In a significant move to bolster security around India’s most sensitive print operations, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared the headquarters of the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India (SPMCIL) in New Delhi a prohibited place under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
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REGULATION & POLICIES
SPMCIL headquarters declared a prohibited place
REGULATION & POLICIES
Zero customs duty granted on 40 raw materials
REGULATION & POLICIES
In a significant relief to the printing, flexible packaging and foil conversion sector, the Ministry of Finance has notified nil basic customs duty on 40 essential raw materials used in manufacturing inks, adhesives, lamination films and coatings.
Henkel promotes workplace safety
REGULATION & POLICIES
Henkel recently hosted senior officials from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH), including Sudhir Shinde, joint director, and Pravin Patil, deputy director, along with representatives from industries across Kurkumbh MIDC, as part of the National Safety Week observance.
The India-EU FTA: A strategic tipping point for India’s paper industry — The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column
REGULATION & POLICIES
The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is poised to be less of a celebratory moment and more of a strategic confrontation for the Indian paper and pulp sector. Read on...
Battle of the typeface as US department ousts Calibri
REGULATION & POLICIES
The US secretary of state has ousted Calibri, ordering the return of Times New Roman after the typeface fell victim to the Trump administration’s latest attack on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
EUDR Amendments bring relief to print and packaging sector
REGULATION & POLICIES
The European Parliament has approved amendments to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), following a provisional agreement with the Council. These changes are designed to simplify the regulation and have delivered a major and much-welcomed update for the print and packaging industries.
New GST horizon for Indian print and packaging
REGULATION & POLICIES
Dwipal Patel says the move to 5% GST for packaging is a chance to rethink value and compliance
Government likely to revise print media ad rates by 26%: Reports
REGULATION & POLICIES
If confirmed, this would mark the first major revision since 2019, when the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) approved a 25% hike in rates issued by the Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC), then known as the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP).
NGO takes Balbharti to court over inferior textbook paper
REGULATION & POLICIES
A Bombay High Court petition challenges Maharashtra's textbook bureau over drastic reductions in paper quality, claiming it compromises student learning and violates fundamental rights
Paper industry sounds alarm over GST hike
REGULATION & POLICIES
The Indian Paper Industry has voiced deep concern over the recent increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on paper and paperboard from 12% to 18%, calling it a regressive step that undermines the government’s own vision of affordability, literacy promotion and environmental sustainability.
Anti-dumping duties on imports of virgin multi-layer paperboards
REGULATION & POLICIES
The inquiry was initiated on the basis of a complaint filed by the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA), representing major domestic players such as Aditya Birla Real Estate, Emami Paper Mills, JK Papers, ITC, Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers, and West Coast Paper Mills
MRUCI greenlights readership survey pilot amid leadership change
REGULATION & POLICIES
Vikram Sakhuja is elected as the non-profit’s chairman, Dhruba Mukherjee is named vice-chairman
OPA warns: 2.5-million jobs at risk with GST hike
REGULATION & POLICIES
Offset Printers Association warns against the proposed GST hike on paper and paperboard from 12% to 18%, effective from 22 September
Some paper products get GST relief, others see a rise
REGULATION & POLICIES
Wood pulp moved from 12% to 5% GST slab, while paper and paperboard, corrugated have been moved from the existing 12% to 18% slab
Indian publishers, booksellers call for urgent GST relief
REGULATION & POLICIES
India's independent publishers and booksellers are making an urgent appeal to the government to reduce or abolish the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on book printing and paper, warning that the current high rates are threatening the nation's book culture and hindering access to knowledge.
Paper stocks soar as government imposes minimum import price on packaging material
REGULATION & POLICIES
Shares of Indian paper companies witnessed a significant rally, with stocks surging up to 17% in early trade, following the government's decision to impose a minimum import price (MIP) on virgin multi-layer paper board (VMPB). This move, aimed at curbing cheaper imports and supporting domestic manufacturers, has ignited hopes of increased sales volumes for local players.
Pragati Offset is now Fogra PSO certified press
REGULATION & POLICIES
Quality is not an act, it is a habit. This mantra is on display as Hyderabad-based Pragati Offset received a Fogra PSO (Process Standard Offset) certification, the world’s most rigorous print quality standard.
Landa Digital Printing faces cash flow crisis
REGULATION & POLICIES
Landa Digital Printing, the Israeli manufacturer of digital presses, has requested a stay of proceedings from the court, citing a "cash flow crisis." The company had previously announced restructuring efforts and a search for fresh investment due to customers scaling back plans in the wake of geopolitical instability and the Israel-Gaza war.
Cosmo Specialty Chemicals achieves ISO 9001:2015 certification
REGULATION & POLICIES
Cosmo Specialty Chemicals, a 100% subsidiary of Cosmo First and a one-stop solution for a range of adhesives, masterbatches, and coating chemicals, has successfully achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system.
Indian publishers sue OpenAI
REGULATION & POLICIES
Indian publishers take OpenAI to court over AI copyright clash in a landmark legal case which could reshape copyright norms and AI accountability in India.