Jan Vishwas Bill Decriminalises Export Rule Violations

The government has introduced changes under the Jan Vishwas Bill to remove imprisonment for several minor offences related to exports in textiles, handlooms and agricultural products. The move aims to promote ease of doing business by replacing criminal penalties with financial penalties and warnings. It reflects a broader policy shift towards decriminalisation of technical and procedural violations in the economic sector.

Key changes in textile sector laws

Under the Textiles Committee Act, violations such as exporting or selling textiles and machinery against prescribed norms earlier attracted imprisonment of up to one year. The proposed amendment removes jail provisions. First-time offences will now attract a warning, while repeated violations may lead to penalties of up to ₹25 lakh. This is intended to reduce fear of criminal prosecution among exporters.

Relief under handloom regulations

The Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act has also been amended. Earlier, failure to provide information, submission of false data or refusal to produce records could result in up to three months of imprisonment. These provisions have now been replaced with fines ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000. However, producing reserved items outside the handloom sector will still attract penalties, with reduced jail terms and increased fines per loom.

Changes in agricultural export rules

Similar decriminalisation measures have been proposed under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Act. Violations such as exporting scheduled agricultural goods without compliance will no longer lead to imprisonment. Instead, penalties will be imposed, including fines up to ₹10,000 or twice the value of goods. Obstruction of officials or failure to maintain records will also attract monetary penalties instead of jail terms.

Important Facts for Exams

• Jan Vishwas Bill focuses on decriminalising minor economic offences.
• Imprisonment replaced with warnings and financial penalties.
• Applies to textile, handloom and agricultural export laws.
• APEDA regulates export of scheduled agricultural products.

Impact on trade and compliance environment

The reforms are expected to reduce compliance burden and improve business sentiment among exporters. By removing criminal liability for procedural lapses, the government aims to encourage entrepreneurship and reduce litigation. At the same time, higher monetary penalties ensure that regulatory discipline is maintained without resorting to imprisonment.