The draft Indian Ports Rules, 2026 were published vide notification G.S.R. 58(E) dated 23rd January, 2026, inviting objections and suggestions within thirty days of public availability. Copies of the Official Gazette containing the draft were made available to the public on 23rd January, 2026. Objections and suggestions received were considered by the Central Government before finalisation.

The rules apply to all major ports and to notified navigable rivers or channels leading to such ports; specified rules (12 to 23, 25, and 26 to 29 and 30) apply to ports other than major ports. The rules cover administration matters (appointment and service conditions of port officers, delegation of powers of the conservator, health officers, issuance of receipts); pollution-related provisions (port reception facilities, port waste reception and handling plans, advance waste notices, waste delivery obligations and receipts, audits, reporting of pollution incidents); and miscellaneous matters (notification of navigable rivers/channels, declaration of new ports and alteration of port limits, removal of obstructions, compensation for port damage, vessel arrival reporting, incident reporting, shore-based welfare services for seafarers, consular support, and compliance with international conventions). This applies to major ports, port authorities, conservators, vessel masters and agents, and seafarers using Indian ports.