Organic textiles exempt from NPOP accreditation requirements, must use Textile Exchange or buyer-designated certification bodies instead
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade clarified that organic textiles do not fall within the scope of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) accreditation categories, which are limited to crop production, livestock, food processing, and related agricultural activities. Therefore, organic textile exports do not require Transaction Certificates from NAB-accredited bodies under the NPOP framework. Instead, exporters must provide valid Transaction Certificates from certification bodies designated through Textile Exchange, Global Organic Textile Standard, or as required by buyers at the time of export.

Steel imports must comply with Indian Standards through mandatory SIMS portal registration with specific exemptions granted
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs issued instructions regarding compliance with Indian Standards for imported steel and steel products under Quality Control Orders requiring mandatory SIMS portal registration. Two key exemptions were granted: steel products with bills of lading dated on or before July 15, 2025 are exempted from mandatory input steel adherence requirements, and Integrated Steel Plants are exempted after BIS license verification, with interim provisions allowing ISPs to declare their status to the Ministry of Steel while awaiting SIMS portal modifications for appropriate categorization.

DGFT seeks stakeholder feedback on draft Internal Compliance Programme for dual-use SCOMET item exports
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a trade notice seeking stakeholder inputs on a draft Internal Compliance Programme document for dual-use SCOMET item exports. The draft establishes management system requirements based on ISO standards and international best practices from export control regimes including Wassenaar Arrangement and MTCR. Organizations must implement comprehensive compliance frameworks covering leadership commitment, risk assessment, transaction screening, employee training, documentation, and performance evaluation. The programme requires appointment of Chief Export Control Officers, item classification procedures, end-user screening, red flag identification, and corrective action protocols. Key elements include management commitment statements, service quality policies, competence requirements, documented information control, internal audits, and continual improvement processes. The framework aims to prevent unauthorized dual-use item transfers while ensuring regulatory compliance. Stakeholders have ten days to submit feedback on the proposed requirements, which will standardize compliance elements for exporters seeking general authorization schemes.

IBBI withdraws Form IP-1 requirement for insolvency professionals, replaced by Assignment Module and revised reporting framework
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India withdrew the Form IP-1 submission requirement for insolvency professionals across all processes under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, effective from the circular's issuance date. Previously introduced in 2019 for monitoring assignments, Form IP-1 has been superseded by the Assignment Module on the electronic portal and a revised reporting framework (CP-1 to CP-5) for Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process introduced in May 2025. The withdrawal applies to all registered insolvency professionals, entities, and agencies handling various insolvency processes including interim resolution, liquidation, and bankruptcy proceedings.

Import policy amended for gold alloys exceeding 1% weight now includes osmium and ruthenium restrictions
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs issued instruction amending import policy for specific items under Chapter 71 of ITC (HS) 2022. The amendment expands restrictions on alloys containing gold exceeding 1% by weight from only iridium alloys to include osmium alloys and ruthenium alloys. This applies to ITC(HS) codes 71104100 (unwrought or powder form) and 71104900 (other forms) covering iridium, osmium and ruthenium. The instruction references a corrigendum from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and directs customs officers to implement these revised import policy conditions.

GST officers must promptly provide all records to audit teams following new commissioner instruction
The Goa Commercial Taxes Commissioner issued an instruction implementing a central GST policy directive regarding timely production of records for audit purposes. The instruction addresses concerns raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General about non-production or partial production of records by field formations during statutory audits. Tax officers are directed to expeditiously provide required records and information to audit teams, and to request taxpayers to provide documents when necessary. The instruction emphasizes compliance with constitutional audit requirements under Article 149 and mandates proper sensitization of officers regarding their obligations to facilitate audit processes.

