Policy & Regulatory Developments – Domestic and International [7th September 2025]

This update provides a consolidated overview of key domestic policy announcements and international regulatory developments for Weekly September 2025. On the domestic front, the Government of India has introduced significant reforms spanning pensions, trade facilitation, environmental compliance, healthcare regulation, critical minerals, and child development. Globally, major jurisdictions including the EU, US, UK, Singapore, and UAE have advanced important rulings, laws, and compliance frameworks in areas such as privacy, data security, employment, and taxation. Together, these developments reflect the ongoing momentum in governance and regulatory transformation shaping both business operations and individual rights.

Domestic Updates

1. Complete Suspension of Mail Booking to USA
   In continuation of its earlier notice dated August 22, 2025, the Department of Posts has decided to completely suspend the booking of all categories of mail—including letters, documents, and gift items valued up to USD 100—destined for the United States. The suspension follows the ongoing unavailability of carriers and the absence of a defined regulatory mechanism.

2. Unified Pension Scheme Rules Notified
   The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare has notified in the Gazette the Central Civil Services (Implementation of Unified Pension Scheme under NPS) Rules, 2025, regulating service matters for Central Government employees opting for UPS. Approved by the Union Cabinet on 24.08.2024 and operationalized from 01.04.2025, the scheme was earlier notified by DFS (24.01.2025) and PFRDA (19.03.2025).

3. Extension of Export Obligation Period for Quality-Controlled Products
   The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), at the behest of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, through Notification No. 28 (28.05.2025), has extended the export obligation under Advance Authorization for products covered under mandatory QCOs from 6 months to 18 months, easing compliance for exporters.

4. Environment Audit Rules, 2025 Notified
   The MoEFCC has introduced the Environment Audit Rules, 2025 (29.08.2025), drawing on international best practices to strengthen compliance monitoring under key environmental statutes such as the Environment Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, and Wildlife Protection Act. The reform aligns with the Government’s Ease of Doing Business and trust-based governance agenda.

5. Proposed Amendments to NDCT Rules, 2019
   The Union Health Ministry has proposed amendments to the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019, published in the Gazette on 28.08.2025 for public consultation. The changes aim to simplify procedures for test licences and BA/BE study applications.

6. ₹1,500 Crore Incentive Scheme for Critical Minerals Recycling
   The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to develop domestic recycling capacity for separation and production of critical minerals from secondary sources, strengthening India’s supply chain resilience.

7. Guidelines for Co-location of Anganwadi Centres with Schools Released
   The MoWCD, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has released Guidelines for Co-location of Anganwadi Centres with Schools (03.09.2025). With over 2.9 lakh centres already operating within school premises, the guidelines seek to promote Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and provide operational clarity for scaling up the integrated model.

International Updates

• California Jury Orders Google to Pay $425M in Privacy Case
  In Rodriguez v. Google LLC, a California jury imposed $425 million in damages for unlawful processing, sale of user data, and unauthorized use of browsing history for ad algorithm training.

• EU CJEU Ruling on Pseudonymized Data
  In Case C-413/23 (EDPS v SRB), the CJEU clarified that pseudonymized data is not always personal data, and information obligations apply at the point of collection.

• California Data Breach Notification Bill Advances
  Senate Bill 446, requiring businesses to notify consumers of data breaches within 30 days (and the Attorney General within 15 days), passed the State Assembly and moves to the Senate.

• UK ICO Publishes Encryption Guidance
  The UK ICO issued final guidance on encryption under GDPR, reinforcing its role as a core security safeguard with practical implementation guidelines.

• Texas Data Broker Laws Come Into Effect
  New Texas laws now mandate registration, disclosure, and regulation of data brokers, enhancing consumer privacy protections.

• USA FTC Revises DNC Registry Access Fees
  The FTC has announced increased fees for telemarketers accessing the Do Not Call Registry, effective October 1, 2025.

• Singapore Introduces Two-Stage Employment Pass Framework
  The Ministry of Manpower outlined a new EP framework effective 01.01.2025, requiring:

  1. Minimum qualifying salary (SGD 5,600 for new applications, scaling up with age and sector), and

  2. Passing the COMPASS points-based system, unless exempt (e.g., high earners, intra-corporate transferees).
     Employers must also comply with the Fair Consideration Framework and are encouraged to use the Self-Assessment Tool.

• UAE Corporate Tax Filing Reminder
  The FTA has reminded registrants to submit tax returns, declarations, and payments within 9 months of the end of each tax period via the EmaraTax platform.