights. The CCPA is empowered to prevent consumer detriment from unfair trade practices, initiate class action lawsuits, and enforce recalls, refunds, and product returns. It also focuses on preventing and regulating false or misleading advertisements. To date, the CCPA has issued 325 notices for violations and imposed penalties totaling Rs. 1.19 crore.
India Strengthens Environmental and Industrial Safety Regulations
A significant step towards enhanced monitoring is the mandatory installation of Online Continuous Effluent/Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) for 17 categories of high pollution potential industries and common waste treatment facilities. This system allows for real-time, 24/7 monitoring of pollutant levels. Data is transmitted online to the CPCB and relevant SPCBs/PCCs. Critically, the system is designed to automatically generate SMS alerts to the industrial unit, SPCB, and CPCB if pollutant levels exceed prescribed norms, enabling swift corrective action and regulatory intervention.
