The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has announced a deadline for traders to obtain or renew their trade licenses online by January 31, 2025.

The Commissioner of GHMC has instructed all traders operating within the GHMC limits to acquire their trade license certificates immediately and complete the renewal process online before the specified deadline.

Traders who have not yet obtained a trade license online are advised to either apply for a fresh license through the official GHMC portal or visit any Mee-Seva Center for assistance.

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in penalties as per the applicable schedule. Traders are encouraged to complete the process promptly to avoid any fines or legal complications.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has released a notification introducing the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-Organisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Amendment) Rules, 2024.

This amendment modifies the existing rules established under the 1989 regulations to enhance regulatory measures concerning the handling of hazardous micro-organisms and genetically engineered organisms or cells.

The amended rules will come into effect from January 2, 2025.

The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has issued a notification advising manufacturers to align their production processes with the phasing-out target for electrical detonators by March 2025.

Effective April 1, 2025, the manufacture, possession, and import of electrical detonators will be completely banned throughout the country.

Manufacturers are urged to comply with this directive to avoid legal repercussions and ensure a smooth transition away from the use of electrical detonators.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notification mandating the quarterly submission of data on rejected and expired food items, along with details of actions taken for their disposal or auctioning.

Food Business Operators (FBOs) are advised to compile and maintain accurate records to ensure timely submission once this provision is activated on the FoSCoS portal.

This requirement will be effective from December 16, 2024.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced a proposed extension for small and medium drug manufacturers to comply with the revised Schedule M of the Drugs Rules, 1945. The amendment, introduced in December 2023, outlines new guidelines titled “GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES AND REQUIREMENTS OF PREMISES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS.” In response to manufacturer concerns, the Government has decided to extend the compliance deadline, providing additional time for adherence to the updated standards. The revised compliance deadline will be effective from January 4, 2025.