Allowing 24×7 Operations & Night-Shifts for Women – Puducherry Shops & Establishments Act Amendment
The Government of Puducherry — exercising powers under Section 6 of the Puducherry Shops and Establishments Act, 1964 — has issued a new order allowing shops and establishments employing 50 or more persons to operate 24×7, all days of the year. This supersedes the earlier order dated October 27, 2022 (G.O. Ms. No. 16). The change permits extended business hours while embedding safeguards for employees, including for women working night shifts.
Fixation of New Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) A-3693 & A-3694
Norms (SIONs) under the “Chemical and Allied Product” group (Product Code ‘A’). These norms, listed as SION No. A-3693 and A-3694, cover the export of Minoxidil Topical Aerosol 5% (Foam) and Benfotiamine. The fixation of these norms enables Regional Authorities (RAs) to issue Advance Authorisations directly without referring cases to the Norms Committee, thereby ensuring quicker approvals and uniformity in implementation.
Cookware, Utensils and Cans (Quality Control) Order, 2025
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2025, replacing the earlier 2024 Order. The order mandates that specified cookware, utensils, and cans must conform to notified Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark under licence. Implementation timelines are staggered: general compliance starts from October 1, 2025, while small and micro enterprises get extensions until January 1, 2026, and April 1, 2026, respectively.
Gujarat RERA Bank Account Directions, 2025 (First Revision)
The Gujarat Real Estate Regulatory Authority (GujRERA) had earlier issued the Gujarat RERA Bank Account Directions, 2025 on December 20, 2024. These were introduced to regulate the operation of separate bank accounts for registered projects, ensuring funds are utilised strictly for project purposes. Based on further review, GujRERA has now revised these provisions through Order-103A to strengthen safeguards, improve compliance, and enhance consumer protection
Reiteration of Online Deemed Export Application Guidelines
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has reiterated that all applications for availing benefits under Deemed Exports must strictly be filed through the online module available on the DGFT website. This follows the earlier introduction of the online system via Trade Notice No. 12/2021-22 dated July 28, 2021.
Procedure for Postal Exports of E-Commerce Parcels from SEEPZ-SEZ
The Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, has introduced a streamlined procedure for export of e-commerce parcels through postal mode by operationalising an extension of the Foreign Post Office (FPO) within SEEPZ-SEZ. This decision aims to reduce processing time, avoid unnecessary parcel examinations, and ensure end-to-end tracking of small-value consignments exported by SEZ units.
Suspension of SIONs pertaining to food products-reg.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) periodically issues Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) to standardise the quantity of inputs allowed for producing an export product under the Advance Authorisation scheme. These norms facilitate exporters in claiming duty-free import of raw materials. However, given evolving industry conditions, the government has decided to suspend specific SIONs related to food products.
Amendment in FTP – Extension of EO Period for QCO Products under AA
Para 2.03(A)(i)(g) of FTP 2023 earlier limited the Export Obligation (EO) period for chemical products covered under mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to 180 days, while other products followed the general timelines under Para 4.40 of the Handbook of Procedures. This created operational challenges for Advance Authorisation holders, EOUs, and SEZs, who required longer timelines to meet obligations.
Extension of Project Registration – West Bengal RERA
The West Bengal Real Estate Regulatory Authority (WBRERA) has issued guidelines for extending project registrations where applications are filed late or for periods beyond one year from the declared completion date. This aims to protect homebuyers’ interests while ensuring timely compliance by promoters.
Extension of Voluntary Compliance Scheme (VCS)
The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has extended the deadline for availing benefits under the Voluntary Compliance Scheme (VCS) up to September 30, 2025. This extension follows earlier Circulars No. 115 & 116 (March 28, 2025) and Circular No. 119 (June 3, 2025).