Goa GST department launches grievance redressal mechanism for registration applications under Instruction No. 03 of 2025-GST
The Goa State GST department established a grievance redressal mechanism for GST registration applications through Instruction No. 03 of 2025-GST dated July 9, 2025. Applicants with assigned Application Reference Numbers under state jurisdiction can raise grievances regarding query contraventions or application rejections to the Additional Commissioner of State Tax. The mechanism includes publicizing an email address for grievances, forwarding center jurisdiction matters to appropriate authorities, ensuring timely resolution, and monthly reporting. The instruction aims to provide quick and effective grievance resolution for GST registration applicants while maintaining proper procedural oversight.

Chennai Customs launches Trade Facilitation Centre offering single-window services for importers and exporters
Chennai Customs has established a Trade Facilitation Centre at Custom House to serve as a single-window system for importers, exporters, customs brokers, and trade members. The center operates from 10 AM to 5:30 PM on working days at the ground floor, providing assistance with informational needs, query responses, and hand-holding exercises. Services include handling taxpayer queries, complaints, and grievances through email, telephone, and future online chat facilities. The center maintains records of all interactions and collects feedback to enhance trade practices and services.

Trade authority establishes three new Standard Input Output Norms for pharmaceutical and chemical exports
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a public notice establishing three new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) under Chemical and Allied Products. The new SIONs cover: Azithromycin Dihydrate (A-3687) allowing 0.9434 kg Azithromycin Amine import per 1 kg export; Aldehyde C10 (A-3688) permitting 1.40 kg Fatty Alcohol C10 import per 1 kg export; and Ceftazidime Powder (A-3689) allowing 1280 mg Ceftazidime for Injection Bulk Sterile import per unit exported. These norms facilitate import of specified raw materials for manufacturing export products in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors.

Import procedures issued for Low Ash Metallurgical Coke with country-wise quotas extended until December 2025
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued procedures for importing Low Ash Metallurgical Coke under country-wise quantitative restrictions extended until December 31, 2025. Applications must be filed online by July 13, 2025, with maximum three applications per importer covering one supplier country each. Required documentation includes manufacturing capacity details, coke requirements, domestic contracts, and stock information. A Special Committee will allocate quantities based on applications. Import utilization will be reviewed quarterly, with holders required to submit usage statements by September 2025. The authority reserves rights to modify allocation processes and disqualify applicants for mis-declarations.

Securities regulator opens six-month window for re-lodging rejected physical share transfers from pre-2019 submissions
The securities regulator opened a special six-month window from July 2025 to January 2026 for re-lodging physical share transfer requests that were initially submitted before April 2019 but rejected due to document deficiencies. This follows missed deadlines by investors who couldn't meet the previous March 2021 cut-off date. Re-lodged securities will be issued only in demat mode following proper transfer procedures. Listed companies and transfer agents must publicize this opportunity bi-monthly, maintain focused teams for processing requests, and submit monthly reports on publicity efforts and processed applications to facilitate investor ease and protect shareholder rights.

Customs launches ICETAB mobile app for paperless export examination and clearance processes
The Principal Commissioner of Customs at Visakhapatnam Customs House has launched ICETAB, an Android-based mobile application for paperless export examination and clearance processes. The application, introduced by the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management under CBIC, provides examining officers mobile access to ICES application in cargo sheds for immediate submission of examination reports. The tablet device features photo preview, shipping bill details viewing, e-sanchit document access, and RMS instructions viewing to enhance efficiency, transparency, and speed of export clearances. Exporters, customs brokers, and trade stakeholders can contact ICEGATE Helpdesk for technical support.

Importers of plastic raw materials must register on Centralized EPR Portal under Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs issued instructions requiring importers of plastic raw materials to register on the Centralized EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The amendment defines importers as persons importing plastic packaging, commodities with plastic packaging, or plastic raw materials for commercial use. Customs officers must verify registration proof when clearing plastic raw material consignments. This directive aims to ensure compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility guidelines for plastic waste management.

