Chemical Industry is a fast growing sector and economy booster with double digit growth potential. In this blog, we have listed out the laws and regulations which are directly or indirectly linked to Chemical Process Industries. The following are the basic definitions one must know to get a fundamental understanding of the regulatory framework.  It is important to have a simplified regulatory framework to ensure that business can continue to expand their product offerings and yet in a safe & sustainable way.

FACTORIES ACT: Factories act comprises of 11 Chapters, introduced and enacted to regulate occupational safety, health and welfare of workers at their work premises. The primary role of this act is regulate and govern the working conditions such as working hours, health, safety, welfare, penalties of the workers. It also exercises the powers of inspector and duties of the occupier in the company. To know more about Factories act, Source: India Code.

INDIAN BOILER ACT: Indian Boiler Regulations are set of standards, introduced to regulate the standards, product design and construction for all types of boilers working on both the natural and forced convection. It also provides the instructions and guidance for boiler inspecting and testing methods.  Source: India Code.

NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL ACT: NGT act established for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.  Source: India code

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT: Environment Protection Act, comprises of four chapters, is introduced for the protection and improvement of environment. The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 comes under this act that regulates the manufacture, storage and import of hazardous chemicals in India. The act also covers the Environment Protection Rules (1986), Environmental Impact Assessment Notification (2020), The Chemical Accident(Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules (1996). Source: India code

DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT:  An act passed by the government of India for the efficient management of disasters, including preparation of mitigation strategies, capacity-building and more.  This act comprises of national disaster response force and national ‌institute of disaster management. Source: India Code.

PETROLEUM ACT: Petroleum Act, comprises of four chapter,  to consolidate and amend the law relating to the import, transport, storage, production, refining and blending of petroleum. This act comprises of petroleum rules which provide framework to regulate grant of exploration licenses, mining leases and for conservation and development of the same. Source: India Code.

To read our previous blog, click here : How to obtain Chemical Safety Law and Regulation in India using India code

Two simple and easy methods are described clearly with the help of a video for better understanding in the following paragraphs.

First method is to type keyword in "direct search" tab found in the middle of the home page. Below are steps in this method:

• Go to India Code website https://www.indiacode.nic.in/ 
  
• Type the acts in the search bar "---Search All---" and select the option acts in this tab.
• Type in your required act's first three letters (which is minimum requirement of number of letters). For example, to find out The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, type at least three letters "Env" in the search tab.
  
• You will find out the suggestion "The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986" appearing on your screen.
• Click on that suggestion which will take you to the desired page.
• You will find tabs such as Rules, Regulations, Notifications etc. shown on the top, Click on the required tab to obtain respective information.  
  
• For example, if you click on Rules tab, list of rules will be displayed on your screen. Click on the pdf icon next to the title of the rules to access the copy of rules.

The following video demonstrates is a walk through for Direct Keyword Search:

Second method to find out the required act is using tab called "Browse Central Acts" in header.

Steps to do this method:

• Go to India Code website https://www.indiacode.nic.in/ 
  
• You can find the tab the top header with name "Browse Central Acts" and click on "Ministry"
  
• Click the tab and you will find dropdown menu containing Short title, act number, ministry etc.
• Click on Ministry from the dropdown list and you will be directed to "Central Act Legislation" by Ministry Page.
  
• You can find list of Ministries displayed in alphabetical order, Select Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  
• List of all the Acts under that ministry is displayed based on the enactment date, Click on the view button in order to access the act. 
  
• You will find tabs such as Rules, Regulations, Notifications etc. shown on the top, Click on the required tab to obtain respective information. 
  
• For example, if you click on Rules tab, list of rules will be displayed on your screen. Click on the pdf icon next to the title of the rules to access the copy of rules.