India restricts Bangladesh textile imports including flax and jute to Nhava Sheva Seaport only, bans land border entry
The Indian government has imposed port restrictions on imports of specific textile goods from Bangladesh, including flax, jute, and related textile fibers and fabrics. These goods can no longer be imported through any land ports on the India-Bangladesh border and are restricted to entry only through Nhava Sheva Seaport. The restrictions cover nine categories of goods identified by specific HS codes, primarily involving raw materials and finished textile products. The policy includes an exception for Bangladesh exports transiting through India to Nepal or Bhutan, but prohibits re-export of these goods from those countries back to India.

Tax authorities can waive interest under sections 201(1A)(ii) and 206C(7) with one-year application deadline
The Central Board of Direct Taxes issued a clarification regarding Circular No. 5/2025 dated 28.03.2025 concerning waiver of interest under sections 201(1A)(ii) and 206C(7) of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The clarification establishes that prescribed authorities can pass waiver orders after the circular's issuance date. Applications for interest waiver must be filed within one year from the end of the financial year for which interest is charged. Importantly, waiver applications are acceptable for interest charged even before the circular's issuance, provided the one-year filing deadline is met.

SEBI extends cybersecurity framework compliance deadline to August 2025 for most regulated entities
SEBI extended the compliance deadline for its Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework by two months to August 31, 2025, for all regulated entities except Market Infrastructure Institutions, KYC Registration Agencies, and Qualified Registrars. The extension applies to alternative investment funds, clearing corporations, credit rating agencies, custodians, depositories, investment advisors, merchant bankers, mutual funds, portfolio managers, stock brokers, stock exchanges, and other regulated entities. The original framework was issued in August 2024 to strengthen cybersecurity measures and protect data infrastructure across the securities market.

Chennai Customs ends Service Centre operations June 30, 2025, transitions to online webforms system
The Chennai Customs Commissionerate announces discontinuation of Service Centre operations after June 30, 2025. DG Systems is developing webforms to replace the existing service centre-based document filing system. All webforms will be launched before the discontinuation date, transitioning from service centres to a fully online self-service mode. This change aims to enhance ease of doing business, improve processing efficiency, and ensure better transparency. Custom brokers, importers, exporters, and trade members are advised to prepare for the new webform system, with user manuals available on the ICEGATE website.

SEBI clarifies rebalancing timelines under paragraph 2.9 apply to all passive breaches in actively managed mutual funds
SEBI clarified that rebalancing timelines specified in paragraph 2.9 of the Master Circular for Mutual Funds apply to all types of passive breaches in actively managed mutual fund schemes. Passive breaches occur due to circumstances beyond fund managers' control, such as corporate actions, significant price movements, security maturity, or large redemptions, rather than deliberate violations. The circular distinguishes passive breaches from active breaches, which constitute clear regulatory violations. This clarification follows recommendations from the Mutual Funds Advisory Committee and aims to standardize portfolio rebalancing requirements across all passive breach scenarios for investor protection.

SEBI revises minimum information standards for related party transaction approvals effective September 2025
SEBI issued revised industry standards for minimum information requirements when listed entities seek audit committee and shareholder approval for related party transactions. The Industry Standards Forum, comprising industry associations under stock exchange aegis, developed these standards in consultation with SEBI following stakeholder feedback. Listed entities must comply with the revised RPT Industry Standards effective September 1, 2025, replacing earlier February and March 2025 circulars. The standards modify Section III-B of the Master Circular under LODR Regulations 23(2), (3) and (4). Industry associations and stock exchanges must publish the standards and FAQs on their websites.

Commissioner issues new procedures requiring scientific documentation and chemical composition details when samples use trade names
The Commissioner of Customs at Jawaharlal Nehru Customs House issued a public notice establishing procedures for submitting documents when samples are described using trade names. The notice addresses difficulties in analyzing samples without proper descriptions, requiring importers/exporters to provide scientific literature with exact chemical composition, physiochemical properties, analytical data, testing methods, and certified reference materials. When trade names are used, generic names and manufacturer details must be stated. Supporting evidence for claims must be furnished. These documents should be provided to examining officers during online entry and forwarded to the sample cell with test memos.